Chlöe Bailey Shares Her On-the-Go Beauty and Fashion Staples

When I last spoke to Chlöe Bailey, she was 23 years old. At that time, she and her younger sister, Halle, were still navigating the entertainment industry as Grammy-nominated musical duo Chloe x Halle. Over the last three years, the uber-talented sisters have focused their attention on solo pursuits, with Chlöe continuing to showcase her next-level vocal prowess and acting skills in new ways. 

Now 26 years old, the Georgia native’s list of individual achievements grows daily. In 2023, Chlöe released her debut album, In Pieces, and embarked on a 25-date tour across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. She also expanded her filmography credits, starring in Donald Glover’s Amazon Prime series Swarm and Peacock’s Praise This. 

This year, the multihyphenate powerhouse is focused on taking her career to even greater heights. Her last few months have been full of whirlwind moments—like taking the stage at Coachella, performing during Usher’s tribute celebration at the BET Awards, and releasing her sophomore album, Trouble in Paradise. 

Among all her musical and on-screen accomplishments, Chlöe is also no stranger to fronting beauty and fashion campaigns, working with the likes of Neutrogena and Pandora in the past. Most recently, she signed on to serve as the face of Yitty’s Nearly Naked campaign, a partnership she’s incredibly passionate about as a curvy Black woman. “[Yitty embodies] everything that I stand for—celebrating every body and loving every inch of who you are,” Chlöe said in her announcement post on Instagram. 

Ahead, Chlöe opens up more about working with Yitty, her confidence journey, and her beauty and fashion must-haves.

You are the face of the latest Nearly Naked shapewear campaign. What made this Yitty partnership feel like a perfect fit?

“I am a huge believer in enhancing what you already have, and I love to wear shapewear. When I was on stage for my In Pieces tour last year, I always wore my Yitty Nearly Naked Shapewear High Waist Thong. It would snatch my body and lift my butt, even under a bodysuit. So, when this partnership came about, I was really happy. I was at a Vanity Fair party and got to talk to Lizzo. She told me she’d love for me to join this campaign, and it all came to fruition.”

Yitty is all about inspiring inner and outer confidence. What has helped you cultivate confidence as you’ve navigated being in the industry since childhood?

“To be honest, it is a day-by-day journey. Some days, you feel confident, and some days, you feel gross. But it’s about loving yourself, no matter what. On the days when my hair looks a mess and I feel bloated, I am still grateful for my body. We often take the little things for granted because we get so caught up in our world and what others might think of us. I am trying to grow and appreciate the things I tend to complain about or nitpick on.”

Surrounding ourselves with powerful, inspiring people is crucial for developing confidence. Who has given you the best advice about confidence?

“Even though she’s my little sister, seeing how Halle juggles motherhood, work, and her personal life is beautiful and empowering. I couldn’t be more proud of her. I also say that I would not be where I am and would not be able to seem strong to the outside world without my godmother. Yes, she’s my manager, but I also trust and love her. She always says, ‘Use the stones thrown at you to build your bridge.’ That’s one great piece of advice she’s shared with me.”

Let’s talk about your fashion essentials. As someone constantly on the go, what pieces do you always pack?

“Yitty’s High Waist Thong is my ultimate favorite. I love the Nearly Naked Shapewear Thong Bodysuit in Moody B*itch Taupe and Convertible Sculpting Shapewear Dress.”

What are your makeup and skincare must-haves while traveling?

“My staples are a light brown lip liner and gloss. I also have to have lash extensions. I’m always on the go and only really wear makeup if I’m doing press. My lash extensions give my eyes a nice lift. I think I finally got the right length for my eyes as well. I’m such a diva girl, but I had to dial the extensions back a bit. Sunscreen is another daily essential. I use a face moisturizer with SPF 30 every morning so I don’t get hyperpigmentation.”

What’s one beauty tip you swear by?

“I work with different makeup artists and always tell them to put my brows a little closer together. When they’re further apart, my eyes look further apart. I also ask them to do some cheek contouring because I have baby cheeks. Contouring makes me look more chiseled and closer to my age.”

Your new album, Trouble in Paradise, just dropped. How does this project compare to In Pieces?

“Trouble in Paradise holds a special place in my heart. I was literally writing away my troubles in paradise. I created 90% of this record in St. Lucia. I found my love for that country when I went to Carnival for the first time last year. I’ve been back so many times since. I’ve been there more than I’ve been home in Los Angeles. I found peace and freedom there. With what I do as a career, you can get sucked into this world and feel like that’s all that life is about. But I’m able to check out now and center myself. In Pieces was my emo sad-girl body of work. With Trouble in Paradise, I still have things going on, but I’m more carefree and happier. You can hear it in the sonics and production.”

What are you most proud of when you reflect on the last 12 months as a human being and solo artist?

“This year has been very difficult, to say the least. But I’m proud of myself for taking everything in stride and having a positive outlook. Chlöe from a couple of years ago would have broken down, but by building myself back up from past situations, I’ve built the strength to overcome the many challenges I had.”

What does self-care look like for you during this busy season?

“I hop on a flight to St. Lucia, swim in the ocean, and bask in the sun. It reminds me that the problems that I think are astronomical aren’t. I also love to play with my nephew Halo. Seeing his face light up when I enter the room makes me feel like the most loved person in the world. It’s like he sees no flaws within me.”