Close to 20 years ago, we were introduced to the Simmons family through the American reality TV show ‘Run’s House.’ This mid-2000s hit was one of my personal favorites, and it provided a window into the lives of some of the industry’s most influential people, including Vanessa Simmons. From child star to a veteran of the TV and entertainment industries, Simmons has redefined her path, working towards her personal goals while boldly supporting those who align with her in the industry. Authenticity is paramount for Simmons, and she uses her platform to advocate for multiple causes, including skin care, self-care, and beauty.

In her new campaign as a spokesmodel for Buttah, Vanessa Simmons explores her natural passions, which include self-care advocacy. She also shares her very own tips and tricks for glowing skin. In an exclusive interview with MEFeater, the actress and spokesmodel discusses her latest campaign with Buttah, motherhood, and her newest business ventures.

Growing Up…

You grew up in showbiz, around celebrities and cameras, but what exactly did you want to become growing up? 

I always knew growing up that I wanted to be creative. As you said, I’ve been around many people and entertainment, and I’ve been inspired by that a lot. I was signed to Ford Models when I was 19, but I always wanted to be a professional actress. In elementary school, I used to do plays. That helped me fall in love with acting and being on stage. So I feel like I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do as a kid.

Personal Brand

How have you managed to maintain your brand through the evolving times of media, especially because personal branding can be tricky for public figures?

I think by just showing up as myself authentically every single time, As you said, things are always evolving. The best way to be yourself is to just always show up as yourself and be as authentic as possible because that’s really what people will connect with. So my goal is to do the things I love, show up as myself, and be a student of any craft I do. Whether it’s entrepreneurship or acting, I make sure that I’m showing up the best way that I can. I put my best foot forward every time.

Buttah Campaign

Now, tapping into your current campaign, you’re a spokesmodel for Buttah. How did you end up getting involved with the skincare brand, and how did your relationship with Dorion (the founder) start?

Well, I’ve known Dorion as a friend for a really long time. So I was really proud of him for venturing and starting a company like Buttah. Disclaimer: I just need to make it clear that I’m not only on board because he’s a friend, but because his product has been amazing over the years of growing up on TV and doing things in front of the camera. Sometimes, I found that there weren’t really a lot of products that were specifically targeted toward melanin-producing skin. Some of the products we were using were not working for us, leaving us in worse conditions than when we started.

With Buttah, we know that this is a product that is made specifically for our skin, and it’s going to give us the best skin that we can thrive on. So it’s a pleasure to not only be a friend to Dorion but to be able to help them get the word out about Buttah and how amazing it is for melanin-rich skin. I genuinely stand behind the fact that this product works, and you will have the best skin of your life. So I’m very proud to be on board this campaign and to really showcase how amazing the products are and how they really work—not only just for melanin skin, it works for everybody. However, it feels good to have a product that is targeted toward my skin, and speaking about that.

Vanessa’s Picks

What are some of your favorite products from this Buttah range? 

Oh, where do I begin? So I like to talk about my three favorite products that I use every single day without fail, and if I’m not using them, I can see a difference. I start with a good cleanser. Of course, the Buttah Skin Cleanser is incredible. It helps to strip off everything—all the dirt, grime, makeup, and anything else that might be leftover on your skin. Then I go in with the vitamin C drops. (I just got my vitamin C drops on the ground the other day, and I had to run out to the store to pick them up because it’s so important to my skincare routine.) 

Vitamin C, as I said, helps combat any hyperpigmentation. It brings an instant glow and gives your skin nutrients. I also like the hyaluronic gel cream, which helps lock in moisture and give my face a tight, glowy look. And then there is the cream that I use during the day—the cocoa-shea revitalizing cream. It’s whipped shea butter, so it’s light and fluffy, and it works well under makeup. 

In the evening, I like to use the butter facial shea, which has a little bit of a thicker consistency. I like it to sink into my skin overnight, so I wake up in the morning refreshed and with such an evident glow. To mix things up, I add an exfoliator throughout the week and, importantly, a good mask. I like a charcoal detox mask, which helps to get all the toxins out of your skin without stripping it of the necessary oils that you actually need. So I highly recommend that as well. I do that once a week. 

Challenges

Models have recently started speaking out about products that are used on set that they are not satisfied with or makeup artists not doing skin color matching. Did you ever deal with being on set and using products your skin reacted badly to?

Absolutely. There were definitely times over the years when I’d be on a makeup chair, and someone would just assume that because my skin looks this way, this is the color, not realizing there are undertones that go into creating a makeup look and I’m not just one color. You know, we are quite diverse beings, and skin matching is very important. There have also been people using products on my skin that left me with breakouts and things of that nature. Buttah vitamin C works incredibly for that. It gives you an instant glow, but it’s also targeting something deeper. This really helped me with combating hyper-pigmentation. It gives your skin the nutrients it needs to really thrive and, of course, glow.

What are some of the challenges that you had with your skin that Buttah has been able to solve?

I’ve definitely had my share of challenges over the years with breakouts from makeup and not cleaning my face completely. With Buttah, I’m seeing a consistent glow, and it enhances itself day after day with consistent use.

Are you looking into ever making your own products?

I think down the line, we’ll definitely have our own products, but for now, we’re building a community. We’re also making sure I show up for other people in a responsible way and that I can be a trusted source. 

Beauty Tips

What are some of your beauty tips that you can share with us?

I’ve been doing something new the last couple of weeks, and it’s been facial massages. These ensure that blood is flowing through your face and clears the lymph system. Just massage your face even when you’re putting on your cream or your cleanser, then rub your ears for five minutes a day, and you’ll thank me later. As you’re working your lymph system, you’re getting out toxins, and you’re keeping the blood flowing, which helps to brighten up your skin and gives a consistent glow. Add pineapple skin to hot water and then drink that as tea; that helps not only with losing weight and keeping your metabolism running but also does wonders for your skin. Make sure you are cleaning your skin daily, and really importantly, never fall asleep in makeup.

Motherhood

As a mom, I know with my daughter she’s quite curious about makeup. Are you at a stage where you are sharing how to use it and, basically, how to take care of her skin?

So she is nine, and she is definitely very curious. I let her play with my makeup, and she plays with eyeshadow, but we’re not taking that too seriously. We’re keeping the makeup at bay; thankfully, she’s still so young at heart, so she still cares about her dolls. I invite all of that because I know soon it won’t be that way. We do have a little skincare routine we do for her to make sure every day she’s excited. So I’m sharing those mommy tips, and these are the moments that are so special to me because she’s nearing preteen. but I’m hoping I have a little bit more time with the makeup and skincare.

How are you balancing mommy life, and are you able to still maintain a good relationship with her during busy work seasons? 

Absolutely. I mean, I like to say I’m a mother first. Beyond anything, that is my most important God-given role, and I’m so thankful for it. She truly is a blessing. It’s all about balance; you can’t put all of your eggs in one basket; you can’t be all about your career, and you have to make sure you have a healthy balance so that you remain happy as a human. She is the top priority for me, and I know that I’m extremely blessed to be a mother. 

What’s next for Brand Vanessa Simmons?

I’ve always wanted to be a professional actress, and I’m very blessed that I have some feature films dropping pretty soon. I’m also working on a stage play right now. And as far as entrepreneurship goes, I am building a new Wellness platform called Euphoria, spelled “U4IA,” and it’s all about inspiring people to be their selves best possible versions every day. It gives tips and tricks to people on how they can create a more euphoric life for themselves through simple routines. Whether it’s showing people how to breathe in the right way, facial massages, diet for glowing skin, etc., I just want to be able to use my platform in a responsible way in a way that will lift other people up.

Buttah is available worldwide. Visit their website to make a purchase. 

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