Gabrielle Union’s Must Haves: From $14 Skincare to Her Daily Journal

Gabrielle Union and husband Dwayne Wade are vocal advocates for transgender rights and living, breathing examples for how to navigate a bigoted world as parents to a trans child. Driven by the deep love they share for their children, they speak out against unjustice and encourage other parents to be allies, too. “I look at our two daughters who I have to somehow infuse with power and encourage their independence, and really champion their ability to advocate for themselves in their own freedom and humanity, every day,” Union says.

Aside from her dedication to equal rights, you might also recognize Union from her notable acting roles in films like “Bring It On,” “Bad Boys II,” and the popular BET show, “Being Mary Jane.” Throughout her career, the actress has been widely regarded as a beauty icon, often praised for her radiant, glowing appearance. She credits her flawless visage to a simple, yet effective hack: removing gluten and dairy from her diet. But beyond her personal beauty routine (more on that later), she is also the founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union, a haircare brand featured in the IPSY Icon Box for Black History Month, whom the mogul was the curator for.

Together with IPSY, the world’s largest beauty subscription, the two assembled a one-of-a-kind box to encourage users on the journey of self-discovery. Tied to the February box was the Black Joy Is Beautiful campaign that spotlights the joy, color, and vibrancy of the Black experience and will continue to do so all year long. “I really appreciate the impact of Ipsy’s Black History Month and Black Joy is Beautiful – they share in my commitment to celebrate the art of expression, authentic beauty, and that Black joy doesn’t have to exist in any tight box,” Union says of the collaboration.

“I think we see very curated versions and interpretations of what Black girlhood and Black womanhood have to look like for it to be valid, appreciated, or given space,” Union continues. “Most of us don’t exist in those certain boxes, I personally don’t. So, it’s important to me to expand that view and let people know there is a space and place for all of us, even if it doesn’t feel like there is.”

Union uses this same mentality not only in her work, but her personal life too; she’s committed to always showing up as her authentic self. We got the opportunity to chat with the multi-hyphenate about her must haves. From non-negotiable daily hair products to an item to document her deepest thoughts, keep reading to shop Union’s favorite buys.