When it comes to a classic beauty look, actress Gail Bean has certainly mastered the art of blending inner radiance with external glamour. Known for her work in shows such as Snowfall and P-Valley, and now her recent leading performance as ‘Ally’ in the psychological thriller Both Eyes Open, Gail has truly become a beacon of elegance, resilience, and authenticity. With a career that demands long hours on set while keeping up with the ever-changing beauty trends, Gail has learned to prioritize self-care while embracing the transformative power of makeup and skincare. One thing is for sure, her beauty journey has certainly been as dynamic as her career. We got the chance to sit down with Gail to chat about her beauty inspirations, how she balances her skincare/beauty routine with her busy career, and her must-have products for 2025.
1. How has your skincare routine evolved over the years, especially with the demands of being on set?
I’ve been fortunate to be blessed with great skin—flawless, even—so I used to keep my skincare routine pretty simple and natural. But becoming an actor changed everything. I went from wearing no makeup to sitting in a makeup chair for full glam every day, sometimes for 12-18 hour days, months at a time. That lifestyle quickly made me realize the importance of skincare, and before I knew it, my routine went from non-existent to pretty extensive! It’s been quite the evolution.
2. What’s in your beauty bag when you’re traveling or on the move?
My essential beauty picks include a reliable MAC lip liner for precise definition, Fenty Gloss for the perfect shine and NYX colored gloss for a vibrant finish. I also swear by a makeup puff for flawless application and, of course, Valentino perfume, an absolute must-have that I never leave home without.
3. What’s the most memorable beauty look you’ve worn on the red carpet, and how did it come together?
When I won the 2024 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Snowfall), I specifically wanted to achieve a regal Hollywood glam look—something that exuded the elegance and presence of a leading lady. I envisioned a timeless, sophisticated style that would command attention while still feeling refined. The gown, my hair, and the accessories were all carefully curated to reflect that classic, red-carpet glamour. I wanted to feel powerful and poised, embodying the kind of old Hollywood charm that makes a statement without saying a word, yet, still gives very ME!
4. Who has been your biggest beauty inspiration, and how have they influenced your style or routine?
I would have to say that my biggest beauty inspirations are celebrity aesthetician Morgan Rackley, beauty mogul Rihanna, and most importantly, my mother, who is over 60+ and still looks flawless. Morgan is my go-to for all my skincare needs, providing an outstanding routine to maintain my skin health. Rihanna’s natural beauty and her effortless style really complements my own natural, regal look. I’m all about that mature 90’s glam, classic and clean. Think of timeless stylish beauties like Regina King, Angela Bassett, Pauletta Washington and the stunning women from Living Single. I really value staying true to myself and embracing the beauty that comes with it, which is something I see reflected in my mom’s radiant glow. Every time I look at her, I’m reminded of how important it is to care for our natural beauty.
5. How do you unwind and care for your skin/hair after a full day working on set?
After a full day on set, for my hair, whether I’m wearing a wig, my natural hair, braids, or a sew-in, taking care of my scalp is a must. I always wear a scarf at night and make sure to oil my scalp for moisture. It’s essential. I can’t go to bed without doing that. As for my skin, the makeup artist on set typically does a full takedown, which is like a mini facial. They use a hot towel, organic oils to open my pores, and really rejuvenate my skin, leaving my skin refreshed. So I’d really have to give it up to the set glam for saving me the trouble of adding one more thing to my list after a full work day. They allow me to just sit back, relax and get pampered.
6. What advice would you give to young women of color navigating beauty standards in the entertainment industry?
I’d give this advice not only to young women but to all people of color navigating beauty standards in the entertainment industry: go with what makes you feel like your best self. Look at photos or interviews of people whose careers you want to immulate. See what images resonate with you, like what naturally speaks to you, not what’s popular. If your personality is high-energy and glamorous, that’s great, but remember there’s a time and place for everything. You can always be yourself. For example, when I did Essence Beautycon, my makeup artist got a little “risky.” (Lol!) I don’t typically go for bold shadows or rhinestones, but I let her be a bit more dramatic and daring, while still staying within my limits. It wasn’t my everyday look, but I allowed myself to explore a bit. Even when I’m on the red carpet, you’ll still see my regal 90’s style come through because I’m staying true to myself, while also exceeding the standards that apply to ME. That’s what’s important!
7. What beauty tips have you learned from working on sets that you now use in everyday life? Were you introduced to any new beauty products in your line of work that you’ve made staples in your everyday routine?
Toner is my friend, sunscreen with moisture is a must, and I always extend the product down to my neck and chest. As for new beauty products that are now staples in my routine, I swear by a bottle of Evian Facial Spray, Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, cotton rounds, and Milani Make It Last setting spray. And let’s not forget makeup puffers. They’re an absolute must-have too! These are essentials I can’t live without and they’re definitely on auto-shipment at this point! Also not sure if you noticed, but my lips are rather voluptuous so a good Aquaphor lip repair and Summer Fridays lip balm will be on me at all times.
8. What does beauty mean to you, and how do you balance external appearance with inner self-care?
Beauty is whatever makes you feel pleasurable on the inside. It could be your exterior, art, food, anything really that intensifies your inner sense in a luminating way. I don’t subscribe to the notion that I have to be beautiful in every way at all times. Tuesday I may only feel beautiful on the inside. Wednesday it may be inner and outer beauty glowing. I give myself grace when it comes to beauty. My first priority is to feel beautiful internally because it typically radiates on the outside, but take for instance I’m sick or depressed and still have to show up, I then try to up the ante with my outer beauty to make up for it. I hope it then seeps in. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t.
9. In Both Eyes Open, you portray Ally, a character navigating the aftermath of a traumatic domestic violence incident from her past. How did you approach preparing for this role, and what sources of inspiration—whether personal or creative—helped you authentically depict her journey of resilience and healing?
Ally is the first character I played that required that high level of vulnerability. I really wanted to tell the story from a survivor perspective over a victim. I wanted to highlight her strengths but in doing so I felt it necessary to show her weaknesses as well so the audience could have a deeper understanding of what the trauma did to her and how much she’s overcome. To give Ally an authentic portrayal I watched documentaries dealing with DV. I read countless articles and interviews about women who’ve been in similar situations. It was really about adopting the mentality so I could come from a truthful psychological space with Ally.
10. What do you hope audiences take away from watching this film, especially in terms of the themes it explores and the journey of your character?
I hope audiences take away the different vantage points of a healing journey. That they understand we are all affected differently so someone’s traumas and their response or solution to it may not look exactly like their own. I also want them to see healing is not a destination we reach, but a road we travel.
Credits:
Photographer: Giles Williams
MUA: Justin Lamar
Hairstylist: Kasi Renee
Wardrobe Stylist: Germanee G
