The viral meme everyone remembers Quinta Brunson from finds the comedian in line at the movie theaters with her date. She’s easily impressed that he “He got money” and can afford “A LARGE!” popcorn, among other movie theater knickknacks (skittles, pretzels, etc.). The character isn’t used to the lifestyle. Fast forward to today, Brunson can teach her movie-going persona a few things like how to become an Emmy Award nominee for the popular ABC Abbott Elementary (and now, HBO Max) mockumentary sitcom, lend her comedic chops to HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, and ink her your first-ever beauty deal with skincare behemoth Olay.
Brunson joins the Olay family today, August 1, as the face of the brand’s Retinol 24 + Peptide Night range. It was only natural for the comedian to become the face of an Olay range, having been introduced to the company and its line of skin-loving products by her mother. Where other brands tried to police her beauty, Olay celebrated her.
“When I was growing up, society pushed a beauty standard that was unattainable. Brands told me I needed to change everything about myself to be beautiful,” she said in a statement. With the help of Olay, Brunson is working to shift antiquated ideals of beauty. “This partnership coming to life as my first-ever beauty collaboration is truly a ‘pinch me moment.”
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The Retinol24 Night Collection includes the Retinol24 Night Face Moisturizer, Night Serum, and Night Eye Cream, which is designed to work overtime to noticeably smooth, plump, and rejuvenate the skin as you enjoy some beauty sleep for a more radiant complexion in the morning.
To uphold Olay’s Skin Promise, an ongoing commitment to highlight the beauty in its most authentic and natural condition, the campaign will not retouch Brunson’s campaign images.
An Olay campaign isn’t the only “first” Brunson has checked off this year. Earlier in July, Brunson made Emmy history by becoming the first Black woman to land three nominations in the comedy categories in one year for Abbott Elementary, where she serves as an executive producer, writer, and leading actress. Guess who can afford her own large popcorn now?
Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
