Dana Steingold — The Bare Magazine

Dana Steingold currently stars in “The Cottage” on Broadway opposite Eric McCormack, written by Sandy Rustin and directed by Jason Alexander. If you want a mad fun and funny escape into infidelity, sex, desire and twisted webs of secrets…this is guaranteed to satisfy. This gifted beauty shines on stage as she does in our photo diary below on a rare off day at home in her LES neighborhood. She chats about her character getting into her 1920’s style glam, personal style, skincare routine/obsession (we snuck into her bathroom) napping with her beloved pups, self-care, beauty bare essentials…sleep and water being tops on the list. We second that!

The Bare Magazine: It was so fun meeting up in your neighborhood! How do you like LES? How is it a nice change of pace from the Theatre District?

Dana Steingold: I like it a lot. The LES feels like an older, authentic version of New York because it's still a little gritty and much of it is still small, independent businesses instead of large chain stores. Chinatown is also such a vibrant area that is constantly evolving with new restaurants and shops opening alongside longtime standbys. I'm also walking distance to Nolita and Soho for when I'm in the mood for that type of scene. It's super convenient.

The theatre district is much larger in scale and the crowds and commercial presence can feel overwhelming after a while. The LES is also a really nice compromise of having distance from work while still being able to get there in under 30 minutes with no subway transfers. Just enough time to decompress for a bit and listen to a podcast.

Bare: When you get to the theatre what is your glam process? Is the makeup and hair pretty specific/consistent?

DS: My theatre routine is always consistent because I have a plot that was designed by our fabulous wig and makeup designer, Tommy Kurzman. I do my routine in the same order for every show: concealer, brows, eyes, foundation, cheek, lashes, lip. Dylan, our amazing wig supervisor, drops in about 30 minutes before showtime to do my wig prep and comes back at places to pin my wig on. Because I'm so used to playing younger roles, which usually involves a natural look, this is actually the most makeup I have ever needed to wear and the first time I've had to put lashes on daily for a show.

Bare: What's a typical show day routine for you? From breakfast, to leaving for the theatre (do you take the subway?) Also please include your end of day skin cleansing routine!!!

DS: I am an early riser who's usually up by 7am. I can't do anything before a coffee so my coffee maker is always my first stop. I then usually look at the news and catch up on emails while I drink it. On most days, I am in a workout by 8:30am. Once that's accomplished, I take care of any errands, appointments, or anything else I might have to do before leaving for the show. It's an odd thing to work at night because you have to conserve your energy during the day. I usually have a light dinner pre-show because I get tossed around a lot in Act 2, so it's hard to eat anything heavy right before. Then I take the subway to work.

When I get home, the first thing I do is get into my bathrobe and then I wash my face. Taking off my stage makeup takes a double cleanse. I start with Farmacy Green Clean to remove my makeup and then use Biologique Recherche VIP 02 Cleanser. After that, I'll use the P50 Lotion, MBR Serum to calm any irritation, moisturizer (currently obsessed with one by Valmont) and an eye cream. I've been obsessed with skincare ever since I was little. It's definitely a significant investment, but worth it. Once I'm cleaned up, I eat a little something post-show and then watch House Hunters International in bed. That show is better than any sleeping pill, it's so soothing and puts me to sleep in 10 minutes.

Bare: Your pups are the cutest. We felt the love you have for them...describe how they make your life more joyful.

DS: Thank you! They are magical. There is something naturally calming about having animals around. I really do think they improve your mood. They are both 13, so they've slowed down quite a bit. They sleep a ton now, which suits me fine because there's nothing better than napping with a sleepy, warm dog in your arms.

Bare: Your personal style is superb! How has it evolved? Would you say a good blazer is a bare essential?

DS: Thank you so much! As I've gotten older, the evolution has happened naturally. I still love to shop just as much but would rather have less things of better quality, so I buy less but invest in nicer clothes. I lean toward a minimal, classic aesthetic but I love to play with proportion and shape. I've also learned that if I buy all of these pricier items in neutral colors, I'll never regret the splurge because I won't ever get tired of it and can pair them with anything.

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a blazer obsession. Even before it was in style I used to buy boy's suit jackets. I feel like it's such a simple formula: great boots, a pair of jeans, a tee or tank as a base - with a good blazer, you always look polished and it's timeless. Plus, layering just makes your look more interesting. The more oversized the blazer, the better. In the summer, vests become my substitute blazer. I'm currently having a moment with Toteme, Staud, Loulou Studio and Agolde and I always circle back to Reformation, Everlane and Frankie Shop for basics.

Bare: What are your top 3 self-care indulges?

DS: Quarterly facials at Rescue Spa, manicures, and during the pandemic I was gifted one of the Higher Dose Sauna Blankets. I am obsessed with it. It feels great to sweat, but it's also super relaxing and great for muscle recovery.