VALERIE MACON

We were first introduced to Annie Ilonzeh during her days on General Hospital. Today, you can catch her every week on Empire as she stars a persistent journalist, Harper Scott. The Nigerian-American actress who hails from Dallas, Texas is one of 5 girls in her family and notes that she grew up in a frugal home. “We didn’t have the luxury to get our nails done all of the time,” notes Ilonzeh. She’s a tomboy at heart with girl next-door appeal that prefers sweats to evening gowns, and has a serious knack for at-home nail art.

When she’s not on set, writing or living her best fit life at the gym, it’s likely that you’ll find her nestled in the comfort of her home jamming her favorite songs and doing her nails. “I was a manicurist in another life,” she states. “Being pampered is great, but sometimes I like to do those things myself because it’s a little therapeutic and gives me some downtime for myself—and I need that,” she states. Between readings and 14-hour set days, some down time is definitely needed. Ilonzeh’s go-to polish is anything nude, she admits to hoarding nude polish and finding it hard to resist buying a new shade (we hear you, girl!) The perfect finishing touch to her manicure? An accent nail—and we’re not just talking a basic polish change. Ilonzeh goes the distance and experiments with jeweled accents, caviar finishes and marbled art—yea, it’s serious! She’s a beauty minimalist after our own hearts!