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Nazanin Mandi has a huge year ahead of her – probably one of the most memorable years of her life. The California native, who started her modeling career at age 10, has been working tirelessly on building a name for herself in Hollywood. “I’m really excited to finally share my talent with the world,” she revealed.

Nazanin is up bright and early every day working on her craft: “My trainer comes to my house in the morning for our daily workouts, then it’s off to the studio and acting classes,” she said. Dedicated is the perfect word to describe Nazanin’s current state-of-mind.

Aside from watching her career blossom, fans will also be waiting to see the singer and actress marry her superstar boyfriend of more than 10 years, Miguel, later this year.

I chatted with Nazanin about her skincare routine, makeup tips, how she keeps her curls effortlessly flawless, and of course, her upcoming nuptials to Miguel.

Your skin is always glowing. How do you maintain that throughout the year?

I’m so big on hydration. I drink so much water throughout the day. I know that makes a huge difference in my skin. As far as products, I love to go to Burke Williams, that’s where I get my facials. They have this line called H2V. I use their face wash, serums, anti-aging creams, it keeps my skin so healthy.

Are these products incorporated into your night-time routine?

A combination of these products are my night-time routine. During the day, before I put any makeup on, I use Cetaphil as my lotion. It has SPF, plus it’s so gentle and inexpensive.

Do you normally apply your own makeup?

To be honest, if I’m not getting it professionally done, I won’t put any makeup on. I’ll put tinted moisturizer on and curl my lashes during the day.

If you only had a few minutes to get ready, is tinted moisturizer usually your only go-to?

Yeah, pretty much. Maybe some concealer and chapstick for my lips. That’s my go-to during the day. I’m usually working out, heading to my acting classes or voice lessons, I don’t really have time to do a full-face beat down. That’s also not really me during the day.

What is the best tip a makeup artist has ever given you?

I’ve learned so many tips by just watching. One of the things I do to get a good foundation application is, I wash my beauty blender before I use it and leave it a little damp while I blend in my foundation. It leaves a nice dewy finish.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BB1T6ylvTgp/?taken-by=nazaninmandi

You recently attended the Grammys with Miguel. Walk us through what it’s like preparing for the awards.

I work out every day, but two weeks before the Grammys I went to this place called The Shape House, where they put you in a sleeping bag that’s heated and you lay in it for an hour. You can watch Netflix while you sweat out toxins and you can lose so much weight. It brightens your skin as well, it’s just an amazing place. The morning of the Grammys is really hectic.

I can only imagine. What usually takes the longest – hair or makeup?  

Makeup definitely takes the longest, but it also depends on hair. If I don’t leave my hair naturally curly, then that might take longer than makeup. It really just depends on what look we’re going for.

How do you usually style your curly hair?

I wash it, let it dry naturally, and I use a lot of Carol’s Daughter products. They have this split ends mist that I love. It’s really amazing.

You’re in phenomenal shape. Can you break down your fitness and eating habits? 

I work out five days a week with my trainer. I start off with minimal cardio, but we mostly do weight training to maintain my weight and tone. I do this meal plan called ‘My Fit Foods.’ It allows you to pick your calorie count per meal. I try to stay under 1,400 calories a day.

The meals are quick and delicious. I stick to this throughout the week, but I do have my cheat days. I don’t deprive myself; you know, life is all about trying new things. If I’m out and my fiancé says, “Hey, you want to get some ice cream?” I’m going to go for the ice cream; it’s all about balance and moderation.

I also wanted to congratulate you on your engagement. Your ring is absolutely beautiful! Do you and Miguel have a wedding date planned yet?

Thank you so much! Yes, we chose to get married on a Sunday. It feels so real now because we actually have an official date. We’re just both really excited.

Can you share with us how Miguel popped the question?

Every year around Christmas and New Year’s we take a family trip, but this year it was just him and I. The morning of NYE I slept in, because I actually got sick the day before and ended up in the emergency room.

By the time we got back to the hotel, it was 3AM. When I finally woke up, I noticed the ring was on my finger! I turned around crying and he was on the floor on one knee asking me to marry him. It was perfect because I didn’t want a production. I wanted it to be real and raw, and he gave me exactly that.

It kind of reminds me of how you revealed you two were engaged, with a simple selfie.

Exactly. We didn’t want to make a huge statement. It doesn’t always have to be that way.

I know you’re working on exciting projects. What can the world expect next from Nazanin?

I’m so focused on my career right now, acting and honing in on my music. I’ve been in the studio; we’re in the process of wrapping everything up and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!

PHOTO CREDIT: Nazanin Mandi, Instagram