BEAUTY TALK Transgender

B E A U T Y T A L K

Mj Rodriguez

Returning for season 3 of the FX hit Pose, the transgender activist and Olay brand ambassador shares life lessons and product musts.

A lot of ac tors say they stumbled into the business. Was that the case for you?

A: No. I remember being 7 years old, riding in the back seat of the car, singing along to Jodeci’s “Come & Talk to Me.” My mother turned around and said, “I think we’ve got a singer on our hands!” Per forming was my happy place. Q: Could you ever have imagined when you were younger that you’d become a spokesmodel for a global beaut y brand? A: I have memories of sit ting in my room and seeing all these amazing stars promoting produc t s on television. I’d pic ture myself in their place, but it ’s mind-boggling that it ac tually happened. I may not be ever yone’s cup of tea, but it makes me happy that I can break down barriers.

Q: What ’s your message for trans people who may be struggling? A: Find an lgbtq ai center and surround yourself with people who see your potential. If you’re blessed to have family in your life, educating them is key—challenge your parent s and relatives to be more unders tanding and open to learning. With knowledge, it becomes much easier to talk about things and resolve conflict.

Q: What produc ts do you find yourself reaching for these days? A: The hair brand SheaMoisture is great. I love blowout s and switching up my hairs t yle, but it ’s impor tant to make sure my tex ture s tays intac t. For makeup, I like a lit tle bit of foundation here, a bit of blush there. Maybe some liner to make my eyes pop. Armani, MAC, and Milk are my go-tos.

Q: Can you give us any early intel on the new season of Pose? A: In the firs t couple of seasons, I had a lot in common with my charac ter, Blanca. We both care so much for our people, even when we’re at “Af ter I’m finished with my skincare routine, Milk ’s cosmetic s go on so smooth and provide amazing coverage.”

our lowes t. Now we have more ex treme dif ferences, which was a fun challenge as an ac tor. For those tuning in for the firs t time, yes, this is a show about the trans communit y and the black and L atinx communities. But more impor tant, it ’s about love and family—blood or other wise. It shows how people bond through shared s truggles and experiences, and how they connec t and move for ward. The new season is going to be ever y thing, so get ready.

Q: When you think about pride, what ’s the first thing that comes to mind? A: Pride is stepping into your truth and knowing who you are. It ’s existing without constraint s and taking up space. Pride is being positive and having the desire to change the world for the bet ter—because no one has time to was te. —E.S.

“I’ve always been confident, but this hydrating wash has literally helped me feel more comfor table in my own skin.” MJ’S TOP 5

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek in Werk, $28; sephora.com

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Edge Treatment, $10; walmar t.com

MAC Cosmetics Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner in Brushblack, $22; maccosmetic s.com

Flesh Firm Flesh Thickstick Foundation in Coconut, $18; fleshbeaut y.com

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Vitamin B3, $6; olay.com