Here, our cover star shows us why joy is the superpower behind her glow and thriving career.
And if she was feeling particularly restless, she’d throw on a shimmering gold bodysuit.
“Within this pandemic, people asked me, ‘Why do it?’
Photo: MICAIAH CARTER
I was like, ‘Because it makes me happy,'” says Tracee.
Another question she is pondering is how the work-life balance will settle into the post-pause world.
“Before COVID, we were all living unsustainable schedules,” she says.
MICAIAH CARTER
I hope a bit of the humanity we found can remain within what we go back to."
If you keep putting good stuff in your cup, eventually it overflows.
And you’ll be like, ‘Oh, I need a new container.’
MICAIAH CARTER
Some things have changed for Tracee during quarantine.
Look anywhere, and every touch is an ode to happiness.
In one spot is a brass bowl from her best friend filled with crystals, many heart shaped.
MICAIAH CARTER
(Mom, of course, is the superstar Diana Ross.)
“These are all things that bring me joy.”
“I keep thinking, Well, what does that mean?
MICAIAH CARTER
Are they going to show up at my door with an award?”
This mystery was still up in the air at press time.
Well, can’t do that.
But you know what?
I can do that at home.
I make a beautiful plate.
I set it out and have a glorious meal.
I make my bed every morning.
And I believe that love is an action: You get back what you put in."
I make most of my food, and I am thequeen of the salad.
I make all different variations.
I added a little bit of garlic and lime and brown sugar, because it’s all I had.
It’s ridiculous how good it is.
It’s been really fun to experiment."
Work Muscles to Build Your Inner Strength
“I have consistently been doingTracy Andersonfor many years.
What I love is that it keeps me interested.
There are pictures of me dressing up in my mom’s clothes.
I was a stylist and a fashion editor [before acting].
And for a while, clothing became my armor.
Or it was something I used in response to people’s reaction about race and thinking less of me.
I would present my importance through my clothing.
And it brings me immense joy immense joy.”
It’s All About Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
“I love moisture masks.
I’ve been known to do up to three or four a day.
I do not wear foundation if I’m not working.
I don’t even wear a lot of it when I am working.
I like to see my freckles.
I like to see my skin.
When I’m on set after lunch, I will often completely cleanse my face.
For me, it’s the freshness that I respond to.
I care for my body the same way.
I usually spray my body down with a hydration mist that was meant for your face.
If I want an extra layer, I use body oil on top of that.”
Then I slowly started to collaborate with the hair people.
I’m just so grateful to be sharing our beauty and celebrating that."
But that’s not realistic.
Bad feelings come up.
Not necessarily mine, but what if I don’t have the full picture here?
What if this is all OK?
And that was the start of a turning point.
If you keep putting good stuff in your cup, eventually it overflows.
And you’ll be like, ‘Oh, I need a new container.'"
Photographed by Micaiah Carter.
Styling by Alexandra Mandelkorn / The Only Agency.
Hair by Araxi Lindsey.
Makeup by Tracey Levy /Forward Artists for Armani Beauty.
Manicure by Maho Tanaka.
Set Styling by Bette Adams / MHS ARTISTS.
