Outer Banks Star Carlacia Grant Shares Swimsuit Photo From Greece

1. Training For Cleo

Grant wanted to be as physically prepared as possible for the role of Cleo. “I immediately got a trainer, Max Solomon, and we worked a lot on strength training, cardio, and toning,” she says. “I wanted to make sure that physically Cleo looked strong. Honestly, I was pretty ready when it came to the physicality of the role, having had a trainer beforehand, but one thing I will say I did learn was that it is extremely hard to swim in the ocean fully clothed.”

2. Authentically Herself

Grant draws on her own life experiences to play Cleo. “Cleo inspires me because she is authentically herself no matter the situation she is put in,” she says. “She trusts her instincts, that’s a valuable tool to use as an actor. Cleo is very ambitious when it comes to things that she wants and that’s something that resonates with me… Many of Cleo’s mannerisms that you see in the show I get from my aunts and other family members. Although I wasn’t born in the Caribbean, growing up in South Florida, my family gave me as close as you can get to a firsthand experience of being on the islands. I drew parts of my inspiration from my Haitian/Bahamian godmother that taught me proper enunciation, slang words, and just corrected me overall. However, in a way, it feels like I’ve been preparing to be Cleo before I was even cast.”

3. Filming Workouts

Just filming the show gave Grant a decent workout. “The show is a lot of cardio: running, swimming, everything in between,” she says. “[The cast] would all pass each other in the gym and we’d do some workouts together. That helped with being able to deal with the demand of the show.”

4. Friends Forever

Grant says her Outer Banks co-stars will be friends for life. “We were constantly messing with each other, bothering each other, and doing fun stuff,” she says. “We would be playing basketball, skateboarding, biking, eating, napping—it’s kind of like summer camp where there’s all these different activities going on all the time… Being in Barbados was one the best experiences of my life. Netflix booked an entire hotel only for us, so we were really able to bond as people. It was kind of like boarding school, where we all lived together in this giant hotel; we had sleepovers and we would go to the pool and really bond with each other. We’ll take those memories with us for a lifetime.”

5. Self-Care Time

Grant relaxes by enjoying her favorite cuisines and relaxing at the spa. “I’m a total foodie!” she says. “I love going out for food, but sometimes I go to the movies. I like being near the water listening to a good audiobook or going to the spa.”

1. Low-Key Beauty

Bailey says her role on Outer Banks inspired a different approach to beauty. "I wear a lot less makeup than I did before the show," she says. "That definitely changed the way I view makeup. I'm more into a natural, glowy look versus a full face. It made me more comfortable in my own skin. I feel a lot more naturally beautiful than I ever have."

2. Dreaming of Cher

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Bailey is passionate about any female-driven storylines. “Honestly, my dream role would be if they remade Burlesque. Me and Cher, oh my God,” she says. “At the end of my career, I want the list of things I haven’t done to be very small. I like so many different movies myself. I am a watcher of many genres, whether it’s Burlesque or if they did a modern black-and-white spy movie…I hope people can watch one movie that I’m in and cry and watch one movie that I’m in and laugh and then be terrified — I want to tell all of the stories.”

3. Skincare Style

Bailey is a proud face of Fenty Beauty. “My skin is usually pretty in the middle—not too oily or too dry,” she says. “For the most part, my skin stays clear, but if I’m breaking out, it’s typically either from traveling or it’s that time of the month. I usually gotta up my skincare routine when I’m traveling and always make sure to bring a variety of products with me. In general, my skin priorities are having an even tone and keeping my skin hydrated. I feel like that’s the key.”

4. Social Media Star

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Bailey has a huge following on social media, which she says is a double-edged sword. “The best part is I feel like I can interact with people at any moment,” she says. “The other day I got on Live just to talk to people and let them get to know me more. I plan on being solely an actress and I feel like that’s my platform for people to get to know who I am in my private life. I don’t mind getting personal. I’m an open book 90 percent of the time. I’d say the worst part about the following is the other 10 percent of that time, when I want privacy. It brings me a lot of anxiety at random times.”

5. SPF Every Day

Bailey’s skincare regimen is simple yet effective. “My skincare routine has definitely evolved since I started getting into it—lots of trial and error,” she says. “I’d say one of my biggest mistakes was using harsh exfoliants and using them too often. Now, I use way gentler products overall. Another thing is that I, like a lot of other people, underestimated the importance of applying sunscreen daily. I do [apply it daily] now.”