Sinclair Daniel on the Toner That Makes a ‘Huge Difference’
Fresh off Peacock’s spy thriller The Copenhagen Test, Sinclair Daniel is stepping into a standout year. Starring opposite Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera, Daniel plays Parker, the brilliant, tightly wound architect operating behind the scenes of a high-stakes psychological experiment. As the unseen force scripting the Truman Show–like reality of Liu’s character, Parker predicts his every move with unnerving precision—NASA mission control to his astronaut, the person who knows him most intimately, without him ever knowing she exists. The role marks another bold turn for Daniel, who is steadily cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most compelling new faces.
What was it about The Copenhagen Test that made you say yes to the role?
“I’d never worked in this genre before, so that was immediately exciting to me. I mean, who hasn’t dreamed of working for a covert spy agency? I thought Parker was such a creative addition to a world like this. It’s always fun to play the new kid, especially when the stakes are high, and every task feels like a new puzzle to crack. From the start, I knew that playing Parker would challenge me in new ways—that’s always something I look for in a role.”
How much of your character’s confidence comes naturally to you?
“I think our levels of confidence are pretty well aligned. I, like Parker, have moments of profound self-doubt. Imposter syndrome creeps in often, and it can be difficult to silence that voice in my head. On the other hand, we both know that the only way past something is through it, head-on. Knowing that sometimes you have to keep going even when you feel like you’re failing. I also like to think I’m a practical problem solver like Parker. When things aren’t going according to plan, throw a short, sweet pity party, then start working the problem.”
What was the most challenging part of filming the series?
“Parker spends a lot of time on her own, thinking. Shooting so many scenes without a scene partner was a new experience for me, but I also enjoyed being my own scene partner sometimes. I was discovering things about myself and how I work. It was a very supportive set, and ended up being an invaluable learning opportunity.”
What’s one skin-care step you never skip, no matter how busy or tired you are?
“I’ve become very dependent on my toner. I use the PIGM 400 lotion from Biologique Recherche. It leaves me feeling bright and refreshed. That extra little boost of glow makes a huge difference in my day!”
How has your relationship with beauty changed since entering the industry?
“On one of my first big jobs, I had a makeup artist tell me that the key to great makeup is great skin. I’ve really carried that with me. In this business, you can sometimes be in makeup for up to 14 hours or more. If you aren’t taking good care of your skin, the job’s intensity will show. Quality art deserves a quality canvas.”
How do you prioritize self-care when your schedule is packed?
“I always make time for skin care, no matter how long the day has been. I actually enjoy doing my skin care. It feels like a little treat that I get to give myself each day! A few years ago, I went on a six-week road trip where I was basically spending every night in a tent, car or motel room. You better believe I still found a way to fit my skin care in! It might sound a little ridiculous, but when life gets hectic, that’s when I need it the most. It’s become a small ritual that reminds me to slow down and take care of myself.”
What kinds of roles and stories are you excited to explore next?
“There are so many! There’s literally an endless amount of stories to tell. I want to play more curious women, more brave women, more weak women, more strong women. More women who ask questions that everyone else is too afraid to ask. I know that there are characters who will leave me speechless who haven’t even been conceived of yet. I’m excited to meet them all one day.”