Gillian Jacobs is one cool lady…bright, down to earth, talented, kind and so naturally beautiful. We were grateful she made time for us while she was on a quick trip in NYC doing press for her show “Transatlantic” streaming now on Netflix. While you’re there check her other great performance in “Love.” For our shoot Gillian put together a mix of thrifted gems and pieces from her personal wardrobe (we especially loved her metallic clogs!) Scroll on down for a diary of lovely moments captured in her cozy hotel room and some words on her Transatlantic character Mary Jayne Gold, 30’s/40’s style/glam, skincare tips and those beauty bare essentials. Can’t wait for more from this luminous star.

The Bare Magazine: What inspired you most about your Transatlantic character Mary Jayne?

Gillian Jacobs: Mary Jayne Gold was a woman of enormous privilege who chose to use her wealth to help those in need. She had every opportunity to leave France but stayed and helped, in part, to rescue around 2,000 people through the efforts of the Emergency Rescue Committee. I find her to be an incredible example of a person rising to the occasion to do what she could.

Bare: Did you enjoy sporting the glam and costumes of the 1940's era?

GJ: I absolutely adored my hair, makeup and wardrobe on Transatlantic. The real Mary Jayne wore Parisian couture and had great style so it was so much fun to pay homage to that in the show. I've always loved the fashions of the late 1930s and early 1940s and felt lucky to wear those incredible outfits. Also, the hairstyles were so beautifully elaborate and fun. I'd never seen myself look like that.

Bare: In real life do you have favorite era's that sometimes influences your style & hair/makeup?

GJ: Like I said, I've long adored 1930s and 40s clothing and style but am incredibly lazy about my hair and makeup when it comes to day to day life. Working with talented hair and makeup artists for red carpets and photo shoots gives me an opportunity to play around, though. Catherine Deneuve circa Umbrellas of Cherbourg is an eternal inspiration.

Bare: On our shoot we mixed some thrift in with your personal wardrobe. Do you enjoy shopping for vintage gems?

GJ: I love thrifted finds. A good portion of my day to day wardrobe consists of vintage sweatshirts that I've found at thrift stores. And so much of my wardrobe on the show Love was thrifted. I wish I had taken more of Mickey's clothes but I do have one New York Yankees Starter jacket that I wear a lot. I also like searching for clothing I admired but didn't buy the first time round, like Dries Van Noten or Prada. It's so satisfying to find them years later online.

Bare: Please share how you maintain your gorgeous skin!

GJ: Once I began working regularly as an actress, I started getting cystic acne and other breakouts on my cheeks and between my eyebrows. The greatest thing I learned was to make sure I took all AND I MEAN ALL of my makeup off before I went to bed. I needed to be much more thorough and diligent than I had been. That helped a great deal with my breakouts. And then, I found out a few years ago that I have rosacea. Working with a dermatologist on a skin care regime to control that has made a huge improvement in my skin. I love and use Elta MD products, and Christie Kidd face cleanser and acne pads.

Bare: Any beauty secrets or self care tips your mom has shared with you?

GJ: My mom did not pass along any makeup or beauty tips, really.  In fact, I  spent so much of my childhood waiting for her to do her makeup so we could leave the house that I rebelled and didn't do anything at all. Just the other day she said, "Don't you want to brush your hair before you leave the house?" and I said, "Not really." Still not interested, just want to get out of the house and be on time. I love being punctual.

I've learned so much from professional makeup artists, though. If, like me, your mascara almost immediately winds up smeared underneath your eyes, try a tubing mascara. My current favorite is Kevyn Aucoin's Volume mascara. It doesn't budge and saves me from constantly touching up my concealer.

Bare: How do you keep your inner beauty glowing and balanced?

GJ: I try to drink enough water, although I vary in my success rates with that one. I like to sleep, but don't always get as much as I need. I try not to spend too much time looking at myself in a mirror. I've found other small things contribute as well. Regularly clean the frames of your glasses and sunglasses so you don't get breakouts. Flip your pillow over so that you don't sleep on the same side of your pillowcase too many days in a row. If you have really sensitive skin, try a gentle fragrance free detergent like Dreft. Cumulatively, these steps have helped me improve my skin.

Bare: You are not on instagram. Can you share some thoughts on that decision?

GJ: I am always trying to cut down on the amount of time I spend on my phone. I used to read so many books and the number has sadly dwindled.

Bare: Please share your top 5 beauty bare essentials. ( skincare, haircare, makeup, selfcare, treatments, fragrance)

GJ: My beauty essentials include Weleda Skin Food, Christie Kidd Fresh Pads, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Elta MD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer and Christophe Robin Regenerating Hair Mask

Photos/Makeup: Tina Turnbow

Hair: Brian Magallones using Bumble & Bumble

Vintage: Cure Thrift

Special thanks to Lindsay Krug, Sophie Vandervelde and Liz Wolff