Brianne Howey Talks Skin Care, Motherhood and More Ahead of ‘Ginny & Georgia’ Season 4

Best known for playing Georgia Miller on Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia, Brianne Howey has become synonymous with effortless beauty, sharp wit and the kind of confidence that feels refreshingly real. Off-screen, the actress’s approach to wellness is rooted in balance and efficiency, whether that means embracing simplicity in her beauty routine or finding joy in the chaos of modern motherhood.

Now, as fans await Season 4, Howey is partnering with Colgate to spotlight the idea that confidence often starts with the little things, like brushing your teeth. We caught up with her to talk skin-care routines, makeup favorites, wellness non-negotiables and mom life, just ahead of Mother’s Day.

First, your smile is impeccable. Of course Colgate tapped you for a partnership.

“Well, first, thank you! I’ve been using Colgate forever—it was on my counter when we first started talking about the partnership. I sent them a picture immediately and was like, ‘I’m literally using Colgate Optic White Pro Series right now.’ It’s in my set bag, my travel bag, my husband uses it, so it felt like a really natural transition to partner with them. What drew me to them was that they mix beauty and science. We layer so many products nowadays that it’s hard to know what’s really accomplishing what, but with this toothpaste, you are physically seeing the whitening happening in real time. It’s super results-based.

What I learned from getting to work with Colgate scientist Dr. Lisa Manus for ‘The Science of WOW’ campaign is that the majority of whitening products target surface stains, but what separates this one is that it also targets the deep-set stains with its hydrogen peroxide complex, which is the same whitening dentists use. Our smile is our introduction to everybody. If we feel confident, we look confident. For me, and for most of us, that starts with our smile. Colgate Optic White is Step 0 of my beauty routine, and it gets the job done.”

Speaking of your beauty routine, let’s talk skin care. What does your routine look like these days?

“My routine isn’t 19 steps—I just don’t have the time or the bandwidth—but I am ritualistic when it comes to my skin. I love the Éminence Organic cleansers and masks. They have the Probiotic Masque and the Phyto Hot Masque—that’s the spicy one I use once a week. I love using their rice exfoliator, but not too much. I exfoliate more when I’m working, though.

Sunscreen is really important—we’re in LA—and I love Supergoop! I’m also a fan of Clarins’ Total Eye Lift Eye Cream. Under-eyes are a big thing for me. I think it’s just genetics because no matter what I do, I feel like I always have dark circles under my eyes, but that cream is super moisturizing, and I think it does help my circles.

I also notice a difference in my skin when I don’t drink enough water. Water does so much. When I’m inside on set, the heat and the air are on—it’s super drying. We also happen to be shooting all winter in Toronto, and I’m born and raised in Southern California, so the harsh winter kind of did a number on my skin.”

Any favorite makeup in your bag right now?

“I’ve been using a lot of Merit makeup lately. I love their brow gel, mascara and concealer stick. I also love the Clarins Lip Perfector. It’s super comfortable to wear and gives a nice touch of color. I am more of a minimalist, so I don’t lean into too many trends. I want to be able to look back on pictures and feel like I went for something that was kind of timeless and wasn’t just a sign of the times.”

Are there any wellness rituals you swear by to stay balanced and grounded?

“When we’re shooting, it’s just such a full-time job—there isn’t a ton of time for the personal extracurriculars. Walking my dog is my number-one way to get outside and move my body. I also have a toddler, so playing with her is a ritual that is also mentally and physically consuming. When I’m home, and I have more time to myself, I’m doing Pilates—I’m obsessed with it—and I’m doing acupuncture.”

How did your beauty routine change after becoming a mom?

“I don’t have the luxury of time in the same way I used to, and I’m OK with that. I don’t need that, and I’d rather spend time with my daughter, but I definitely need to choose products that are efficient and effective. Also, because she’s a girl, I’m very aware of all the messaging she’s getting: She’s watching me in glam all the time; she watches me put makeup on and blow out my hair. She watches me look in the mirror.

Even though she’s barely 3, I know she’s absorbing all of this, so I’ve been trying to talk to her about it. I tell her that everything I’m doing is to keep my body and skin happy and healthy, and to take care of myself. I’m not trying to look a certain way for anybody other than me, and that the most beautiful part of us is on the inside.”

Do you give yourself more grace now, too? That’s how I feel personally. Less nitpicking—it’s not as important as it once was.

“Yes, 100 percent. Before having a kid, I would never leave the house without under-eye concealer on, and now, oh my god, it’s a miracle if I’ve put it on and we’re running errands. Now I’m in a baseball cap, but she looks so cute. Her hair is done, her clothes are matching and she has snacks in her bag [laughs].”

What projects are in the pipeline that your fans should be excited about?

“I’m so excited for everyone to see this campaign [with Colgate]. I had so much fun shooting it and loved working with their team. Ginny & Georgia is going to come out in the next couple of months, and when I tell you that this is the best cliffhanger yet, it’s unparalleled. It doesn’t compare to last season’s cliffhanger. There’s a lot of amazing payoff among all the characters this season that is super earned, and I’m excited for everyone to see it.”