Willa Fitzgerald graces the cover of our first all-beauty, all-the-time issue! And she’s a fitting choice. A friend and muse of ours for a while, she embodies beauty inside and out. She’s also really into beauty (fun fact: she did her own hair and makeup for this shoot). We’re happy to have Willa back to share her cool personal style and update us on her favorite clean products, self-care musts and upcoming projects, as well as her extra-blonde hair and newest obsession. Enjoy — and stay tuned for future issues featuring beauties of all shapes, sizes, races and genders.

The Bare Magazine: Can you share some highlights of your day with us shooting at Maison Émeute?

Willa Fitzgerald: Always a pleasure to get to shoot with you and oh so lovely to meet new friends like Devon! I love playing dress up in a store. It always gives me new ideas about how to style pieces I already have in rotation in my closet. I’m always trying to get as much use out of what I already have before I add anything new. 

Bare: We love how sheer you keep your makeup. For our shoot you did it yourself — give us your secrets and share what makeup you love.

WF: My makeup collection is extensive considering how infrequently I wear makeup. I’m a big fan of Chanel, Jane Iredale, Ilia, Jones Road and Merit. I really do love a good formulation. For the shoot I wore Jane Iredale’s dream tint and undereye concealer, Ilia mascara and Merit’s tinted lip oil. 

Bare: You couldn't wear such sheer makeup without super gorgeous skin. Could you give us some tips on how you maintain such a luminous complexion?

WF: I have very sensitive skin with occasional bouts of PD (perioral dermatitis). So, most days I only wear skincare; most super-exciting actives (vitamin C and retinol, I’m looking at you!) are off-limits for me. My must haves are Ulstrasun’s Anti-Aging SPF 50, Dieux Skin’s Instant Angel and La Roche-Posay’s Dermallergo Eye Cream. Recently I’ve been rotating in some Drunk Elephant and have been loving the new addition. 

Bare: You recently went platinum blonde for a role. Have you enjoyed the change? Are you gradually going back to your natural color?

WF: Yes! It was a huge change. Luckily I have two amazing hair colorists (Marie and Angela at Marie Robinson salon) and trusted them completely to keep my hair from falling out. They did an incredible job and just recently softened the look to help me start the process of making the platinum more natural. 

Bare: Have you found what you eat makes a diffence in your energy level and skin? What are the main staples of your diet? 

WF: I feel like my number-one need is sleep. I prioritize getting 8-9 hours above most things. But food is definitely a close second in informing how I feel. I don’t eat land meat and only eat fish on occasion. I try to eat as many vegetables and whole grains as possible. But I am also a sugar junkie. My freezer is filled with ice cream and my pantry is stocked with cookies and chocolate. Everything in moderation, which for me means listening to those sugar cravings when they come. 

Bare: You are great friends with a few past Bare gals — Sepideh Moafi and Molly Bernard! Can you share what you find most beautiful about them, inside and out? 

WF: Two of my bests! I think both Molly and Sepi are very much themselves — a compliment I know all three of us hold dear. They will tell you what they really think and that kind of honesty is oh-so rare in the world. 

Bare: When you have self-care time, what do you like to do to create balance and inner beauty?

WF: I am a big walker. I have two dogs, so every day I would say I spend about two hours walking around Brooklyn. It is sacred time to me. Time to call friends, call my parents, listen to podcasts or music, listen to the sounds of the city. I cherish those moments I have every day to just be outside in the world. 

Bare: Please fill us in on your latest passion, snowboarding. Is it one of the ways you stay in such amazing shape?

WF: I was very much an indoor kid growing up, so I would say one of my greatest pleasures in getting older has been using my body in totally new ways. College was my renaissance; that was when I started running and swimming as a way to clear my head. I’ve only gone further down that path as I’ve gotten older, and hiking and running have become big parts of my life. Snowboarding is the newest obsession and an amazing way to stay outside even when it is almost too cold. 

Bare: Can you give us a hint about the next project we can see your amazing talent shine in?

WF: I’m very excited for a few things I’ve got (hopefully) coming out later this year. The Fall of the House of Usher is a limited series on Netflix, Strange Darling is a Miramax film, and Desperation Road is an indie.

Bare: Lastly can you please list your top 5 beauty bare essentials.

WF:

1. Water from the tap 

2. Cerave hydrating cleanser

3. La Roche Posay dermallergo line

4. Merit lip gloss

5. Omnilux red light mask 

Makeup/Hair: Willa Fitzgerald

Photos: Tina Turnbow

Clothing and accessories: Maison Émeute

Shot at Maison Émeute Brooklyn