Tracee Ellis Ross Unveils Pattern Body: A Holistic Approach to Self-Care and Inclusive Beauty
Table of Contents
- Key Highlights:
- Introduction
- Cultivating a Sensory Experience: The Philosophy Behind Pattern Body's Scent
- The Art of Travel Self-Care: Ross's In-Flight Rituals
- Beyond the Bottle: Holistic Perspectives on Fragrance and Footwear
- The Pool Day Preamble: A Meticulous Skincare Regimen
- Evening Unwind: The Ritual of Rest and Rejuvenation
- The Broader Landscape of Black-Owned Beauty Businesses: Challenges and Triumphs
Key Highlights:
- Tracee Ellis Ross expands her Pattern Beauty brand into body care, emphasizing a philosophy of self-acceptance and holistic well-being that transcends traditional beauty standards.
- The new line, launching with a body wash, exfoliating scrub, lotion, body cream, and oil, is formulated with a universal, genderless, and inviting essential oil-based scent.
- Ross champions a comprehensive body care regimen, from in-flight lymphatic drainage to meticulous pre-pool skin prep, and advocates for a broader understanding of success and support for Black-founded beauty businesses.
Introduction
Tracee Ellis Ross has long captivated audiences with her effervescent personality, distinctive style, and candid approach to life. Beyond her accomplishments as an actress and producer, Ross has emerged as a prominent voice in the self-care movement, championing a holistic philosophy that integrates physical well-being with profound self-acceptance. Her recent Roku docuseries, "Solo Traveling," offers an intimate glimpse into her unwavering commitment to this principle, revealing a meticulous in-flight body care routine that underscores her belief in "being and inhabiting your own skin." This ethos now extends beyond hair care, as Ross prepares to launch the eagerly anticipated body care line under her successful brand, Pattern Beauty. This expansion signals a strategic move to offer comprehensive self-care solutions that resonate with a diverse global audience, reinforcing her vision of beauty as an inclusive and empowering journey.
The inception of Pattern Beauty in 2019 marked a significant milestone, addressing the long-underserved needs of the curl-conscious community. Yet, even then, Ross envisioned a broader scope. The very name, "Pattern Beauty," rather than "Pattern Hair," signified her intention to cater to "every body, shape, size, color, and texture." This foundational principle informs the development of her new body care collection, which includes a body wash, exfoliating dry body scrub, lotion, body cream, and a body oil. Each product is crafted not merely to nourish the skin but to serve as a reminder for individuals to connect with their authentic selves. The line's introduction on August 21 is poised to redefine conventional beauty regimens, offering a mindful approach to skin health that mirrors Ross's dedication to self-care as an essential act of affirmation.
Cultivating a Sensory Experience: The Philosophy Behind Pattern Body's Scent
The development of any beauty line hinges significantly on its sensory appeal, and fragrance plays a pivotal role in this. For the Pattern Body collection, Tracee Ellis Ross deliberately chose a scent profile that is light, airy, and subtly infused with floral notes, diverging from overly commercial or overtly sweet fragrances. This decision reflects her deep appreciation for essential oils, which she believes offer a truer, more enduring aromatic experience. Unlike synthetic perfumes that often transform drastically over time, essential oil-based scents maintain their integrity, providing a consistent and authentic aroma from application to fading. This preference for natural, stable fragrances underscores a commitment to purity and an avoidance of the fleeting, superficial appeal often associated with mass-market products.
Ross's meticulous approach to fragrance selection was also driven by a desire for universality. She aimed to create a scent that is "genderless, inviting, and delicious," yet carefully avoided the gourmand category, which can sometimes feel cloying or overpowering. The goal was to craft an elevated, subtly sexy, and universally appealing aroma that would elicit a simple, positive reaction from anyone who encountered it: "I like that." This nuanced approach ensures the products integrate seamlessly into diverse personal routines without imposing a dominant scent. By prioritizing essential oils and a broadly appealing, understated fragrance, Pattern Body seeks to enhance the user experience, making it a comforting and inclusive ritual rather than an overtly perfumed statement. This reflects a broader trend in the beauty industry towards more subtle, natural fragrances that complement rather than overpower an individual's natural essence.
The Art of Travel Self-Care: Ross's In-Flight Rituals
Tracee Ellis Ross's commitment to self-care extends even to the most challenging environments, exemplified by her rigorous in-flight routine showcased in "Solo Traveling." Her approach to air travel hydration and comfort transcends simple moisturization, integrating practices that combat the dehydrating and restrictive effects of long journeys. Ross famously employs thigh-high compression socks, not just as a fashion statement but as a practical measure to promote circulation and reduce swelling—a common issue during extended periods of sitting. This is complemented by a lymphatic drainage massage, an ancient technique known for its ability to reduce fluid retention and detoxification, which she performs even in the confines of an airplane cabin. Face masks and a portable atomizer are also integral to her regimen, ensuring her skin remains hydrated and refreshed despite the dry cabin air.
This comprehensive in-flight protocol highlights a proactive stance on health and well-being, acknowledging the toll travel can take on the body. Ross’s choice to carry her own shower gel and lotion, rather than relying on hotel amenities, speaks to her insistence on quality and efficacy. She describes hotel shower gels as stripping, preferring products that nourish and protect the skin's natural barrier. Her travel bag staples—exfoliating mitt, gua sha, and dry brush—further demonstrate a dedication to holistic body care. Dry brushing, in particular, is a crucial component of her routine, performed even on planes to stimulate the lymphatic and nervous systems. This practice aids in water release and invigorates the body, offering a natural boost of energy, especially for someone like Ross who avoids coffee. Her dedication to these rituals, even while traveling, reinforces the idea that self-care is not a luxury but a fundamental aspect of maintaining vitality and comfort. This meticulous attention to detail allows her to arrive at her destination feeling refreshed and grounded, rather than depleted.
Beyond the Bottle: Holistic Perspectives on Fragrance and Footwear
Ross's views on personal fragrance extend beyond her own product line, revealing a broader philosophy on scent and public etiquette. She abstains from wearing traditional perfumes, expressing a distinct aversion to individuals who "over-perfume and over-cologne." Her reasoning is rooted in a keen awareness of how personal fragrance interacts with shared spaces and other people. While acknowledging that individuals become desensitized to their own chosen scent, she points out the discomfort of inadvertently absorbing another person's strong fragrance through physical proximity, such as a hug. This perspective highlights a consideration for others and an understanding that personal choices have a public impact, particularly in enclosed environments like airplanes. Her preference for the subtle, natural aromas of her own body care line reflects a desire for a personal fragrance that enhances rather than overwhelms, aligning with her overall approach to beauty as a nuanced and respectful expression.
Shifting from personal care to practical style, Ross offers insights into her ideal travel footwear. When faced with the hypothetical challenge of bringing only one pair of shoes on vacation, she oscillates between a white Asics sneaker and a black leather Birkenstock. Her reasoning underscores a preference for versatility, comfort, and understated elegance. The white Asics sneaker, she explains, can be dressed up with a "beautiful pair of trousers" or even a suit, demonstrating its adaptability from casual to more formal settings. This choice reflects a pragmatic approach to fashion, where functionality and style coalesce. Similarly, the black leather Birkenstock, while inherently casual, also offers a level of comfort and timelessness that makes it a reliable travel companion. Both choices speak to a deliberate curation of essentials that can serve multiple purposes, embodying a minimalist yet highly effective wardrobe philosophy for the modern traveler. This duality in her footwear preference, from athletic chic to laid-back comfort, mirrors her ability to blend high fashion with everyday practicality.
The Pool Day Preamble: A Meticulous Skincare Regimen
For Tracee Ellis Ross, a pool day is not merely an impromptu dip but a meticulously planned event involving a comprehensive skin care preparation. Her "pool-day skin care routine" underscores her philosophy that "you’ve got to prep to be outside; you can’t just go outside." This proactive approach ensures her skin is not only protected from the sun but also glows with health and vitality. While hair takes a backseat, given it will inevitably get wet, the skin demands full attention. Ross's routine begins with dry brushing, preferably in the shower to contain any mess. This is followed by a thorough application of her Pattern body scrub, used from "toes to neck," emphasizing a full-body exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells and prepare the canvas.
After scrubbing, she uses her shower gel, incorporating shaving into this step before a second wash with the gel. The sequence then takes a crucial turn: she applies body oil while still in the shower. This method allows her open pores to "really receive the moisture," maximizing absorption and efficacy. While the Pattern oil is not particularly greasy, applying it in the shower also serves a practical purpose, preventing oil residue on clothing or swimwear. After a gentle air-dry or pat-dry, she follows with lotion and concludes with a vital layer of sunblock. This precise layering of products—scrub, wash, oil, lotion, and sunblock—creates a barrier of hydration and protection, ensuring her skin is "skinning for the pool," radiant and prepared for sun exposure. Her regimen illustrates a profound understanding of product application and skin physiology, transforming a simple pool day into an opportunity for luxurious self-care.
Evening Unwind: The Ritual of Rest and Rejuvenation
Transitioning from active days to restful evenings, Tracee Ellis Ross maintains a dedicated body care routine focused on relaxation and rejuvenation. Central to her wind-down ritual is the bath, which she elevates beyond a simple cleanse into a meditative experience. She often incorporates "crystal soup," a practice where she places her crystals directly into the bathwater. This personal touch infuses the bathing experience with an element of spiritual wellness, creating a serene environment conducive to mental and physical unwinding. The bath, for Ross, is not merely about hygiene but about creating a sanctuary for reflection and self-connection after a busy day.
While the specifics of her post-bath body care for the evening are less detailed than her pre-pool routine, the emphasis remains on deep nourishment. She explicitly saves the body cream from her Pattern line for nighttime use, indicating a preference for richer, more emollient formulations for overnight repair and hydration. This strategic choice aligns with common dermatological advice, as the skin's regenerative processes are more active during sleep. The combination of a warm bath—potentially infused with the calming energies of crystals—and a deeply moisturizing body cream provides a comprehensive approach to winding down. This holistic evening routine underscores Ross’s belief in self-care as a continuous, mindful practice that supports both physical beauty and inner tranquility, ensuring the body is restored and prepared for the next day.
The Broader Landscape of Black-Owned Beauty Businesses: Challenges and Triumphs
Beyond the personal rituals and product formulations, Tracee Ellis Ross offers a poignant and critical perspective on the broader challenges faced by Black-founded beauty businesses, particularly in light of the recent closure of Ami Colé. She expresses deep concern, acknowledging that such shutdowns are "very upsetting when a great brand is forced to shut down." Her insights highlight that the struggles of Black founders extend far beyond the singular issue of financial capital, encompassing systemic barriers and an industry-wide misunderstanding of how to accurately measure their success and value.
Ross identifies "access to capital" as a crucial component for growth, a challenge disproportionately faced by Black entrepreneurs due to historical and ongoing inequities in investment and funding. However, she argues that the issue is more multifaceted. Black founders contribute "a lot of valuable insight" to the industry that often goes unrecognized or unquantified in traditional business metrics. She contends that current success measurement models need adjustment because they fail to capture the full scope of a Black-founded business's impact. For instance, while sales figures might appear lower compared to larger, more established brands, these businesses often bring in entirely new customer segments to retail partners. This broadening of a retailer's appeal and accessibility to a larger, more diverse customer base constitutes a significant benefit to the entire business ecosystem, even if it doesn't immediately translate into the highest "number value" in direct sales.
Ross emphasizes a crucial point that frequently escapes the mainstream narrative: "a Black-founded business doesn’t mean that the product that they make is just for Black customers." This statement directly challenges the pervasive misconception that brands created by and for people of color are niche, rather than universally appealing. She posits that the "full ecosystem benefits by having a diversity of founders of all kinds," advocating for a more inclusive and equitable beauty industry where innovation and cultural relevance are fully appreciated.
Her vision for a more supportive environment extends beyond mere financial investment. Ross calls for investors and partners to recognize that "supporting Black founders is more than just offering funds." It necessitates "fostering an environment of collaboration, respect, and open dialogue." This involves active guidance and genuine partnership in navigating the complexities and inherent pitfalls of the industry, especially one riddled with systemic barriers. For a brand starting with a diverse product line, the path to sustained growth is not straightforward, and the support system around the founder plays an indispensable role. Ross's impassioned commentary underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how the beauty industry, and indeed the broader business world, perceives, supports, and values Black entrepreneurship, ensuring that talent and vision are not stifled by a lack of understanding or equitable opportunity.
FAQ
Q1: What inspired Tracee Ellis Ross to launch a body care line after her successful hair care products? A1: Tracee Ellis Ross states that body care was always part of her vision for Pattern Beauty from its inception. She named the company "Pattern Beauty" rather than "Pattern Hair" precisely because she intended to expand beyond hair products. Her overarching philosophy is about helping individuals "be and inhabit your own skin," encompassing a holistic approach to self-care for "every body, shape, size, color, and texture." The body care line is a natural extension of this inclusive and comprehensive mission.
Q2: What products are included in the new Pattern Body care line? A2: The new Pattern Body care line, launched on August 21, includes a body wash, an exfoliating dry body scrub, a body lotion, a body cream, and a body oil. These products are designed to provide a complete and luxurious body care ritual.
Q3: How would you describe the scent profile of the Pattern Body line, and why was it chosen? A3: The scent for the Pattern Body line is described as light, airy, and featuring subtle floral notes. Tracee Ellis Ross specifically chose this profile because she values essential oils and desires a fragrance that feels "anchored in truth" and remains consistent over time, unlike many commercial perfumes. She also aimed for a "genderless, inviting, and delicious" scent that is universally appealing without being overpowering or gourmand. The goal was for it to be "elevated, sexy, inviting, and universal."
Q4: Does Tracee Ellis Ross wear perfume, especially on planes, and what are her thoughts on it? A4: Tracee Ellis Ross does not wear traditional perfume herself. She believes that people who "over-perfume and over-cologne are problematic" because they often become desensitized to their own scent, which can then overwhelm others. She is particularly conscious of this in enclosed spaces like airplanes and finds it "awful" to inadvertently carry someone else's strong fragrance. Her preference is for subtle, natural aromas from body care products rather than dominant perfumes.
Q5: What are Tracee Ellis Ross's essential carry-on body care items for travel? A5: For travel, Tracee Ellis Ross always carries her lotion and shower gel, as she finds hotel products to be stripping. Beyond these, her essential items include an exfoliating mitt, a gua sha, and a dry brush. She uses the dry brush for lymphatic drainage, which helps release water retention and invigorates her system, even performing it on the airplane. She also has an extensive in-flight routine that includes thigh-high compression socks, lymphatic drainage massage, face masks, and a portable atomizer.
Q6: What is Tracee Ellis Ross's detailed skin care routine before a pool day? A6: Tracee Ellis Ross has a meticulous pre-pool skin care routine. It begins with dry brushing, often done in the shower to minimize mess. She then uses her body scrub from "toes to neck" for thorough exfoliation. After scrubbing, she applies shower gel, shaves, and then uses shower gel one more time. While still in the shower, she applies body oil to open pores for maximum moisture absorption. Once out of the shower, she either air-dries or pats herself dry, then applies lotion, and finishes with a crucial layer of sunblock to protect her skin.
Q7: Why does Tracee Ellis Ross apply body oil before lotion in her routine? A7: Ross applies body oil while still in the shower, immediately after cleansing, and before lotion. She explains that her "pores are open after the shower and can really receive the moisture." This method maximizes the oil's absorption. Additionally, she is "very conscious of not getting oil on [her] clothes or bathing suit," making in-shower application a practical way to manage any potential residue before dressing.
Q8: What is Tracee Ellis Ross's philosophy on showing skin? A8: Her philosophy for showing skin is simple and empowering: "Scrub, hydrate, and love it." She aims for skin to "pop, glow, and look like an expression and reflection of your soul!" This emphasizes a holistic approach where healthy, well-cared-for skin becomes a radiant outward expression of inner confidence and well-being.
Q9: What is "crystal soup," and how does Tracee Ellis Ross incorporate it into her wind-down routine? A9: "Crystal soup" is Tracee Ellis Ross's personal term for a relaxing bath ritual where she places her crystals into the bathwater with her. This practice infuses her bath with the calming and energetic properties she associates with crystals, enhancing the bath experience as a means of winding down and achieving tranquility before bedtime. She saves her richer body cream for nighttime use, indicating a focus on deep hydration during rest.
Q10: What are Tracee Ellis Ross's thoughts on the challenges faced by Black-founded beauty businesses, such as the closing of Ami Colé? A10: Ross finds the closing of Black-founded brands like Ami Colé "very upsetting." She believes Black founders face unique challenges beyond just financial support, including a lack of recognition for their unique insights and the broader value they bring to the industry. She argues that traditional metrics of success often fail to account for how Black-founded businesses attract new customers and broaden market appeal for retailers. She emphasizes that Black-founded businesses are not solely for Black customers and that the entire beauty ecosystem benefits from diversity in founders. She calls for investors and partners to offer more than just funds, advocating for collaboration, respect, and open dialogue to help these businesses navigate systemic barriers and achieve sustainable growth.