After getting her “big break” on the award-winning Netflix series Family Reunion alongside Tia Mowry (the new season premieres this week, as does her not-so-side project of the release of a new single), Talia Jackson quickly started trending. But, during a year that’s collectively been difficult on the world as a whole, the actress-singer shifted her focus to speaking openly about her own depression, mental health and well-being—and is passionate about keeping the conversation going.
You post some very glam shots on Instagram. What is your general philosophy toward beauty?
It has taken me a long time to become comfortable with my natural beauty. For a long time, I would try anything to not look the way I looked naturally because I was being influenced by the people around me. Then, one day it all just clicked. It didn’t matter how other people wanted to see me—it mattered what I wanted to see. So now, every day, I vow to get up and get ready only for me, whether that’s full glam or no makeup at all. It’s whatever I want.
You seem like you’re particularly into makeup. Any favorite products?
Yes! Huge fan of Freck Beauty and their Freck Stick. I have so many freckles that get covered with makeup; Freck makes it so easy to draw them back on. It’s my go-to product to bring to shoots. Love anything Fenty, especially their Bajan Gyal Bronzer and I love Glossier. I got to visit their headquarters and see them making the products, it was supercool. I also love their Cloud Paints!
Any beauty tips you’ve learned from Family Reunion?
Less is more for the camera! Always wear less makeup on screen than you do off screen because, oddly enough, the camera always picks up bronzer.
You’ve been very vocal about your own mental health journey. What’s the best piece of advice you can give to anyone who may be struggling?
Time is the healer of all. Last year in April I was lost, depressed, and felt like there was never going to be an end to that awful gut-wrenching dark feeling in my stomach, but I was so wrong—365 days later I am not only OK, but I am happy. The happiest I think I’ve ever been. Now every time I feel dark again, I remember that it could all be light again. Whether it’s a day after a good night’s sleep, in a week, or a month, or even a year. So, I wait, and I survive the heaviness until it feels like I am living again.
I think it’s important to remember that just because you have a night where you feel awfully low, it doesn’t mean that you will feel that way tomorrow. Let that feeling be there for the present moment and do your best to not give it too much attention. This is the main reason I have a semicolon tattooed on my wrist, so that I always remember to pause, and then continue.
What are you most excited about this spring?
Summer! Spring brings warmer weather and warmer weather brings summer. I can’t wait to spend all day in the sun, have a picnic, eat fruit and enjoy every little inch of life.
Photographer: Kelsey Hale (@kelsey_hale); Stylist: Ryann Redman (@ryannlanel); Hair and Makeup: Colleen Guzinski (@colleendominique); Dress: Alersundi; Earrings: Zaxie
