We asked dancer, actor, singer, and producer Frankie Grande — who recently finished filming Big Brother Reindeer Games and is returning to Titanique from January 13 to February 18 — about the immersive book series, blackout sleep mask, and reflective eye shadow he can’t live without.
I am a crazy sci-fi fantasy book fanatic. It started with Harry Potter when I was 18 years old, and I’ve read hundreds and hundreds — maybe even thousands — of sci-fi fantasy books since. This is the first series I’ve read that has made me feel close to the magic and awe-inspiring love for fantasy since Harry Potter. The first book in the “Cradle” series awakened that part of me when I was a teen. I remember reading it and being like, I want to live in Cradle forever. Luckily, there are 12 books. I’ve listened to them all on audiobook.
The crackle sound of the wick burning on this candle reminds me of my childhood in New Jersey and being by the fire with my mom. I change my candles depending on the season; I like pumpkin spice in the fall and pine scents in the winter, but this is a good year-round scent.
[Editor’s note: This candle is currently sold out.]
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to rock a beard. Maybe I’m entering my daddy phase. I’m not quite sure. But in the process, I went through a bunch of trimmers. I found this to be the most affordable, bang-for-your-buck one. It’s really good, easy to use, and portable. I often forget things when I’m traveling, so I bought one for every place that I live.
I live in Times Square. It’s a very bright environment and light comes in 24 hours a day. This really helps me fall asleep at night because it’s comfortable and 100 percent blackout. I also bring it on planes when I need a power nap. It has little scoops where it covers my eyes, so my lashes and eye makeup don’t get screwed up and makeup doesn’t transfer on the mask too terribly. It’s fantastic.
I love this three-step method. It has everything I need in one travel kit, which has really come in handy when I’m staying at hotels. I’ve found that it works for my skin. It keeps me glowing, polished, and hydrated, even when I’m on vacation.
Pat McGrath is my go-to for eye shadow. The colors are very dramatic, very bold, and reflect light absolutely beautifully. If you’re someone like me who does stage performances, you need something with high reflectivity to make your eyes pop across the room. I always apply it with the e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer and use a Skindinavia setting spray, and I’m good to go for all-day wear. I really got to test it out on Big Brother a couple weeks ago. I had 14-hour days, got ready at 6 a.m., and didn’t leave set until 10 p.m. It didn’t budge or shift.
I actually bought this for the holidays, but I wear it all year round. I love getting comfy with my husband and puppy for movie or TV nights and snuggling up in this. I don’t know what it’s made out of, but it’s the most comfortable, softest thing I’ve ever put on my body. I’ll be in New York all of January and February doing Titanique, so I made sure to pack this. I’ll need as much warmth and comfort as humanly possible. And, of course, who doesn’t love a onesie? It comes in a hoodie, crewneck, or pants, but I chose the onesie because fashion, darling.
I’m actually at Remedy Place right now in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. I try to come three days a week for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and infrared therapy. I have an autoimmune disease, and also as a singer, dancer, and actor in their 40s, I put my body through a lot. This helps me control my inflammation as well as muscle fatigue, aches, strains, or if I pull a muscle. These are things that doctors have recommended. It also has anti-aging benefits, so that’s a plus.
Obviously, I love me some Ariana Grande products, but this one is my absolute favorite. I wear it everywhere and get so many compliments every time I put it on. On me, it has a vanilla-musk scent, so I guess you could say I have a type. But on some people, it actually smells floral or more musky. It changes based on each individual’s personal pH. This just works really well with mine. I think it’s a really good unisex scent.
My motto has always been to “shine bright like a Frankie.” And when people throw shade, shine brighter. This motto has gotten me through some darker times ever since taking a major step into the public eye. My fans have really embraced it too, so I’m happy that we now have this cute merch. It reflects my attitude that we can fight darkness with light and love and positivity. I hope I inspire others to do the same.
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