Melissa Fumero on “Blockbuster,” Beauty Discoveries From “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and the Sensitive Skin-Care Line She Swears By

From helping roll out awareness for Crest and Oral-B’s Closing America’s Smile Gap campaign—the companies have pledged to provide oral care to 20 million smiles in need by 2030—and the premiere of Netflix’s “Blockbuster” series, Melissa Fumero is having a busy week. In between it all, the 40-year-old chatted with us about sensitive-skin picks, on-set glam squad secrets and why she’s passionate about smile care.

Why this partnership?

When I was first approached about this campaign, I’ll admit I was very naive to this issue. Having access to simple and basic dental health was something I definitely took for granted, and I assumed that something as necessary as a toothbrush was available to everyone. To think of any child using their finger to try to clean their teeth because a toothbrush and toothpaste are out of reach is heartbreaking. So, I am so grateful to have been educated by the good folks at Crest and Oral B on this issue, and I am honored to have been asked to helped raise awareness around it.

Are you into Halloween and Halloween candy and are you paying extra attention to your teeth this week?

I am! Even before kids, especially when I lived in New York City, I would dress up and loved going to the parade and friends’ parties. Now, it’s so much fun to watch my kids dress up and go trick-or-treating. I’ll definitely be having some of my boys’ candy. My 6-year-old is not the biggest chocolate lover, so that’s great news for me. And my 2-year-old hasn’t really had candy yet, so this week might be his first experience—although he is also in a phase of not wanting to try new things so who knows what’ll happen! I do tend to pay extra attention to my teeth during the holidays when there is extra sugary indulgence happening, and I try to pass that along to my kids. It’s fine to have sugar, but also make sure to brush and floss really well after.

What are some of your holy-grail beauty items?

Drinking water! I can always see it on my skin when I’m a bit dehydrated. Especially in California where it is so, so dry, it’s so important for my skin to make sure I’m drinking enough water. I’m also prone to some redness and sensitivity, and this year I discovered the Deliverance Serum from Dieux ($69), and it has been amazing for my particular skin type. Also, the whole Tiger Grass line from Dr. Jart is great for me when my skin is being sensitive or reactive.

What was the last beauty-related thing you did for the first time?

Getting regular facials is a new thing for me, and I love it. I go once a month, and not only do I see a difference, but it’s also become a really nice me-time-relaxing-self-care routine. I haven’t always been the best at that, so I’m stoked that I’ve been sticking with it.

Lindy Lin With a busy schedule, what are some things you do for self-care?

I try to make sure I can squeeze in workouts, especially yoga if life feels overwhelming, and I also love to hike. Being outside, getting a sweat, and listening to music just really resets my brain. I also love to do fun family stuff on the weekends. The quality time and reconnection also helps me when work life gets really busy.

What are some beauty products you discovered on one of your shows’ sets?

Getting to work with professionals on-set is truly a blessing for all things beauty! One of my makeup artists at “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” introduced me to the makeup line Hourglass, and I particularly love their concealer, mascara and liquid eyeliner. The hair stylist from “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Kathleen, also introduced me to all the Living Proof hair products, which is still what I mostly use. And my personal hair stylist, Brian Fisher, has really taught me to take care of my hair now that I dye it often. It’s a great part of the gig, having access to people who are experts and can help you figure out what works best for you.

You have Blockbuster coming out this week. Was the chain a part of your childhood growing up?

It was! We had one in my hometown in New Jersey, and I would go with my family on Friday night to pick out movies for the weekend. It was such a fun and normal thing to do. You’d inevitably see someone from school or the neighborhood. My brother and I would fight over which movies we wanted to rent. It was the best!

What are you excited about as the year comes to a close?

I am really looking forward to some quieter and slower time towards the end of the year. I know the holidays can be hectic, but I’m looking forward to the less work and more family time to close out the year. We’ve got a couple fun travel plans with the kids lined up. My parents are going to visit us for Thanksgiving. I’m just planning to have lots of quality family time, reset, hopefully reenergize, and be ready for 2023!

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