Between her return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta, a new Lifetime movie and her growing Glowissima skin-care brand, Cynthia Bailey has a lot on her plate right now. But when it comes to Mother’s Day, the reality star is prioritizing something a little different: peace, self-care and the beauty products that help her feel like her best self.
Fresh off a trip to the Kentucky Derby with Amazon, Bailey opened up about stepping back into the RHOA spotlight, the treatments and rituals she swears by before filming and the products currently in her beauty rotation.
What can viewers expect from you this season on The Real Housewives of Atlanta?
“I am enjoying my ‘friend of’ role this season because who doesn’t need a good friend, especially on RHOA, where drama is always around the corner! I love that I tend to be granted the titles ‘attempted peacemaker’ and ‘the voice of reason’ in the group. I am always looking to bring the women together, or in some cases, back together.
You’ll see even more fabulous adventures, trips and of course, a good read or two that we’ve become known and loved for. Whether it’s filming Real Housewives of Atlanta or embarking on a mom’s trip with Amazon to the Kentucky Derby, I love to be in community with other strong, powerful women.”
What is one beauty practice you make sure you do before filming starts?
“I take care of myself, first and foremost, before any filming begins to make sure I’m embarking on the new chapter as my best self, in my most collected headspace, as that’s when I feel most beautiful. I’m big on self-love, and that can manifest in a lot of different ways: traveling, connecting with nature, being with my daughter Noelle, spending time with my girlfriends, playing around with different looks (you know I love a good hat!), the list goes on.
On the beauty side, I love a good HydraFacial, and you’ll always find me having a well-moisturized moment before I go into pre-filming glam. For me, I keep a routine that’s centered around being in my most peaceful, grounded state before filming, because that may disrupt that a bit.”
How has Glowissima influenced your approach to skin care, and what makes it different from what you were doing before?
“My partner Dana and I have known each other for over 30 years, and we wanted to create a skin-care line curated for both of us. Dana and I have different target concerns, so we developed our cream and oil with that in mind. The oil essentially seals in the moisturizer and helps control and balance oil production, but both can be used separately as well.
I grew up with a mother who always made sure my skin was glowing and well cared for, so I’ve always understood the importance of skin care. But as I got older, and now as a mother myself, it definitely takes more work to maintain my skin than it did in the past. The Glowissima Ultimate Radiance Face Cream ($46) and Glowissima Miracle Elixir Face Oil ($64) are made with natural ingredients, and they are go-to products in my day-to-day routine.”
Mother’s Day is coming up. What are your top beauty picks right now, whether you’re gifting or treating yourself?
“Amazon’s Mother’s Day Shop makes it so simple to find the best gifts for yourself or a mother figure. I’ve been obsessed with the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($43). It keeps my makeup locked in place all day, and I recommend it to everyone.
I’m also a tremendous fan of Tatcha products, and the Starter Ritual Set (starting at $68) makes the perfect gift for any last-minute Mother’s Day grabs. Whether the mom in your life is a skin care connoisseur or just starting to develop a routine, the formulations are so rich while still being incredibly user-friendly.”
What’s your current go-to treatment or maintenance habit that keeps your skin looking fresh and consistent?
“I love getting facials as part of my maintenance. I try to schedule a facial at least once a month, and twice if I can. On the product side, I can’t get enough of the ANUA PDRN Collagen Glow Facial Serum Spray ($25). It’s so hydrating, and I use it before makeup or on days when I’m not wearing any for a fresh, dewy look. It really gives my skin that glow and helps keep everything looking refreshed.
So many of my favorite beauty products are on sale now through May 10 for Amazon’s Summer Beauty Event, where you can snag last-minute Mother’s Day gifts for up to 30 percent off. There are also flash deals on Thursday and Friday, with up to 45 percent off hair care and up to 50 percent off personal care this weekend.”
When you’re off-camera, what’s your favorite way to unwind and reset?
“Getting a 90-minute full-body massage is my favorite, and sitting on the dock at Lake Bailey with my daughter, Noelle catching up with each other. I also love unwinding with a little self-care day at home. I’ve been loving the BIODANCE Collagen Peptide Eye Patches ($19+) because they really help brighten my under-eyes after long days and feel like such a nice extra treat.
And listen, give me a long shower and a good hair wash, and I’m in my happy place. The K18 Damage Shield Wash & Care Set ($62) has been a go-to for me. I actually gifted it to myself, and it keeps my hair feeling strong, healthy and really taken care of.”
What’s next for you?
“Outside of enjoying being part of the Real Housewives of Atlanta cast for Season 17, I’m also excited for the premiere of my new Lifetime movie, Paradise With You, starring Taye Diggs. I also plan to start writing a book about my life this year. It’s been an incredible journey, and the best is yet to come.”