Latina actresses from ‘Orange is the New Black’ share beauty secrets

Prison life has never been hotter, thanks to Netflix’s hit show “Orange is the New Black.” Season 2 premiered this month and “Spanish Harlem” has maintained a strong presence on the show, especially leader Gloria Mendoza, whose storyline with her son Benito becomes more prominent.

We caught up with Selenis Leyva, Laura Gomez and Jessica Pimentel, who play Litchfield inmates Gloria Mendoza, Blanca Flores and Maria Ruiz, respectively, and asked them their favorite beauty secrets via e-mail.

Selenis Leyva, Gloria Mendoza on “Orange is the New Black”

What are your at-home beauty secrets?

I believe in never going to bed with makeup on. A clean face is a must. Recently I discovered Foreo [cleansing brush], thanks to the ladies of Caravan Stylist Studio! I take this with me everywhere. I use it daily at home and when I travel. It leaves my skin feeling great. I use it along with LIFTLAB [products] and it’s amazing. I moisturize my skin after I shower, always. I also give my hair a break from heat by leaving conditioner in it when I can.

Do you have any beauty tips passed on from family members?

As a child my mother would apply avocado to my hair for shine. I still do it at least once a month! Natural oils are amazing.

What beauty habits do you have in common with your OITNB character?

Gloria always has a little eyeliner and her eyebrows are clean. I can wear no makeup on my days off, but will always apply a little brow pencil to my brows and a little mascara. I feel the eyebrows really are key to framing the face.

What are your favorite looks for a special occasion?

I love when I get a good smoky eye and a nude lip! Another fave is bold lip color with clean glowing skin.

How do you accentuate your favorite features?

I love a dramatic eye. I always tell makeup artist to play them up. I love my almond-shaped eyes and long lashes, so I always like to show them off. I have full lips and my upper lip is pretty defined so a great lip liner is always a first before applying lipstick.

What are your favorite colors to use for your face?

I love a clean bronze look with natural brown and gold tones. That’s always my go-to look. Recently I was introduced to Cover Girl’s “Sweet Strawberry” [lip gloss] and loved it!

Laura Gomez, Blanca Flores on “Orange is the New Black”

What are your at-home beauty secrets?

I’ve been using cucumbers lately. I add them to water, I freeze them and use them under my eyes, which isironic because I don’t like eating them. Cucumbers are, however, so convenientfor soft skin.

Do you have any tips passed on from family members?

Well, my mom has very soft skin. She’s always insistedon moisturizing constantly,so I’ve followed her advice my entire life. Moisturizing and drinking water makes all the difference in the world.

What beauty habits do you have in common with your OITNB character?

Oh dear, with Blanca Flores?Probably none. I would actually recommend that shepluck hereyebrows a bit.

What are your favorite looks when you get dolled up for an event?

My style and looks are very eclectic. I like to usecolor – that’s for sure – and I like to rely on what looks good on me rather than what’s trendy.

I have a styling studio, Caravan NYC,that always helps me find the right looks for different events. Same with Christo Fifth Avenue, when it comes to an awesome hairstyle.Check out my Instagram (lg_lauragomez)and you will find quite amix that goesfrom elegant to sexy to urban. You name it!

How do you accentuate your favorite features?

I have very nice cheekbones, and I’ve learned to put the blush on the right spots to bring them out. I’ve been kind of into individual lashes lately when I go to events, to help open up the eye a bit.

What are your favorite beauty products?

I use PurposeFace Washby Johnson & Johnson, Clinique moisturizer, and Ialternate betweenLancôme and Clinique under eye care.

What shades do you like to use for your eyes and lips?

I usuallylike very light makeup, and I go stronger with the lips. Lately, I’ve been using Physician’s Formula earth tone eye shadows and mascaras and loving them. For lips, [I use] the tonesLady Danger andPink Pidgeon from MAC.

Jessica Pimentel, Maria Ruiz on “Orange is the New Black”

What are your at-home beauty secrets?

I love steam facials. I have a little personal steam inhaler I use for my voice and found it was good for my whole face.

Do you have any tips passed on from family members?

When you have a pimple, two things will help it go away: toothpaste or menthol rub.

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