Over the past months, I've been exploring a new territory, one that has very little to do with acting, rehearsals or the stage, but has gradually become an interesting part of my everyday life: skincare.
I've joined forces with Mayie, a cosmetics brand based in Timișoara, in a collaboration that has given me the opportunity to discover more about an industry I previously knew mostly from a consumer's perspective. What began as a communication and promotional collaboration has developed into something more meaningful: a chance to ask questions, challenge assumptions and better understand what goes into the products we use on our skin.

As an actress, my relationship with skincare is perhaps more complex than I had previously realised. Depending on the role, I often wear considerable amounts of makeup, sometimes heavy character makeup that involves layers of products, long hours on set or on stage, and a demanding process of removing it all afterwards. Our skin goes through quite a lot in this profession, and I've started to understand just how important it is to take proper care of it, especially when it's regularly exposed to such treatments. I used to have a rather casual, sometimes rushed relationship with my skin. I'd use a cream, remove my makeup and move on with my day, without giving too much thought to what I was actually putting on my face.
Today, I'm much more aware of ingredients, formulations and the specific needs of my skin. I'm learning to make more informed choices and to understand what my skin needs, rather than simply following trends or trying products because they're popular.

Working with Tudor, Mayie's manager and product developer, has been particularly valuable. I've appreciated his openness and patience, as well as his willingness to explain the science and reasoning behind skincare formulations without expecting me to simply endorse a product. I believe that honesty is essential in any collaboration, especially when it comes to something as personal as skincare.
This interest has also led to a new project: The Mayie Podcast – I Ask, Tudor Answers, and Skin Decides.The idea is simple: I bring the questions, Tudor brings his knowledge, and together we explore the world of cosmetics from a more informed and practical perspective. From understanding ingredients and how they interact with our skin to examining what skincare products can realistically achieve, the podcast aims to make cosmetic science more accessible and to encourage a more thoughtful approach to skincare.I'm particularly interested in the distinction between what products promise and what they can actually deliver.

In an industry filled with trends, claims and an overwhelming amount of information, I think there's real value in slowing down, asking better questions and learning to make informed choices.This is a new experience for me, both professionally and personally, and I'm enjoying the process of discovering a subject I hadn't previously imagined would become part of my work.The first episode of the podcast is now available. I invite you to watch it, join the conversation and perhaps discover a few things along the way.