Bronx-born Cara Buono does not shy away from hard work, which at least partially explains her longevity in Hollywood. Having appeared in such smash hits as “The Sopranos,” “Mad Men,” and “Stranger Things” (season four, volume two dropped on Friday), the actress, mom, and humanitarian also has a chameleon-like ability to morph into whatever role she’s playing. When we caught up with Cara, she shared how she transformed into an 80’s mom Karen Wheeler for “Stranger Things,” as well as how she balances being a mom IRL with acting, activism, and volunteering. Read on for more life lessons (and beauty/fitness recommendations!) from this wise and stunning star.

Bare Magazine: Can you share some highlights of shooting season four volume 2?

Cara Buono: I think we were all so happy to be at work during the pandemic and felt incredibly lucky. We shut down in March 2020 and went back in September 2020 when most production was still shut down.

Bare: Tell us all about the permed hair and the fun times in the makeup trailer!

CB: This year, I was wigged, which was great because my hair took a beating on season three with all the heat, products, and teasing. I didn't want to be wigged that year because I had to be in a pool and didn't know how I'd feel in a wig. I had always preferred to use my own hair for roles but any time I have the option to be wigged now, I will probably choose it. We always have a blast in hair and makeup going back to the 80’s. I love makeup, and I love that Karen Wheeler always has some amazing eyeshadow combos.

Bare: Can you share any recent beauty product loves you’ve discovered in your real life?

CB: For my hair, I've been using the K-18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask, which has really made a difference especially since my hair is so processed. I love the New Wash Rich by Hairstory. It's detergent-free and you don't need conditioner after it. For my skin, I started incorporating Skinceuticals C E Ferulic before my moisturizer, which is a great antioxidant. I love OGEE Seeds of Youth Serum. When I’m in LA, I always get a facial from Carasoin (the most amazing facials), and I love their Cold Fusion Intense Moisturizer.

Bare: Have you found being blonde is best for your work? Would you like to be brunette for a role?

CB: My natural color is dark brunette, which I love. I love and prefer dark hair like when I was on “The Sopranos.” Whatever color fits the character is the one I will be. Hair color really changes how I look dramatically so I'm very specific if I get to choose a color for a role.

Bare: You have been acting for quite some time, is there a type of role/genre you haven't experienced that you would like to try?

CB: I'm a big sci-fi fan and I have always wanted to be in a big sci-fi series like “The Mandalorian” or “Star Trek.” I really would love to be even "fighter pilot number 3" and go down in a blaze. I'd love to get back to the stage and find a great play to do too. I started out in theater, and it's my first love.

Bare: How do you stay balanced between work and your personal life? Do you have certain fitness/diet/stress management tips or tricks you can share?

CB: My family comes first, so through that lens choices are simplified. However, there are times when I have to be away for long stretches and that's always a balancing act. Just because I'm away doesn't mean I'm any less involved in my family's day to day life. Last fall, I was working in Savannah on "The Girl from Plainville" and it was a five-month shoot and I'd basically commute home on the weekends. That was new for us, but I couldn't pass up on the project.

I'm very consistent with taking care of myself actually. I'm an early riser so I'll alway try to get in my workout before my family and the rest of the world wakes up. I run, box, go to the gym, and love to lift weights. I try to meditate at least 10 minutes a day and stick to a healthy, clean diet of mostly plants even though I'm not a vegan. I could never give up cheese or an occasional In-N-Out burger! I start every day with a glass of warm water and lemon no matter where I am. I alternate matcha and coffee. I would say try to be consistent and do something every day. If you can't workout for an hour, find 20 minutes. Try to have something green every day and make sleep a priority. I have a wicked sweet tooth and let myself indulge if it's intense. And I bake, so I like to eat my own muffins and especially my chocolate cake. I always keep "Emergency Cake" slices in the freezer. Highly recommend keeping "Emergency Cake" on hand.

Bare: We are sure your acting journey hasn't always been smooth sailing. Can you share how you have remained resilient, confident, and true to yourself and your passions?

CB: We all know this business is fraught with rejection and disappointment, but I think maybe growing up in the Bronx and having to work from a really young age and watch my dad's work ethic (he was a mechanic) prepared me to work hard and not give up. And not to base my self worth on what others say about me. I always thought if someone didn't hire me, it wasn't meant to be and things always work out the way they are supposed to. I also think I have so many other interests: In 2012, I co-founded a company called Liberty United. We partner with law enforcement, take illegal guns, and turn them into jewelry, accessories, and pens. Money goes to help victims of gun violence. I'm also a volunteer rape crisis counselor at an organization called Crime Victims Treatment Center (CVTC) in New York and I've been doing that since college. As a volunteer, I take overnight shifts from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and go into into the emergency room when a survivor of rape is brought in.

Bare: And finally, please tell us your five Bare essentials.

CB: Sunscreen, NAD supplements, a good body oil, all my books, and my family (which is really first and the most essential).

Cara wears her own clothes and dresses by Needle and Thread

Photos and Makeup: Tina Turnbow

Hair: Louis Angelo at Judy Casey