Marsai Martin on Having That Bold Leo Energy, Finding Her Confidence, and Spreading Joy

There’s red carpet beauty, and then there’s Martin’s level of red carpet beauty. The actress always comes dressed to impress with her hair, makeup, and nails creatively done in a new head-turning manner. Even though she admitted nails are her favorite thing, she can’t pick just one favorite.

“I feel like they all work hand in hand,” she said. “I love the idea of makeup – I think that’s the best way to show creativity. Also hair, of course, is your crown, so I love to keep it maintained the way that I want it to be.”

Growing up in the spotlight isn’t easy, but Martin sure makes it look that way. It’s because at 16, she’s has the self-confidence and assurance of someone double her age. Her secret: “It all comes from within.”

As she’s gotten older, her confidence in herself has only grown and she chalks it up to taking care of her mental health and prioritizing self-care. “The more I grow up, the more I understand what my body needs and wants and it’s been way different from when I was younger,” said Martin.

Now, a big part of her confidence comes from her smile, but it wasn’t always that way. As a young teen, “I used to smile without my teeth,” she said. “That little uncomfortable, awkward smirk would always be my thing and, I don’t know if anyone noticed, but when I was younger, I used to turn a certain way just so if I did smile, it wasn’t the side where all my gaps are.” This was especially challenging as an actress because she constantly had cameras on her.

But that all changed when she got Invisalign. At first, she didn’t realize there was an alternative to traditional braces but once she learned more she was a mixture of excited and nervous to try them. “When I put my liners on for the first time, it just was kind of like a sense of relief because, not only did I feel really comfortable in them, but they made me feel really confident,” said Martin. “I’m always on camera so being confident in your smile is a big part.”

She doesn’t necessarily need them anymore but she admitted she still wears them before red carpets and events because they make her feel good. “They’re clear so they make your teeth look glossy and bold and big – that’s what I love.”

That’s not to say that Martin doesn’t have insecurities just like the rest of us. She just knows how to cope with them and go right back to feeling like a badass. “I have a mustache and it kind of gets me a little insecure,” she said. “Nair-ing it or even shaving it makes me really confident – getting it off.”

Given her line of work as an actor, Martin said she loves “bringing joy to other people’s faces” and partnering with Invisalign for its ChangeMarkers program was a perfect way to do more of that. “That’s what I do for a living and doing it in any sort of way that I’m comfortable with has always been the best thing for me,” said Martin.

Through the ChangeMarkers campaign, 100 youths between the ages of 13 to 19 making a positive impact in their communities will be given a $5,000 cash award to help further their world-changing efforts. “The power of a smile is limitless, as is the potential of these teens who are Invisalign ChangeMakers,” said Martin. “I cannot wait to see everybody’s faces.”