In the statistical world of celebrity interviews, very few subjects will call you directly from their cell phone…and an even smaller amount call you without their publicist on the line. And then there is Odette Annable, who rings you on a Friday afternoon from a non-private line, non-publicist number, with an enthusiastic “hello” from Austin to dish on her latest projects of renovating her new home and playing Geri in CW’s Walker.
You’ve been in a whole bunch of shows and role [Annable made her acting debut at age 5 in Kindergarten Cop]. Can you pinpoint any beauty moments that stand out from any?
“I’ve had a very, very large gambit of beauty that I’ve gotten to portray and play around with over the years. I’m so grateful for that because I feel like I haven’t been cornered into one physical look or one stereotype. I’ve loved all my looks. Now, I’m on Walker and it’s sort of an homage to an ‘American classic cowboy look,’ which kind of lends itself to minimalistic, very natural makeup. In Texas, the bigger the hair, you know…I’ve relaxed the look just a little bit, but we started off with that. We’ve kind of brought it down a little, just because I like to spend the least amount of time in that makeup chair and in hair as possible. But every single look has lent itself to some really fun beauty, which I love.”
You grew up in California…how has your personal beauty routine changed with your relocation to Texas?
“Here’s the deal, we are still kind of mid-pandemic. Hopefully, we’re gearing towards the end. Who knows? We don’t know. It’s a very, very strange time in our lives. I think, right before COVID hit, we were at the peak—going to events, having brunch with girlfriends, really exploring fashion, and pretty much going all out. Now, I think everybody has embraced the sweatsuits and sweatpants look, and made that high-fashion—which I, for one, am very grateful for. More than anything, my style feels very California, laid-back and casual. The big thing for me is that I do not like to be cold. Anything that can keep me cozy and comfy is good for me. In Texas, it’s funny, because there is a little bit of a different vibe here, so I think it’s safe to say that I’m probably wearing more hats and more denim than I ever have.”
Any beauty products you’re currently loving?
“Any product that has hyaluronic acid as one of the ingredients in it is going to be a win for me. I have combination skin, so it’s kind of oily and dry at the same time. Hyaluronic acid just deeply hydrates my skin and helps it retain all of the moisture, which is something that I really need now, because now I’m living in a place that actually has seasons! When my skin feels the seasons switch, it kind of goes a little nuts. Kosas is my favorite lip moisturizer. It’s loaded with hyaluronic acid. I love Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Acid Ampoules as well. You put them all-over your face, and you can feel your skin tighten and hydrate; I love them so much. Those are my two hero products that I could never shy away from.”
Has self-care changed for you during the last year-and-a-half?
“I would say that cooking has become a priority. In a way, I think it’s a greatest form of self-care, and being in the kitchen has been quite meditative for me—even if it’s just my husband taking our daughter for a walk outside while I make the meal. I come from a Cuban family, and I’ve learned everything from my mom and my grandmother. Those recipes are still with me and I’ve been making them for my family more than I ever have before. It’s self-care and it’s self-care in the best way.”
And you’re renovating your house…does that relax you or stress you out?
“It stressed me out when we were in the middle of it because there was a point where we had to rent an Airbnb. The fatigue was going up and there were just things that we couldn’t get through. Then, we were staying with family and staying with friends. It was pretty chaotic, but now I couldn’t be happier. It was also a project that I was able to dive into when I wasn’t working and I’m grateful for it. It’s all done, for now, but there will be more…I thought I was done, then I stepped back, and then I saw other things that I want to do. It’s a never-ending project, but I’m happy that it will continue to evolve because I really love interiors and I love doing it. I found a newfound passion with this whole renovation project, if you will.”
Is there anything else you’re really looking forward to as the year closes out?
“Now that I am able to kind of get some quiet and not be so consumed by going out to dinners or going out for drinks, there’s been a shift that’s happened…one where you start to evaluate what’s really important. Family time and putting things into perspective has really come to the forefront for me. If there’s a way for me to combine my love for interiors, food and lifestyle and bring it into one space, then that’s kind of what I’m thinking about now. I’m putting it out there, just because manifestation is real. We’ll see what happens!”
