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If you’re anything like me, and you’ve built your “For You” page brick by brick, then there are two things guaranteed to pop up: BookTok recs and Serena Kerrigan — the mega-influencer, actress, and writer based in New York City, who actually gives useful dating advice.
So when skincare giant Neutrogena needed someone to help create a few saucy stories to launch their new Collagen Bank 15% Vitamin C Serum, tapping Kerrigan was a match made in social media heaven (because that’s obviously a real place).
Titled “Bank Your Glow,” the campaign’s short stories pull inspiration straight from Kerrigan’s real-life adventures. The idea? To show that the glow from the serum feels a lot like the glow from… well, other NSFW activities. The result felt flirty, fresh, and unapologetically fun — much like Serena herself. And if you want proof, you can read the full story selection below.
Rolling Stone sat down with Serena to chat about the collab, her upcoming book and TV projects, and what really went down when she ran into Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at a restaurant (hint: there was a card game, an Uber, and an awkward goodbye). Read the full interview below.
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The product behind the campaign.
What made you want to partner with Neutrogena?
I’ve been a Neutrogena fan since I was a little girl. I’m a millennial, so I remember seeing all of their ads on TV, and it was simply iconic. So it feels so good to be able to work with them on this.
But specifically, when they asked me to write a steamy short story series to help launch their new Collagen Bank 15% Vitamin C Glow Serum, I felt even more excited, because I love integrating a product within storytelling. It’s like my favorite challenge as a creator. And as someone who has positioned herself to talk about dating and confidence and feeling great in your own skin, I love the idea that a good, steamy read gives you that flushed, “just had a moment glow.”
Throughout the process, did you learn anything new about Neutrogena?
They gave me the freedom to write these short stories, and they were so supportive of what I wanted to come up with. I didn’t feel confined. I had a chance to write two stories that felt close to home, but also were embellished to be a little more sexy and fun, and spontaneous for the reader. Introducing a product this way is so smart and innovative compared to what other brands are doing. And I think that’s just why Neutrogena is one of the most iconic brands of all time.
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Where did the inspiration for these short stories come from?
I’ve always been told to write what you know. Both of the stories definitely incorporate moments of my life, but I was also able to let myself fantasize a bit. One of them was inspired by a guy I met out — he was really hot and we had a steamy hookup. I ended up falling asleep there. I woke up in the middle of the night to get some water, and I thought I was exiting the bathroom, but I accidentally exited the apartment, and the door shut behind me. It’s one of the most iconic stories in my dating career, because I was not clothed, and was like, ‘What do I do?’
Obviously, the campaign is a little more fun, but I felt it was such a great rebrand of a story that happened in my life with a more iconic angle.
Did you see the guy after that…
Oh, I saw him for sure. He thought it was funny.
Serena Kerrigan x Neutrogena ‘Bank Your Glow’ Short Stories
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Read the official short stories here.
Switching to your series on Peacock, what was the creative process for filming and writing the show?
The series was just amazing. It was almost three years long in total, and I poured my heart into writing it, and I starred in it. We shot all episodes in a week. I’ve been wanting to make my own TV show since I was a little girl. So this was like a huge dream for me.
It solidified me and validated me as a writer, producer, and director. That’s why, when Neutrogena approached me to do these stories, I was like, fuck yeah. That’s what I really wanted — to be taken seriously as a creator.
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Speaking of writing, you have a book deal for 2026. Is that release year still accurate?
Fuck yeah, baby. We’re doing it Fall 2026, and you know why I picked Fall? Because during the Summer we’re having a hot girl plot Summer. We’re not dating during the Summer. We’re adventuring, vacationing, going to concerts, getting drunk, and being with your friends.
I think Fall is for when we date, and that’s why the book is called Let’s Fucking Date.
What can we expect from the book?
It’s different than other dating books. I’m not going to tell you how many times to text someone, or if you should change your hair. Maybe I’ll tell them to change your skincare routine to include the Neutrogena serum, but the premise of the book is really about the relationship with yourself.
Once you can master that and a couple of other things, I feel like you can enter dating in a different way. But moreover, it’s about making dating fun again. I was single for most of my 20s, so I know how frustrating it is. I think I’ve been on like 500 first dates in my life. I’m not even kidding. So I built a little brand around it, right? I truly believe that there’s someone for everyone, but it’s about how we enjoy and enter the experience.
I have to bring this up. There was an article in US Weekly that talked about an awkward interaction you had with Taylor Swift. What happened?
So listen. I went to the Eras Tour three times. I love her. And one day, I was at the same restaurant as her (and when I want something, I just go for it — you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take). But I knew this could be a risk. I had my boyfriend put my card game in an Uber and bring it to me.
I’m sitting at the bar (and I would never normally approach a celebrity at dinner), and she’s with Travis, Blake (Lively), and Ryan (Reynolds). I’m shitting myself. She’s my Roman Empire. I go up to her and say, “Hi, Taylor. I’m a huge fan. I think you would love my game.” She couldn’t take it, but was so gracious. When she walked away, I was mortified, because I’m like, ‘Oh my god, did I put her in a position where she had to say no?’
I kept the game, and I know I’m going to meet her again. I don’t regret doing it. Nonetheless, I interacted with Taylor Swift, and she knows who I am now.
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The card game that Taylor turned down (but she really shouldn’t have because it’s that good).
Did you learning anything from this experience?
In life, you just have to go for it. I want women to feel that they can go, take a risk, and put themselves out there. Do it for the plot and go after what you want.
