What lovely beauty is known as Fangtasia employee, Ginger? Yes, Tara Buck from True Blood! However, Tara is not only known for playing a barmaid on HBO’s True Blood, but also for the many other appearances she’s made in her acting career.

Hailing from the US, Tara Buck’s first professional acting job was on the hit television show, Party of Five. Tara’s theatre roles have included A Gift from Heaven (2005), for which she was nominated for an Ovation Award, Marisa Megrzyn’s West Coast Premiere, Ten Cent Night (2009), and the leading role in the Pulitzer Prize winning play, How I Learned to Drive (2010). She was Rhea Reynolds in the series, Nip/Tuck before appearing on True Blood.

Tara has also appeared in commercials, and a slew of guest star appearances on the television shows: Navy NCIS, JAG, Strong Medicine, Without a Trace, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The X-Files, The Shield, The Closer, Cold Case, Justified, Southland and Bones.

The indie films: 2ND Take, Boot Tracks, and K-11, will all be appearing in film festivals this year.

Somehow, Tara found time to launch her website in October 2011: http://www.tarabuck.com.

(Click on all of Tara’s photos to enlarge) 

How was I able to con convince Tara to graciously agree to this interview? After readings tweets between Younglood Mineral Cosmetics and Tara that she had done a photoshoot for the company, I contacted her.

Here’s what Tara says about Youngblood Cosmetics:

I love cosmetics, skin care, makeup etc., but I also love animals. When I realized that a majority of the products that I was rubbing all over my face on a daily basis were from companies that perform cruel tests on animals I felt sick. Even before researching what exactly happens in that testing I could guess it wasn’t, “does this cream make that bunnies feet really soft, or it’s hair shiny?” No. I was immediately thinking about sensitive eyes and what happens when specific ingredients are ingested. Common sense right? Cruel testing on animals feels terrible no matter what, but for human vanity? That’s really disgusting.      

There are a growing number of really great companies that are ethically conscious. Youngblood is my personal favorite. I love the way it looks on my face and feels in my heart. Perfect!  

Tara, what are your top three favorite Youngblood Cosmetic products?

Mineral Radiance Moisture Tint is the one product I wear almost every day. I love the brow kit (the two shades and the brow wax are a welcome solution for someone who’s naturally light brows almost appear invisible without assistance) and Tangelo Lipstick is my new favorite. That gorgeous coral orange color is so feminine. It’s perfect for summer but I live in California so I’m starting to wear it now. I might need a second tube by the time summer officially arrives.

(I was able to review the Tangelo Lipstick, and I love it, too. It arrives in stores on March 1, 2012). 

Did you go to a performing arts high school?

I actually went to a public high school and had a pretty traditional experience.  I was a cheerleader, senior class vice president, etc. but I knew early in life that I wanted to be an actress, so after graduating high school in Idaho, I moved to Los Angeles where I attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Ever have second thoughts about your chosen career?

Yes, many times! I had a few today. There have been a million mini heart breaks along the journey but I’ve learned that’s just part of the job description. I also think it’s part of life. The victories are pretty sweet too so I’ve learned to celebrate them like crazy! I feel blessed with work right now and over all I’m thrilled to be where I am, doing what I love to do.

Tara, like a lot of actors/actresses, did you have a job as a waitress or barmaid?

Both, yes. And I’ve got serious skills! The people I’ve met in and around the restaurant/bar world will give me acting material for the rest of my life.   

How do you maintain such flawless skin after having to wear all that stage/television makeup?

I’m pretty simple with my skin care. I wash my face with Cetaphil, exfoliate a few times a week and then drink a ton of water. I always wear sunscreen now, but when I was younger I was terrible about it. When I have a choice, I only wear Youngblood primers, foundations, powders, blush. I just find that my skin is a lot happier.   

Other beauty tips/secrets?

I love fake eyelashes. Does that count?

Definitely!

How do you stay in such great shape?

I really enjoy being outside. I love to hike, ride my bike, go running. Recently I started lifting weights as well. It’s incredibly boring but I can tell I’m getting stronger. That feels like a real accomplishment. 

Fashion style on weekends?

Usually simple draped blouses, a good pair of jeans and flip flops. Someone just gave me a pair of Level 99 turquoise jeans. I keep finding reasons to wear them again and again. I love when that happens.

Favorite charities?

The Amanda Foundation

Website:  http://www.amandafoundation.org   

It’s a “no kill” shelter for cats and dogs in LA. This amazing organization is dedicated to keeping orphaned animals safe while they wait for a new adoptive family.     

Fans know that you do a lot of screaming on the set of True Blood; when did you scream for real recently?

I was gardening and I discovered a dead critter. It really caught me off guard. My fiancé came running out of the house at the same time my neighbor rushed over. Hysterical! Contrary to what people probably think I don’t usually vocalize my fear. That’s sort of a true blood exclusive.   

Check out Tara’s Website:

Website   

Disclosure: I have nothing to disclose. While I love their products,Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics was not involved with writing of this interview. All links are for your convenience only!

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