Gabrielle Union is a busy lady. She starred in two movies and the BET drama "Being Mary Jane" this year, and continued her work as a Neutrogena spokesperson -- all while prepping for her wedding day with NBA basketball player Dwyane Wade this past August.

Naturally, when we had the chance to chat with Union, we were more than excited to learn a beauty secret or two. (I mean, the girl hasn't aged since her "Bring It On" days.) Plus, we needed to know where the stylish star gets her fashion inspiration -- and it turns out she gushes over the same celebs we do.

Read all about Gabrielle Union's beauty essentials and the comfy wardrobe staples she'll never wear on the red carpet (or throw out -- sorry, Dwyane).



1) TB: Describe your personal style in 10 words or less.

GU: Casual, mildly chic, comfort-driven and sporty.

2) TB:Who are your fashion icons?

GU: Well, it changes daily based on Instagram, but definitely Nicole Richie, and Rihanna because she does what she wants and doesn't care about following the [fashion] rules … and Beyoncé, of course. And, oh my gosh, Olivia Palermo. How can I forget her? She is just always amazing.

3) TB:What is the oldest piece of clothing you own and refuse to throw away?

GU: Probably a pair of boxer shorts I've had since 1991 that say "born to be wild" on them. And also, a pair of oversized jean shorts I've had for a few years, because the cut-off jean shorts are making a comeback. I'm not getting rid of either of those, even though Dwyane probably wishes I would.

4) TB: What's currently in your makeup bag?

GU: You know, when I'm not working, I don't wear much. I'm all about clear, clean skin. But I always have a volumizing mascara in the darkest black, a tinted lip balm and Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid Sunscreen with the SPF 50.

5) TB: You work closely with Neutrogena on their sunscreen initiative; have you always been big on using sunscreen?

GU: No, not at all. I was ignorant about the dangers of sun exposure until a mole on my cheek changed shape and I had it looked at [by a dermatologist]. It turned out to be nothing, but I started educating all of my family and friends about wearing sunscreen.

I grew up [without it] and all of my friends -- unless their mom slapped sunscreen on them before we went outside or went to the beach -- we weren't wearing it. Actually, a lot of people then were slathering on oils to get that burnt-piece-of-bacon look , and thought, "Oh, I'm so beautiful."