Actor, producer, writer, comedian, and Emmy-award-winning creative genius Quinta Brunson is now the face of world-renown skincare brand OLAY — and, honestly, there is no one better for the job. Quinta's fame stems from her authenticity and transparency. You may know her from your favorite television series, infamous vine clip, her reign at Buzzfeed, or as a TIME 100 honoree. Every character depicted on-screen, every skit she's written, and every appearance, we see the real Quinta.
Just like us, there was a time Quinta struggled with society's skewed perception of beauty. Ultimately, she embarked on a journey of self-love that became the driving force of her career. Today, the multi-hyphenate creative stands firm against unrealistic beauty standards in her first-ever beauty campaign with OLAY, which is unretouched in honor of the OLAY Skin Promise. (OLAY is the first mass skincare brand in the U.S. to commit to zero retouching.) Quinta is the star of OLAY's new Retinol 24 + Peptide campaign, but her relationship with the brand goes back. "I've been an OLAY girl as long as I can remember," she says. "My mom always included OLAY in her beauty routine." Considering that the Retinol 24 + Peptide moisturizer is Brunson's personal favorite, partnering with OLAY was a no-brainer. As someone who doesn't love to wear too much makeup, the Abbott Elementary producer has a skin-first philosophy. The Retinol 24+ Peptide collection is dedicated to activating the skin while you sleep for a literal overnight transformation for smoother, brighter skin.
As the first Black woman in Emmy history to be nominated three times (for her own show, no less), Teen Vogue didn't hesitate to get the scoop on how Brunson got ready for her big night. Ahead of the award ceremony, we had the honor of speaking with Quinta about her beauty journey and what her future holds.