Chloe Fineman
“I always like free spirits and people who are uniquely themselves.” That’s Chloe Fineman describing Drew Barrymore, who she impersonates to perfection on “Saturday Night Live,” which she joined in 2019. But we think it’s a spot-on description of her, too. The boho-beautiful star had tons on her plate—three upcoming movies in addition to SNL—when she agreed to meet with Bare for a holiday beauty shoot and chat. Among the topics of discussion were her new short film collaboration “Unhinged,” with the clothing designer Batsheva written/directed by Maya Singer, the comedians who inspire her, and her surprising upcoming dramatic turns on screen, including in the Golden Globe nominated Babylon which opens December 23rd,
The Bare Magazine: What were some highlights of your film collaboration with Batsheva?
Chloe Fineman: Doing something in the East Village felt like a cool full-circle moment. [Chloe attended NYU and spent lots of time hanging out in the EV.] Eighteen-year-old me would’ve been freaking out. And as someone who likes to dress up it was like, heaven!
Chloe on the set of “Unhinged” wearing Batsheva Styling: Yael Quint Hair: Sasha Nesterhuk
Bare: Describe what you love most about designer Batsheva Hay’s clothing.
CF: As a fellow Jew, I think she’s super exciting. Growing up, I was always made fun of for looking like I was wearing a costume to school. I wore things like vintage dresses, and people would ask if I was in a play. Batsheva’s clothing lets you dress up in a casual, day-to-day way. Everything I try on looks good too, so that’s an added plus.
Bare: How would you describe your personal style?
CF: I have more phases than the moon, but I always come back to looking like I’m in France. Batsheva has a whimsical French feel—not that she’s going for that—like you’re lounging in a café with an invisible cigarette. I love fashion and have all this wonderful clothing, but I’m so busy that I’m always in a sweatsuit. So, this year I took it upon myself to buy loose trousers. So, I’m like off-duty Diane Keaton. A billowy trouser and a Batsheva top. I look more dressed up than I really am.
Bare: Can you share a few personal highlights of the SNL season so far?
CF: Where to begin? An immediate highlight has been collaborating with [castmate] Heidi Gardner a bunch. She makes me a better performer and writer. I think “Big Dumb Hat” with Amy Schumer a few weeks ago was a big highlight. Now I’m getting pictures of babies in hats! So, that’s kind of fun—when something is so deeply a girl observation, I always feel proud of it. Doing Nicole Kidman the first week was very exciting too.
Gorgeous and festive in vintage lace from Cure Thrift and accessories by Jennifer Behr
Bare: When did you discover you could do impressions? Talk to us about Drew!
CF: I’m from California, and a bunch of people I grew up with talk like Drew. I thought of her as a kindred spirit; I always like free spirits and people who are uniquely themselves. I discovered I could do impressions pretty late. I’d always do impressions of teachers and certain family members growing up, but it wasn’t until I was 26 and at The Groundlings that I had to do an old teacher impression and realized that this was such a specific way to make a character. Eventually, I transitioned to celebrity impressions around 30.
Bare: Who are some comedians who inspired you?
CF: Well, I famously did my freshman book report on Margaret Cho. I saw her when I was 14, which in retrospect was insane because it was all about blow jobs, and my mom took me and my friend. But I loved her and, obviously, the women of SNL…Molly Shannon and Kristen Wiig. But also, Ab Fab was huge for me growing up.
Lipstick: Lancome in Caprice De Rouge Highlighter: ilia Beauty in Decades
Bare: In what ways has SNL been a launch pad and a platform for you to explore and grow?
CF: I feel like I’m kind of just beginning, but what surprised me is how much I’m now able to do dramatic movies, which I’m really excited about. I went to NYU and studied classical theater. And now I’m working with Damien Chazelle, Francis Ford Coppola, and Noah Baumbach. I’m surprised those people would reach out to me after seeing me do sketch comedy. Like, how did that director see me do this and think oh…
Lip: Ogee in Azalea Gloss: Florence by Mills Liquid Liner: Cle de Peau Mascara: Lancome Idole Brow: Kosas
Bare: Fill in the blanks. Currently, my favorite _________ is _________.
Snack: BjornQorn
Hobby: Buying and returning furniture.
Style/beauty icon: I’ve always really loved Isabelle Huppert. I think she’s the chicest person to ever walk this earth. I aspire to be her. I do really think Gillian Anderson dresses incredibly. And I’ve loved Sienna Miller forever. But Isabel is on another plane of chicness. Oh, and Cate Blanchett’s outfits in “Tar.”
Bare: You’re quite a Francophile!
CF: The quirkiness of French people really makes me laugh.
Bare: Can you tell us about any upcoming projects you're excited about?
CF: I’m in “White Noise” (directed by Noah Baumbach) and “Babylon” (directed by Damien Chazelle), and those are both coming out in late December, and I did hear that I’m not cut out of them. And I’m starting to shoot the Francis Ford Copolla movie “Megalopolis.” Everyone in it has an Oscar so it feels insane. Like a big master class.
Bare: Please share your top five Bare essentials with us.
CF: My dog, Peach. Having access to texts and calling my friends and sisters at all times. Japanese sweet potatoes are really important. A pair of Céline sunglasses. And having a bunch of people over for some form of Israeli food and laughing.
Bare: And, finally, your top five beauty Bare essentials…
CF:
1. Foot massages at All Seasons Spa on 6th Ave and 8th Street in Manhattan. They really help with circulation and just feeling a thousand times better. Also, it’s my favorite thing to do with friends ‘cuz you can still whisper with each other unlike a full massage, LOL.
2. I really love Kat Burki, and she makes my favorite cream for winter called Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream. There’s a lot of great creams on this market (def love me some Augustinus Bader!!), but this one has ALL natural ingredients and smells sooo fresh it just makes me feel really clean and nourished when I put it on.
3. Jones Road Miracle Balm in Flushed This is a yearly go-to, but for winter it’s such a must. It adds a nice pink glow to my pale, tired, cold cheeks. And usually when I wear it people say I look “rested.” Lies!!! AKA it works!!
4. Westman Atelier anything. It’s a bit of splurge, but I am so in love with her concealers and foundation. Also her Baby Cheeks sticks. My go-to in winter is Minette. It’s a blush/highlighter combo that gives my pale, pale skin a nice glow
5. Bathing Culture Mind and Body Wash I love baths and probably take one a day in New York when it’s cold. I love the smell of Bathing Culture. It reminds me of Northern California hippy doodle vibes. They also make THE best towels. They’re colorful and awesome and put me in a good mood.
Photos/Glam/Styling: Tina Turnbow
Accessories: Jennifer Behr
Interview: Didi Gluck
Shot at Studio 111 in Brooklyn
Founder & Editor in Chief - The Bare Magazine
