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Aja Naomi King is a planner. She comes prepared for everything, kind of like that straight-A student who anticipates a pop quiz before anyone else. But throw in a pandemic that upends daily life, and even the most focused can't help but be rattled.
"I'm a bit of a control freak," King says. "So being in a situation where you have no idea what's going to happen or when it's going to end is really hard."
That's why trying to focus on what she can control—whether it be her self-care routine or her activism—is the most important thing to the How to Get Away With Murder star right now. For starters, there's her involvement with L'Oréal Paris's Women of Worth campaign, which is working to nominate women championing change through a wide variety of causes, including fighting COVID-19. "It's just remarkable watching how everyone has taken the time to go outside their comfort zone and make as much of an impact as possible," she says. "It's been really incredible."
Not to mention comforting. In such strange times, we asked King to tell us what she's doing to maintain a semblance of normalcy, from the tried-and-true to the one-and-done.
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Glamour: How has your self-care routine changed, if at all, while in isolation?
Aja Naomi King: Before quarantine, I really had to pick and choose what I had enough time for. Now I spend a lot of time doing intense breath work and meditation to calm my mind and body. I also like to wake up in the morning and thoroughly cleanse my face and then massage it with my fingers or a jade roller. It just makes my skin feel nice and helps relax me. It’s stuff like that that keeps me uplifted.
Speaking of being uplifted, is there any music that has been keeping your spirits up?
I've been listening to a lot of Robyn, especially the song "Call Your Girlfriend," because it really pumps me up. It's just such a good song. And then also a lot of Buena Vista Social Club, because that music is very relaxing and sexy.
What have you been doing with your nails in quarantine?
At the beginning, I was still caring about how my nails looked and was doing them. I love light, pale spring colors. But then I stopped because I really don't like painting my own nails. I'm not great at arts and crafts and they always look kind of shitty. So I actually went and got some press-on nails. I was like, "Okay, it'll look nice and all I've got to do is stick it on." But that was so weird for me. I didn't enjoy it, so I removed them immediately and gave up.
What’s the first beauty treatment you’re going to do once you get out of quarantine?
I'm going to get a pedicure, and it's going to be amazing. I'm going to pay extra for the massage. I can't wait for that.
Fill in the blank: I love my hair...
I love my hair, period. My hair is wild and amazing. I think it's magic and I love every imaginable thing I can do to it or with it. Right now I'm wearing twists in my hair, but I also love braids. I love straightening it or leaving it curly. My hair is incredible.
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What are three products you can’t live without?
I can't live without the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum. That's definitely what I'm massaging my face with. I've seen such a big difference in my skin tone. It's so gentle on my skin; plus, it's effective. Next, especially in this time of not really wearing much makeup, if I do want to put a little something on, I love having my Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara. That's my go-to mascara because it volumizes and lengthens your lashes. It doesn't flake or smudge or clump up. And then my number three is always going to be my True Match Super Blendable Makeup, because it's my most favorite foundation that matches my skin tone. It's not cakey; it's lightweight, and it makes me feel good and like I'm not trying; I'm just being.
What’s the best beauty advice your mom ever gave you?
The best beauty advice my mom ever gave me is that I'm beautiful no matter what and to never allow anyone to tell me otherwise.
If you could change one thing about beauty perceptions, what would it be?
That beauty has anything to do with how you look. Beauty should be about how you treat yourself and others. And it should be about generosity and kindness and love, because those are the things that truly make you beautiful.
You’ve got $20 and free roam of a drugstore. What do you buy?
Well, if I'm already all stocked up on toilet paper and Clorox wipes, then I'm going to the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.9% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Ampoules. Because these little things are super hydrating and they make your skin all plump and healthy-looking. It's just such a nice boost of hydration and very easy to travel with once we can travel again.
What’s your go to perfume and why?
I love the Diptyque perfumes so much. They have one called Eau Rose that just smells so good. The scent is strong but not overwhelming. It's fresh and uplifting. I love that perfume. And they have a candle too.
What’s your favorite emoji?
The happy-face emoji surrounded in hearts. I love that emoji. It looks like the happy face is being hugged by hearts.
What’s the last Instagram rabbit hole you went down?
I saw a photo of a dad on Because of Them, We Can—his daughter was a senior and obviously couldn't go to graduation. So he set up a whole graduation podium in front of their house—the banners for the school, everything—so that she could have the experience of graduating college. I was just like, Oh my God.
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What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
Right now I'm reading The Color Purple by Alice Walker. I've seen the movie, and it's incredible, and I've seen it on Broadway. But the book is so brilliant. The way it's written, it's like these “Dear God” confessions. It's just so intimate and beautiful. I had no idea that the book was laid out in this really captivating way. It's a must.
Was it a recommendation from anyone in particular?
I think Shonda [Rhimes] had posted her favorite books and that was one of them. I realized, Oh, I've never read this book actually. So I went and read it.
Finally, who are the women inspiring you the most right now?
All the nurses and doctors and everyone risking their lives on the front lines of this pandemic. But also women like Patrisse Cullors who are trying to protect people who are currently incarcerated and aren't being given the right to a safe distance. And the women from the Center for Reproductive Rights who are leading the fight against politicians who are using this pandemic as an excuse to ban abortion and attack our rights regarding our reproductive health. I am so inspired that women just jumped into action so quickly at the onset of this to really protect the people in our communities during this very dangerous time.
Jessica Radloff is the Glamour West Coast editor. You can follow her on Instagram @jessicaradloff14.
