The fact that Season 4 of Netflix’s Virgin River has been a hard-hitting success is not lost on Zibby Allen (she plays Brie Sheridan, Jack’s baby sister), even though she says the start of each filming season feels like going to the “best summer camp” ever. “It’s been amazing to watch how globally beloved the show has become,” shares the 41-year-old actress-singer-songwriter. “The best part for me is working with the cast! I work with the best people. I love them. Alex Breckinridge and Martin Henderson have fast become two of my favorite people on the planet. It’s a real bonus to work with wonderful people across the board.” Besides sharing some insider BTS makeup hacks, Allen recently sat down with us to dish on her favorite vitamin C, adventures in DIY face masks, and what her recent Fraxel experience was like.
What are some of your current skin-care favorites?
“My everyday product routine involves SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Face Wash ($36), Vichy Lift Active Vitamin C serum ($34) in the morning, Clinique’s Moisture Surge ($27), and an EltaMD sunscreen, which is hands-down, the best daily sunscreen I’ve ever used. I also love Shani Darden’s Retinol Reform ($88), and her facial-sculpting wand—I use both nearly every night and it’s made such a difference to the texture and tightness of my skin.”
Anything you just tried beauty-wise that you love?
“I recently had a Fraxel laser treatment at Project Skin, MD up here in Vancouver and I had incredible results! People have been complimenting my skin ever since. I can’t wait to do it again, but the treatment comes with about a week and a half’s worth of downtime so I have to wait until filming season 5 is over for my next one. I’ve also been super interested in trying the Halo laser, but haven’t gotten around to it yet. I love, love, love, skin-care treatments. It’s my favorite form of self-care.”
Are there any beauty products you use on-set of Virgin River that you love?
“Yes! This year we’re mixing two foundations: Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation ($52) and NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation ($49), which make for a perfect blend for my skin. It’s not too matte and not too dewy and lasts all day without being superheavy. Robbi O’Quinn, the wonderful makeup artist on the show, and I got really excited about discovering this foundation blend. We’re also really loving Charlotte Tillbury’s Tinted Love Lip & Cheek Stain ($34). I use the Saint Euphoria color and it gives my lips and cheeks a beautiful natural stain that I’m slightly obsessed with.”
Is there anything “crazy” you do for beauty?
“I’ve done some crazy at-home beauty experiments before… but they never end up doing much. I remember once crushing up some calendula flowers and mixing them with an herbal powder called Burdock Root to make a facial mask that was meant to clear up a break-out. It was an absolute mess. The bathroom sink and counter turned into a swamp… and I looked like the Swamp Thing. My husband came into the room and was like ‘Babe… you’ve got too far.’ Haha! But in general, I tend to lean on the more natural and modest side of beauty treatments. I love lasers and things, but that’s about as extreme as I get.”
You live in multiple places. What are some of your travel wellness tips you use on the plane?
“On long flights I always have a sheet mask with me. Honestly Garnier’s Moister Bomb sheet masks ($3) are brilliant, and affordable, so they’re a go-to. I also keep a travel-sized Mario Badescu Facial Spray ($12) with me on the plane to keep my face feeling fresh and moisturized. And no matter what, I load up on a vitamin C serum before flying just to protect my face from air pollutants and all inevitable travel skin-stress. Plus, I drink water, water and more water when I fly. Having to pee that often is annoying, but my skin is better for it.”
