Karen Obilom’s Holiday Rules

Karen Obilom is a Nigerian-American actress, producer, and director taking Hollywood by storm. Born and raised in Round Rock, Texas alongside her two brothers and three sisters, Karen caught the acting bug from a young age. After high school, Karen moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment world, where her hard work is paying off. She will be the female lead in the HBO Max/ Newline Cinema reboot of House Party, currently stars as Roni Evers in DC Universe’s Doom Patrol, and starred in the Alicia Keys produced Netflix film Resort To Love. When she’s not acting, Karen can be found writing, producing, directing, focusing on living a healthy lifestyle, and supporting the #BlackLivesMatter and #BlackGirlMagic movements. Is there anything she can’t do?

With her many roles and busy schedule, Karen is constantly traveling and recognizes the importance of prioritizing her physical and mental health amidst hectic times. Karen sat down with Retreat to tell us more about her travel essential tips and tricks and vacation favorites!

Your favourite vacation destination?

My favorite destination is far! But gorgeous 🙂 What is a vacation if not spending some grueling hours traveling to get there! The destination is an island called Mauritius. It’s in East East East Africa. East of Madagascar. I was there for work, but it felt like a vacation. 10/10 would recommend.

Most-loved hotel?

I loved the resort I stayed in while in Mauritius. If you didn’t know, my life’s work is to tell people about this island, lol. The resort is called Constance Prince Maurice; it’s right on the beach. They have incredible food and amazing employees. The rooms we stayed in had a personal pool and a direct path to the beach!

Your vacation style?

Usually, my vacation style is trying to decompress while doing touristy stuff. But these days, I really try to immerse myself in the culture of the place I’m visiting. I’ve always had a dream of staying in different places for solid lengths of time, whether it’s a foreign country or a small town in middle America. I’m just curious about the lives of others and how truly different we can be. Your surroundings influence the way you see the world, and I think understanding that will help me be an even more empathetic human.

Your beach read?

My beach read would be whatever I’m reading at the moment. And funny enough, my current book would be the perfect beach read. I’m currently reading a book called “Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind, and Spirit” by Queen Afua.

3 packing essentials?

A comfortable pair of sandals and tennis shoes, my skincare routine, and my iPad.

Your packing advice?

I say pack light. You do NOT need an outfit for every day. I learned that when I was in between moving. I’m like, wow! I don’t need to pack a ballgown, just in case?!?

The one beauty product you can’t live without?

Can I say my entire skincare routine? I can’t choose one. It’s like picking your favorite child. They’re all equally important.

What beauty trend will you be rocking this season?

Well, since I wear a mask a little more than before, I’m definitely focusing more on my eyes these days. I love a good lash with eyeliner. And a bit of gold/shimmer in the inner corner, that’s a signature, I’d say. And let’s also make this “Inclusivity trend” a permanent thing. Keep buying black! Keep buying POC-owned brands! Woop!

How would you define your style?

What a question! My style can go many places, depending on where I’m going. In my day-to-day, I would say I’m bohemian mixed with the girl next door style. I like to be casual with a hint of sexy. I always have some skin showing… because why not? But when I’m going out, I’ll either be comfy sexy or structured sexy. I hope that makes sense, lol. But I love unique pieces. Cultural pieces from Nigeria, custom pieces, etc. A timeless look.

This season’s 3 wardrobe musts?

I’m getting more into timeless/chic jackets. I just purchased this incredible leather jacket with leather pants from Alice and Olivia. I also just got a nice trench coat from Depop (Incorporating second-hand into your wardrobe is better for the environment, friends!) And a handpainted jacket from the Melrose Farmers Market. Another thing I love for fall is turtle necks. They cover you up, yet they’re tres sexy. The last thing is boots. I’m a boot gal, and I will ALWAYS be a boot gal. They make me feel powerful. Especially a chic combat boot.

What’s swimwear trend is a must this season?

I love a simple two-piece. And if in Miami I love a simple thong two-piece, ya know what I mean. And am I trippin’, or are one-pieces making a comeback? I love that for us 🙂

Featured Image Photographer: Alex Harper

Karen’s Instagram: @karenobilom