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"Nia Long Fine" is a thing for a reason.

The Brooklyn-born actress, best known for her roles in films such as Boyz n the Hood, Love Jones, and The Best Man, is a baddie on and off screen. She has also starred in several television series, including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Third Watch, and Empire. Long has received critical acclaim for her performances and has been nominated for several awards, including an NAACP Image Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In addition to her acting career, Long is also a producer and director.


Yes, the resume is shimmering with Black Girl Magic and that’s many thanks to her acting chops and her undeniable beauty. For decades, Nia has been the standard, given her natural and charming aura.

Nia expressed gratitude for being called "ageless" but emphasized to PEOPLEmagazine that she doesn't strive for an unattainable ideal of perfection or a perpetually youthful look. “There’s so much pressure in this industry to stay beautiful and to stay young. And I’m really not interested in leaning into this idea of perfection,” she said.

While Hollywood often holds women to unrealistic beauty standards and limits their career opportunities as they age, men are often celebrated for their distinguished looks as they get older. Nia continues to restructure those double standards and embrace the natural aging process because she is the epitome of Black, not cracking.

"I am a proud 51, and eventually I’m going to age in a way where it’s obvious and I want it to happen beautifully and gracefully. I don’t really want the pressure of feeling like I have to be beautiful and perfect because I think beauty comes at any age…But I honestly think the real beauty comes from within."

Embrace Simplicity in Skincare

Nia believes in a "less is more" approach. She prioritizes keeping her skin hydrated and healthy rather than focusing on anti-aging. She told New Beauty that she swears by regular facials, exfoliation, and using moisturizing products like Yonka eye cream and almond oil on damp skin after showers. Microdermabrasion and oxygen treatments are also part of her skincare routine. These practices help keep her skin glowing and supple.

Stay Active with Yoga and Pilates

Fitness is essential for Nia, who stays in shape with yoga, Pilates, and jump rope exercises. She believes in maintaining a healthy weight to avoid common problem areas, especially for women of color. Consistency in movement helps her maintain her vibrant energy. In the New Beauty interview, Nia said, “I eat healthy, organic foods and keep the weight off with a lot of yoga, Pilates, and jump rope, which I try and do every day for the length of at least one song.”

Hydrate with Rosewater

To combat dryness under studio lights, she uses rosewater spray to refresh her skin and moisturizer to touch up cakey makeup areas. This keeps her face looking dewy and bright throughout long workdays. Nia explained in an interview with Glamour, "And what I've learned over the years is—Chantecaille has this amazing rosewater—and I spray the rosewater on my face, and then I dab a little bit of moisturizer in the areas where I see the foundation or powder is cakey. It just instantly brightens your skin. But the key is you can't wipe, you have to dab."

Listen to Your Inner Self and Ancestors

Nia emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and connecting with one’s inner voice and heritage. She credits her mental clarity and resilience to being attentive to ancestral guidance and focusing on a holistic sense of wellness. During the American Black Film Festival this summer, the actress shared a heartfelt story that made this all so real.

“When I was a young girl and my grandmother used to make me meditate, and she talked about therapy. This is in the very early ’70s when Black folks were like, ‘If you go to therapy, you’re crazy.’ She was very innovative in her thinking. And so her therapist’s name was Dr. Curtis. My therapist is Dr. Henry McCurtis. So as we’re talking, I go, what’s that black and white photo behind you? And he goes, ‘Oh, that’s my mentor. His name was Dr. Curtis.’”

She understood then that there was a purpose behind everything that was unfolding. “So listen and pay attention to those things, because angels are real. They’re real. Our ancestors are always pushing for our greatness. And so if you just settle into that listening and receiving, you’ll feel a sense of ease as you walk through this life, no matter how tough it gets.”

Celebrate Aging Gracefully

Nia rejects the pressure to remain "ageless" and instead embraces the beauty of aging naturally. She focuses on maintaining health and vibrancy rather than adhering to unrealistic beauty standards. This mindset allows her to enjoy her current phase of life with confidence.

A Natural Beat

The mommy mogul told Allure, “My look changes, but I do love the Nars lipstick pencils. I also love Laura Mercier's [Tinted Moisturizer]. [I use] a bronze powder by Nars called Punta Cana — that's my new favorite bronzer. Then, I usually top it all off with a Chanel gloss. I don't [get done up] so much unless someone else is doing my makeup. Then, I let them do whatever they want to do.”

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Featured image via Nia Long/Instagram

 

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