With a striking presence that’s impossible to ignore, Nadine Bhabha is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most intriguing multi-hyphenates. Currently turning heads in HBO Max’s buzzy hit Heated Rivalry, the actress pairs on-screen magnetism with an equally compelling creative voice behind the scenes. As a writer, she’s contributed to Roku’s Children Ruin Everything and the upcoming comedy Slo Pitch, starring Schitt’s Creek favorite Emily Hampshire. Between sharing her very calculated under-eye skin-care routine and beauty must-haves, Bhabha spoke with us about what shapes the stories we can’t stop talking about.
How has your cultural background influenced your approach to beauty and self-expression?
“I grew up in Toronto and had access to a myriad of cultural influences. I was not afraid to experiment, and that lack of rigidity as a young person has created the style I have now.”
Working both in front of and behind the camera, do you approach beauty differently depending on whether you’re acting, writing or producing?
“No, I think the boxes we voluntarily put ourselves in are only to our detriment! Writers and producers should feel the freedom to express themselves as much as actors do. We have ideas, especially around women, that if someone cares about fashion or their appearance, it somehow reflects on their intellect. These things are not mutually exclusive.”
What are your go-to skin care or makeup essentials for long shooting days?
“A thick moisturizer and sunscreen!”
Projects like Letterkenny and Children Ruin Everything have a natural, effortless aesthetic—how do you maintain that ‘real skin’ look?
“We have great makeup teams on both shows who achieve this. They are masters at the no-makeup-makeup look.”
Toronto and LA can have very different climates. How do you adapt your skin-care routine when traveling or working between cities?
“Toronto winters can be a bit harsh, so I tend to use more moisturizer than during the summer months. But otherwise, same thing, maybe a second application of sunscreen while in LA!”
As someone balancing multiple creative roles, what does self-care look like for you when life gets hectic?
“I’ve been getting facials lately. I’m loving that for an hour of downtime. I love a walk/hike in the sun, maybe a swim!”
What’s one beauty or wellness habit you’ve picked up on set that’s become a permanent part of your routine?
“I’m loving an under-eye patch to get a bit more moisture under there. Eyes are the windows, and we gotta keep our windows hydrated!”
