Kelly Hu — The Bare Magazine

We have been fans of bad ass beauty Kelly Hu for a long time. We were happy to catch up with her in Brooklyn while she was filming the CBS drama “East New York” (her first episode is Feb. 19th) She currently stars as detective Jin in “Black Mafia Family” on Starz. Kelly was a dream to photograph wearing some cool looks from her own closet. Her amazing salt and pepper hair, fit body and glowing skin was an added bonus to her engaging spirit. Scroll on down and check our chat on her gratitude and love for her work, her BMF character, style, diet and yep those bare beauty essentials.

The Bare Magazine: When we read your online bio it says you’re one of the most successful Asian/American actors of all time. Describe how that feels.

Kelly Hu: I’m not sure who wrote that bio but it’s definitely flattering. Truth is, I didn’t enter this occupation thinking I was going to be some kind of trailblazer or superstar. I just loved acting and knew I wanted to do that for a living. I remember telling my mother as a teenager that if I couldn’t be an actor I’d rather be dead. So I’m just glad it all worked out.

Bare: What are some of your fondest memories growing up in Hawaii?

KH: I know how lucky I am to have been born and raised in such a special place. I have a strong connection to the islands despite the fact that I haven’t lived there for decades. One of the things I value most is the support I get from the people who have been following my career since I was 16 years old when I won the Miss Teen USA pageant in 1985. I’ve always felt like I had an entire community cheering me on and wishing me well in my career. I don’t take that for granted for a second. I wish everyone knew what that felt like at some point in their lives.

Bare: From working mainly in the fantasy/action genre's to playing a detective now in BMF - are you enjoying the journey/experience? Please share some highlights!

KH: Working on BMF has been a blessing and a blast. I love my character, Detective Jin. I’ve played cops and detectives in the past but Jin has an amazing backstory and so much to work with. Steve Harris, who plays my partner on the show, have so much fun working together. He truly makes going to work great everyday. I think who you work with daily makes such a difference in any work environment.

Bare: We love your natural grey hair! Did you let your hair go grey before the role and it just worked - or did they request it?

KH: Thank you, I love my grey hair, too! I had been growing it out for over a year when I got the offer for BMF. My character is supposed to be in her 40’s so I gave them the choice to color my hair or keep the grey but warned them of the limitations and trouble it would be to upkeep if they decided to color it. Luckily they liked the grey hair for the character and quite frankly so do I.

Bare: Coming from a Marial Arts backround, do you still find time for it or find you utilize some of the philosophies and discipline you acquired studying it?

KH: I don’t practice martial arts anymore but I think once you learn the philosophy you never stop practicing that part. What I’ve learned through karate about self control, discipline and respect for other human beings is something I will always live by.

Bare: Do you feel like your current diet and skincare routine help keep you looking so fit and luminous? Please share some tips!

KH: I think diet is everything. What you put into your body is not just important for weight management but affects every aspect of your life. I’m a firm believer in eating clean, organic, healthy foods. I tend to lean more plant based and will try to make the full transition into plant based eating while I’m shooting season 3 of BMF in Atlanta. I always feel like going off to a location is a great time to restart and jumpstart better habits for health. I stopped eating fast and processed food years ago and I think that’s the number one thing I’ve done for my skin and body. Luckily I enjoy cooking and have the time to do a lot of my own food prep even when I’m shooting.

Bare: Who have been some of your role models and biggest driving/grounding forces in your life?

KH: I have to say my mom has definitely been one of my biggest influences. She has a crazy work ethic and never had less than three jobs raising my brother and I as a single mother. She has always been so supportive of my career and my biggest cheerleader. She would have loved for me to pursue a safer profession than acting but once she realized it was acting or nothing for me…she became my biggest supporter.

Bare: Tell us a bit about your personal style...we loved some of your pieces for the shoot! Are you a fan of vintage and repurposing clothes?

KH: I do love vintage clothing. So much of what I’ve owned for years is now considered vintage, haha! I’m also an environmentalist and love the idea of recycling and repurposing clothing when I can. I love that my nieces are all into thrifting, too. I have a rack of old clothes I keep for my nieces who come over and go “thrifting” in my closet.

Bare: Please list your top 5 Bare beauty essentials.

KH: I’ve had so many issues in the past with my skin that I really like to use as many natural products as I can these days and if it doesn’t come in plastic or non recyclable packaging that’s a huge plus, too! Here are a few things I’m using right now.

1. Mimosu Rice Water Shampoo and Conditioner – 2 in 1 Fermented Rice Water for Hair Growth

2. Osmia Rose Clay Facial Soap - Australian Pink Clay, Coconut Milk & Wild-Harvested Mango Butter Cleansing Bar for Face, Perfect for Dry, Mature & Sensitive Skin

3. Mad Hippie Vitamin C serum

4. THAYERS Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula

5. MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 Sunscreen