The 5 Beauty Products Taraji P. Henson Swears By

What’s been the most useful beauty tip you’ve picked up over the years?

To drink water. Everything—your hair, your skin, your nails—looks and feels healthier when you’re consuming a good amount of water. I try to drink a gallon a day, but sometimes I fall short. It takes discipline.

In what type of hair and makeup do you feel most beautiful?

When I’m in my natural state. I wear hair extensions often to avoid damage from heated styling tools, but I love rocking my real hair. I also like a clean, fresh face. I’m happy when I look well rested with no raccoon circles under my eyes.

Has anyone in Hollywood ever suggested you change something about your look?

Nobody has been crazy enough to actually say it, but I’ve picked up on vibes when it’s been implied. I block it out because I didn’t get into this business to please anyone. I’m here to touch people with my art. I’ve made it pretty far being myself, and that’s good enough.

What are your thoughts about aging and injectables?

The first thing is to learn to accept aging because it’s inevitable. Once you’ve accepted it, you can age gracefully. As women we have enough pressures, and there’s something liberating about freeing yourself from beauty standards and ideals. If you want Botox, do it because you want to, not to impress someone else. And if you decide to do it, just make sure you find the best doctor!

Taraji's Must-Haves