Bianca Lawson is a bare beauty and beyond. She is super smart, deeply caring and creative. She has starred as Darla in the OWN drama “Queen Sugar” since 2016. The final season is airing now if you want to catch a glimpse of this talented female force in action. We are especially fond of Bianca’s open and honest ways. We chat with her about what’s up next, how she achieves a luscious lip, her best friend, cool style and bare essentials. Scroll down and tune in to this one of a kind super soul.

The Bare Magazine: Without giving too much away, what are your favorite parts of this final season?

Bianca Lawson: It’s the final act of 6 years of everyone’s hard work. Seven is a special number. We’ve all had many life transitions over the course of these seven seasons. It will be interesting to see how that maturation and experience informs and translates into the work. Specifically this season the writers have given Darla so many new challenges, new roles to step into, new qualities to reveal. When I’m working I’m so deeply in it, so totally consumed that I have zero outside eye on the result. We play with many variations of a scene. Takes with very different colors. So I’m excited to see what they choose and how it all comes together. I think as time goes on, people will discover this show in a new way.

Bare: How do you deconstruct/decompress after playing a character for so long?

BL: Very good question. I’m still figuring out how to do that. In a way that doesn’t involve a cocktail or junkfood. It may just require time and other compelling interests/adventures that totally puts my focus on something else.

Bare: Do you feel ready for your next chapter? Any thoughts on what you'd like it to include?

BL: I do feel ready but I honestly am still chewing on what that’s going to look like, feel like. What that’s going to include. Sometimes, what we valued a couple of years ago, we may not value anymore. Our priorities start to change. But it definitely has to be things and people that lift my spirit. Opportunities to operate at my highest potential; Or just something refreshing and new. Elevating in all ways. Just not work.

Bare: You mentioned you were planning a spa retreat...but you were sidetracked. Please share more on that and where you were planning to retreat?

 BL: Ha! I would tell you, but then I’d have to kill you ;)

I thought it would be a good idea to just go away somewhere that’s uplifting and beautiful; and just totally focus on self care. I honestly had really abandoned doing things just for myself. I was very busy, but I don’t know how happy I was. I needed some levity and a hard reset. But then life happened. I can always go back.

Bare: Here are a few topics...off the top of your head what comes to mind?

• grunge / goth - a comforting vibe. Nostalgic.

• coco chanel - chic and timeless

• astrology – a relaxing deep dive

• savory treats – guilty pleasure

Bare: For our shoot it was apparent you have a great sense of style. How would you describe it?

BL: Thank you. I like comfort. I like things that feel good to the touch and on your body. Not fussy. Things I can really move in and feel free. Really depends on how I’m feeling and where I’m going. I also have staples that I can mix and match and take from day to night. But I definitely don’t like feeling restricted. And I like throwing different kinds of clothes together. There are no rules!

Bare: When it comes to makeup you go pretty natural. Is it accurate to say the one thing you do love is a luscious lip? Do you have any current favorite products to achieve that?

BL: A luscious lip is my fave. A good lip liner and some gloss. I randomly found a liner at the drugstore by Rimmel. 1000 kisses mauve shimmer. I love it. I’ll over draw my lips a little and lightly fill in except the very center. Then add a light pinkish shimmer gloss. There’s one by MAC I’ve been using with it but have worn off the label so I don’t know what it’s called. If I wear lipstick instead of gloss, I go with a matte finish. I like the lips to look full.

Bare: You also enjoy glowing powder free makeup - we love the bare ness of that. How do you keep your skin so flawless?

BL: I wish I could say that I do something special. I think I’m benefitting now from the fact that I was so good about it when I was younger. I really only wear make-up while I’m working. I only wash my face when I’m taking make-up off. Less is definitely more for me. In most areas. I am good about moisture though because I have such dry skin. But again.. I could be SO much better.

Bare: Who is your best friend - your anchor? What qualities make them so special?

BL: My mother. She’s a true ‘ride or die’ and unfailing in her support. I can tell her anything. She’ll always show up no matter what.

Bare: Please list your top 5 bare essentials....they can be anything. 

laughter

real connections

music

people I enjoy talking to

inspiration

Photos / Makeup: Tina Turnbow using Cle de Peau

Hair: Nicole Newland

Trench coat : Donna Karan Silver dress: DKNY

All other clothing Bianca’s own

Shot in NYC