Ali Ahn
Ali Ahn plays CIA station chief Eidra Park, one of the two powerful central female characters in the Netflix hit “The Diplomat.” The other bad ass is US diplomat Kate Wyler played to perfection by Keri Russell. The performances are all impeccable and the writing by Debora Cahn is genius. So we jumped at the chance to meet up with Ali before she left for London to film the highly anticipated season 2. We can’t wait for more Ali and crew Diplomat. In the meantime scroooll on down for our photo diary and chat with this extraordinary lady her cool haircut, fitness routine and barest of beauty essentials.
The Bare Magazine: can you share what you are looking forward to the most about getting back to filming season 2 of the diplomat?
Ali Ahn: Really looking forward to goofing off with this cast again. I just adore them. But obviously very curious to see how Eidra and Kate's partnership evolves as their relationships with the men in their lives becomes increasingly complicated.
Bare: what aspects of the show do you think people are enjoying/responding to the most?
AA: I think the contrast between how capabable and intelligent these characters are professionally and how messy and complicated their personal relationships are is really fun to watch.
Bare: what top 3 qualities do you love about your character?
AA: She's unflappable, visciously dry, and knows her damn value.
Dress: Cure Thrift Ring: Bliss Lau
Bare: for the show it's cool you and keri don't have typical "tv hair." it feels less styled, more real. who cuts your hair - it's rad!
AA: Thank you so much! That's all Corvette Hunt. He's been cutting my hair for years and is such a gifted artist not to mention inspiring person. And Deb, our showrunner, wanted my hair to look like it does in real life- which is a first- so I actually just did it myself for the show. Which involved throwing some curling cream on it, scrunching it and letting it air dry on my way to set. So if it feels less styled, it's because it is!
Bare: after seeing you in so many suits! we couldn't wait to capture some of your personal style. how would you describe it?
AA: I love a puff sleeve but I also love a high top sneaker. So I guess you could say feminine with a little edge. And pretty damn casual.
Bare: what is your usual makeup routine? do you enjoy playing with different looks?
AA: I try to let my skin rest if I'm not working so I keep it pretty simple day to day. A little eyeliner and mascara. Most of the time I play around with makeup, it's for auditions and I find it fascinating how much makeup or lack thereof can change the way someone is perceived and received.
Bare: you're incredibly fit. does it come naturally or do you put effort in with a consistent routine or sticking with particular foods?
AA: I've always been pretty athletic and dabbled in dance when I was younger. But I developed a consistent routine as I became an actor because I needed a way to feel grounded and empowered when so much of this profession felt totally out of my control. I actually got certified as a yoga teacher in my twenties as one of my many back up plans. I do a combination of running, yoga and pilates six days a week. I wish I could stay I stick with particular foods, but I don't have much discipline there. I figure if I'm working out six days a week, I'm entitled to eat what I want. That being said, I haven't eaten meat since high school and dairy makes me a social liability so....
Bare: are there any spa's or places in london you like for a little self care indulgence or treat? how do you recharge?
AA: Sounds pretty spartan, but the way I recharged in London was taking really long walks along the canal path and disappearing into a podcast. Keri did refer me to an amazing facialist in London, Jasmina Vico. And I treated myself to a facial with her when we wrapped which was divine.
Bare: can you list your top 5 beauty bare essentials?
AA: Environs skincare. I switch off between their Radiance and their Clarity line. It's fun to deal with melasma AND acne. Le Labo's Santal 33. I think that was recently on some list as basic, but I don't care. I love it. Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint. SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic and the facial toning device Nuface.
Founder & Editor in Chief - The Bare Magazine
