Jessica McNamee
Alluring Australian actor Jessica McNamee plays the fierce Sonya Blade in the highly anticipated film, “Mortal Kombat.” You can catch it in select theaters and streaming on HBO Max. Jessica has an open, honest spirit that captured our hearts right away. We shot her in LA and had the best time chatting about all things skincare, her favorite beauty products, and getting glammed up for the first time after being makeup-free in quarantine. Keep an eye on this lovely lady — her glow is as compelling off screen as it is on.
The Bare Magazine: Can you fill us in on the look and style of your character Sonya Blade? What was the hair and makeup process?
Jessica McNamee: Sonya Blade is a retired special forces operative so that plays into the styling a lot. We went with a very practical, military look for Sonya. We made sure to stay true to the character in the video game and the past film. Combat boots, army pants and her signature green tank make up the costume and staying in tune with the Sonya of the past I had minimal makeup and took my hair from my natural brunette to Sonya’s signature blonde. The hair and makeup was more of a process than you would assume. It takes a village to create a “barely there” look! The aim for makeup was to bronze me up and make it look like I didn’t have any makeup. I spend some serious time journeying across the world in this film so Nikki Gooley the head of makeup had to make it look like I’d caught some sun (and contour the occasional muscle). The hair was what took the longest. Jodie Hellingman had her work cut out. I’d had a bit of a disaster with a colorist taking my hair from brunette to blonde. A lot of my hair broke off and I had to cut it quite short so Jodie had custom hair pieces made and expertly figured out how to plait the pieces in to my own hair to give me that Sonya Blade ponytail. I loved having so much hair to play with.
Bare: Did you wear lots of sun protection while filming? What is your go-to sunblock - even in the LA sun?
JM: YES! We were shooting in the heat of the Australian summer so I was crazy about sunscreen. We spent a week shooting in Coober Pedy which is in the middle of the Australian desert with temps reaching 120 some days. I have to give credit to the makeup department for constantly keeping us slathered too. I wear a tinted moisturizer every day. It’s called “Share The Base” by my friend Lara Worthington. It is super light and glowy and has 15spf and I just love it. All proceeds go to charity too, which is an added bonus. When I know I’ll be having intense exposure to the sun - like a hike or when at the beach I go with Dermalogica Sport for body and Dermalogica 50+ Solar defense for face. I do not mess with the sun... especially growing up in that harsh Aussie sun.
Bare: Have seen a difference in your skin keeping it free of makeup? During quarantine did you try any self care masks or treatments?
JM: Yes absolutely, and my hair. It all feels so much healthier. I came off the back of filming Mortal Kombat when Covid hit and my skin and hair were so dry and damaged after months of layered products, prosthetics, lack of sleep and rolling around in dirt and sand on the regular. I truly haven’t worn makeup in about a year and I feel 10 years younger! I am an absolute die hard Dr Hauschka fan. I have been for years. I stick to the same routine morning and night using all of their products so nothing changed too much during lock down in that respect, although I’ve also added a vitamin C and I always love a sheet mask when I am feeling particularly dry. I think I have tested everyone on the market... Still undecided on my favorite.
Bare: Do you sometimes miss glamming up for the red carpet?
JM: For sure. I am so bummed that we won’t have the opportunity to dress up and celebrate together as a cast when Mortal Kombat comes out. I’m pretty sick of looking at myself in the mirror makeup-less and in sweatpants haha.
Bare: When do you feel most confident and sexy?
JM: When I am totally glammed up and wearing a heel. But I also feel sexy when I am fresh out of the shower after a really hard workout. I love feeling strong and in my body.
Bare: What inspired you most about Sonya Blade?
JM: She is a badass. She truly doesn’t suffer any fools and holds her own in any situation. There has definitely been a shift in the past couple of years but it is rare to see such strong female leads so I jumped at the chance. Lucky me!
Bare: What are your bare essentials...can be anything?
JM: Dr Hauschka milk facewash, cleansing cream, toner and Quince day cream
Chanel LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
Hourglass arch eyebrow pencil
By Terry Baume de Rose
Jessica wears her own clothing
Photos/Makeup/Interview: Tina Turnbow using Ogee
Shot at The Hoxton DTLA
Founder & Editor in Chief - The Bare Magazine
