In a weekly series, USA TODAY’s The Essentials, celebrities share what fuels their lives.
Coco Jones' face card has unlimited funds.
The first-time Grammy winner and "Bel-Air" actress has locked in attention for her extended play "What I Didn't Tell You," but mainstay fans also know the singer for her radiant looks and showstopping performance outfits.
Her secret? "I just have to be realistic and quit making everything 'TikTok version,'" says Jones, 26, of her beauty routine. While she's not afraid to be daring in makeup and wardrobe, her key to confidence is positive affirmations and authenticity.
We can't all look like Jones, but she's sharing her list of inner and outer beauty essentials, from boosting self-confidence to a simple skin care regimen.
INTERVIEW:Coco Jones on the road from Disney Channel to Grammys best new artist nod
As a Gen Z star, Jones has had to reevaluate her relationship with beauty standards and Instagram perfection.
"I learned that the expectation of having no flaws, no pimples, no dark marks is like, 'LOL girl, that's just not my truth.' So many different things go on in my life and (I have) so many different stages of my body."
The "Double Back" singer adds that "especially in a heartbreak" the way "you talk to yourself is very important."
"Speak really, really kind to yourself and speak excitedly for the future. Keep it positive."
Younger generations are rushing to stores like Sephora and Ulta Beauty to curb aging with a myriad of protects. Jones, however, is a big fan of simplicity.
"A routine that's short and straight to the point and powerful is what really works for me. The 18 products is not my truth all the time.
"I like ingredients that are not all that fancy, not too chaotic and just straight to the point, like a two-step-and-done routine. Even three to four (products), but max four."
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Jones goes full-glam for her performance attire. When it comes to quick errands, however, she has three items that make up her staple beauty routine.
"I'm a brows girl. I really love a good brow. A brow pencil, like a micro point pencil that gets really in there, to draw the individual lines (is essential.).
"Sunscreen is my second (go-to) because I realized that just because we have melanin doesn't mean we are robots that cannot feel the sun rays."
Lastly, she loves mascara. "I really am proud of my natural lashes. So, with the right mascara, I'm really eating."
Jones is gearing up for her return in Season 3 of Peacock's "Bel-Air" as Hilary Banks ("Hilary loading," she teased on her Instagram Story on Jan. 24). The singer and actress' everyday style usually includes neutral and dark colors, but as Hilary, she transforms in a rainbow of options with a lot of bold patterns: "I get to live my colorful life through her," she says.
"I love how colorful Hilary's wardrobe is. I sometimes get so tired of black, brown, navy and camo. I just want to be (in) pink sometimes or orange. Plus, it looks so good on melanin."
On stage and the red carpet, you're likely to see Jones in a varied version of a bra top — a symbol of her confidence. She's also inspired by Rihanna and Teyana Taylor.
"My stylist is Jyotisha (Bridges). I want to feel girly … Especially on stage.
"I want (the crowd reaction to be), 'Who is that?' (I want) to make a moment, make the room shake, whether that's in sparkles, rhinestones, a bright leather. Something that you can't wear on the regular street."
When it comes to the upcoming New York Fashion Week, Jones looks back on her favorite moments from September including a bold red monochromatic look for the front row of LaQuan Smith's show, a bright pink Sergio Hudson mini dress and a cutout full-length silver gown for LaPointe.
Last year was also her debut appearance at Paris Fashion Week.
"I enjoyed working with Moschino, Valentino, Balmain, LaQuan Smith (and) Brandon Blackwood."
Jones doesn't have much to say on how to stay comfortable on days you need to be in head-to-toe glam – at least she's honest! – but she does have a tried-and-true mental hack for pushing through the discomfort.
"Pretty much every red carpet (there is) something uncomfortable. Keep your mind focused on something else cause nine times out of 10, you're a little uncomfortable.
"Every time something is a little tight, a little short, a little something, but it is what it is. Hey, beauty is pain."
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.