Taraji P. Henson: Aging Gracefully with Friendship
Taraji P. Henson Shares Her Secrets Therapy for Youthful Skin, Hair Growth Habits, and More
Taraji P. Henson’s Aging Tips Therapy as Skin Care, Hair Growth Habits & More.
Welcome to the fabulous world of beauty and fashion, where aging gracefully is an art form and true friendship is the ultimate beauty secret. Today, we dive into the captivating journey of Hollywood icon, Taraji P. Henson, as she shares her timeless beauty philosophy, delightful anecdotes, and invaluable skin and hair care tips.
When I sat down with the talented actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate, Taraji P. Henson, I was prepared to discuss the evolution of her beauty routine over the years. Little did I know that beneath the surface of the shifting beauty landscape, there lies a heartwarming story of a steadfast friendship that has withstood the test of time.
Taraji shares, with a twinkle in her eye, about her remarkable 40-year friendship with Tracie Jade Jenkins, the executive director of The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. “I think we were married in a past life,” Taraji jokes during a fireside chat at the Women’s Mental Health & Empowerment Summit hosted by Kate Spade New York. As they recount their enduring bond, it becomes clear that true friendship has the power to uplift and inspire, just like a touch of blue eyeshadow on Taraji’s eyelids.
“All humans want to be seen,” Taraji tells me. “We want to be seen, we want to be heard, and we want to be loved.” And when you have someone who sees you through the ever-changing seasons of life, that, my friends, is true beauty.
So, if you take away anything from Taraji (besides her fantastic tips for healthy aging, which we’ll get to), it’s this: call a friend today and watch your skin glow in delight.
Aging Gracefully with Taraji
On her current beauty philosophy
“My beauty philosophy is that aging is inevitable. Just accept it and age gracefully. You can’t fight it. I mean, you can…but you’ll end up looking like you’re wrestling a wild octopus. Embrace it; it’s going to happen.
“That’s exactly what I’ve witnessed in the women of my life. My mom has four sisters—we lost one—but they all have gracefully embraced the journey of aging. They have been my guiding stars throughout my life.”
On her earliest beauty memory
“My first beauty memory involves raiding my mother’s makeup collection. I have this vivid picture of myself with dark lips and vibrant blue eyeshadow. Let me tell you, I thought I was a beauty trailblazer! It was the late 70s, and blue eyeshadow was all the rage.
“I even started experimenting with hairstyling in second grade. I guess you could say I was already a budding beauty enthusiast. Being an only child, I had all the time in the world to play and explore!”
On her moments of self-care
“You know that saying, ‘When you feel bad, get up, take a shower. You’ll feel much better’? Well, the same applies to taking care of your skin on the outside. That’s why I created TPH. We launched during the pandemic with the mission to provide affordable spa-like products that bring the spa experience right into your home. Taking care of yourself is not a chore; it’s self-care, a moment to cherish.
“For me, my hair care day is a cherished ritual. I start by using my sugar scrub and leave it on for a minute while I prepare a delicious meal. Then, I rinse it off, and my hair care journey culminates in a glorious hair mask while I relax in the tub. It’s pure bliss!”
Taraji’s Top Picks
- TPH By Taraji Never Salty Exfoliating Sugar Scalp Scrub – $15 A gentle yet invigorating sugar scrub infused with peppermint and apple cider vinegar for a refreshed and happy scalp. Your follicles will thank you!
On the best beauty tip she ever heard
“Drink lots of water and get some rest. No gimmicks there, folks.
“Even when I’m training or running on a tight schedule, my skin never fails to radiate. It looks different—better, even. And let me tell you, therapy? It does wonders for your skin. Trust me on that one.
“I’ve always paid attention to beauty practices. I learned at a young age to wrap my hair at night (stage makeup will teach you that!). No matter how hungover or tired I am, I never fall asleep with makeup on. I’ll be damned if I let that happen!”
On the mind-beauty connection
“When it comes to mental health resources, I wish there were more available during my younger years. Back then, no one talked about mental illness or mental health. It’s unfortunate because my dear friend, Tracie Jade Jenkins, who runs The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, suffered from depression and anxiety from an early age.
“We cry about it now because it’s heart-wrenching to think we lacked the education and support to have these vital conversations. But on a brighter note, women are powerful when they come together. The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation owes its success to the wonderful women at Kate Spade New York. We need each other to make a real difference in the world.”
On her current beauty line-up
“Anything Guerlain! Their hydration masks are divine. And let me tell you about my beloved ice globe from Lancome—what a game-changer! I roll it all over my face while lounging in bed. Pure bliss!
“I’m also a big advocate for keeping my skin moisturized, especially when I’m jet-setting around the world. One trick I learned from a talented makeup artist is to apply oil to my skin when flying. I have several oils but one fabulous example is NaturaBissé. It’s a skin-saver during those long flights. I use it religiously, and my skin thanks me every time.”
Taraji’s Must-Haves
- Guerlain Super Aqua-Mask Intense Hydration Mask – $135 Immerse your skin in a splash of moisture with this high-tech mask. It’s time to enhance your skin’s hydration and let it glow like never before.
- NaturaBissé Diamond Extreme Oil – $175 Treat your skin to the nourishing power of botanicals with this silky, fast-absorbing oil. Wake up to glowing, youthful skin that shines brighter than the stars.
On what she would tell her younger self
“It’s okay to have lipstick on your teeth every once in a while. Perfection is overrated, my dear. Sometimes, life throws a little lipstick on our path—and that’s okay!”
On what makes her feel most beautiful
“Knowing that I have a tribe of incredible people in my life who love me unconditionally, no matter what I look like. True beauty isn’t about appearance; it’s about the love and connections we share.”
Now that you’ve delved into the extraordinary world of Taraji P. Henson, take a moment to reflect on the power of friendship, the significance of self-care, and the joy of embracing our authentic selves. And don’t forget to call that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with—it’s time to let your inner beauty shine!
How do you embrace aging gracefully? Share your beauty tips and stories below—I can’t wait to read them!
