Ever since Chastity and Bianca enlightened us by referencing classic 90s accessories to differentiate like and love in 10 Things I Hate About You (“I like my Skechers, but I love my Prada backpack”), we have been charmed by Gabrielle Union. Oh, and let’s not forget her role as the no-nonsense East Compton Clovers squad captain, Isis, in the cult favorite Bring It On: “Our free cheer service is over as of this moment.” #Nostalgia.
The Omaha, Nebraska native was just as down-to-earth as we imagined when we spoke to her just before the holidays, which she spent sipping on Vanilla Puddin with her new hubby, Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade. Recently named brand ambassador for SensatioNail, the actress was ready to spill her beauty secrets and come clean about her mascara obsession. Union reminisced about her engagement, which is how she first discovered the brand. “When [Dwyane] proposed, I was so excited and I didn’t even think about the state of my nails — which happened to be in between manicures. It was the holiday season, I was running around and just too busy,” she lamented.
“I wasn’t thinking when I posted [on Instagram] that anyone would pay attention to the condition of my cuticles or [notice] that my polish was chipped. But the second I posted that picture, the comments were either: ‘Great ring!’ or ‘What’s going on with your nails?'” explained the actress about her social media snafu. Luckily, her manicurist came to the rescue.
“She was happy for me, but couldn’t believe the state of my nails. So, she sent me the SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit with a note that said ‘No Excuses.‘ So, if I’m in between manicures or on the road and have no idea where to go, I can always run down to the drugstore and pick out a SensatioNail kit. I have a bunch now and can do it myself, so I literally have no excuses.”
Gabrielle had a great sense of humor about the situation and also dished on the miracle hair product she swears by, her Instagram beauty inspiration and more. Check out the rest of the interview in the slideshow below.
Gabrielle Union Beauty Diary
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Gabrielle Union Beauty Diary #1
"It [the partnership] was actually totally organic and to be a part of the creative process is awesome because I can give [them] feedback on what consumers like and want. People comment on every detail of a photo posted on social media and in a way, every picture becomes about beauty or fashion even if it wasn’t meant to be."
Image: Instagram
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Gabrielle Union Beauty Diary #2
"My go-to colors are on the conservative side — especially if I am working — I don’t want anything to take away from a performance. I wear Vanilla Chai and I found that it’s a true nude that works for every skin tone. When I want to feel like a rock star, I go with Midnight Rendezvous, which is a shiny black with a shiny finish that doesn’t fade; it’s crazy!"
SensatioNail Starter Kit, $49.99 at Target; Gel Polish, $9.99 each at Target
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Gabrielle Union Beauty Diary #3
"My everyday facial cleanser is Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit ($7.49). I know it’s meant for teens, but it’s great for acne and sometimes breakouts happen and this has the salicylic acid needed to fight that. Once my skin is clean, I use Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Toner ($6.99) to further help with breakouts and preventing any acne scars from happening. It’s amazing!"
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Gabrielle Union Beauty Diary #4
"For a deeper cleanse, I use the Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Cleanser Mask ($7.49), which is kind of everything! Sometimes if I’m working under hot lighting or it’s that time of the month, I want to really get in there and clean my skin. I also use the Wave Sonic Spinning Power-Cleanser ($16.99)."
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Gabrielle Union Beauty Diary #5
"In Miami, it’s crazy humid. So, if I’m wearing my hair naturally — meaning no weave/extensions — I like to use Pureology Super Smooth Shampoo ($28) and Conditioner ($35) as my go-to."
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Gabrielle Union Beauty Diary #6
"When I tell you this product is a miracle product — I am not a paid ambassador or anything, the product is just amazing — I mean it. It’s a 10 Miracle Leave In Plus Keratin ($39.99) is everything. It immediately makes your hair feel like silk, and is perfect for the Miami weather. It helps with detangling, anti-frizz, you name it — oh, it’s sooo good! I also love Kiyah Wright Muze Last Look Hair Spray ($14.99) — it provides great hold and doesn’t weigh hair down or leave that white residue that some other sprays do."
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Gabrielle Union Beauty Diary #7
"I’ll admit it: I use three coats of mascara. I kind of abuse it, and I know it. My go-to is also a cat eye, so for that, I use Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner ($7.49) and then pile on the Healthy Volume Mascara ($7.49). I also like using the MoistureShine Lip Soother in Glisten ($6.49), which has a little bit of pigment for an easy, everyday look. It’s nice to not have a full face beat with makeup!"
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Gabrielle Union Beauty Diary #8
"I love looking at Beyoncé or Rihanna’s Instagram for inspiration; they’re so ballsy and total trendsetters. I like that they change up their hair, makeup and nails constantly! Beyoncé has been really killing the whole no-makeup makeup look and it’s so good. I also love Olivia Palermo’s effortless and chic style. Jamie Chung is so pretty and such a girl’s girl. Plus, she’s engaged to a guy from Nebraska, so automatically, I feel like she’s got great taste."
Images: Instagram
