Fashion/Beauty Tips I Recently Learned on Set

Catch me on ABC’s “High Potential" tonight!

Between the pandemic, the WGA/SAG/AFTRA Strike, and the general shitty state of the industry, it's been so long since I’ve worked a TV acting job on an actual studio lot. The last job was Grey’s Anatomy, which was back in 2022, so it’s been a few years.

Tonight I’ll be on ABC’s new series “High Potential!” It’s episode 6 of Season 1, titled “Hangover.” If you miss it, you can still stream it whenever on Hulu.

I couldn’t remember a bunch of basic #actorlife things, like bringing my ID for security (luckily it was on my digital wallet) and scheduling in extra time to figure out how to get from the parking lot to set. I forgot how much you need to walk around (I got lost on the FOX lot and had to ask a random dude from another production on a golf cart to help so I wouldn’t be late).

This is the DÔEN Catania dress (available on resale sites like Poshmark and Mercari) and it is VERY comfy.

Other insider tips — bring an iPad or a book light to read because it can get very dark backstage, and there is always time to kill. Bring flip flops or slippers that are easy to slip on/off because these cute shoes aren’t comfy to walk to craft services/the bathroom in and you want to be able to quickly change once you get to set.

I always pick up really great, practical fashion/beauty/makeup tips whenever I’m on set, because I’m working with the best of the best! Here are some general tips I learned this time around.

1. Use Color Wow Raise The Root Thicken & Lift Spray Root Volume Spray on the top part of hair — dry and set with velcro rollers while makeup gets done. The result is some lovely lift at the crown that lasts all day. Below is an at-home example — I tried it on day-4 dirty hair instead of my usual dry shampoo, and loved the results.

   

   Vintage Lands End Polo over my favorite $20 Amazon thermals pj’s, Dieux forever eye patches - I swear by them for undereye circles

2. Pack of $5 hair clips — these not only keep the velcro rollers in place, but I’ve been using them to keep hair off my face before washing/skincare. And I also just love the way they look in general.

3. I’ve used the Tancho stick since I was introduced to it from a Japanese hair stylist on the movie White on Rice (2009). Tancho is a little TOO sticky and smelly sometimes, and the R+Co DART Pomade Stick did a similar job of keeping my flyaways at bay without those two issues.

4. Charlotte Tilsbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Lip Balm in Enchanting Kiss — this just felt so good and looked so natural. I’ve been searching for the perfect tinted lip balm since last November and this comes pretty close.

5. Charlotte Tilsbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray — I never use setting spray in my every day life but maybe I should, since my makeup (especially my blush and concealer) usually disappears. My makeup artist barely needed to do skin touch-ups, even after a full day.

6. Speaking of flawless-looking skin, I usually just slather my makeup absolutely everywhere, but took note of using the tiniest dabs of concealer and foundation only where needed. Same goes with powder — just the under eyes and parts of the forehead. Makes such a difference to make skin look natural and not “made up.”

   

7. Shieseido Eyelash Curler — It’s not until I use other brands of eyelash curlers that I realize the one I have at home is truly the best for my lashes.

8. Natori Feathers Bra — It’s hard for me to stray from Neiwai bras (which truly feel like nothing) but this is a REALLY comfy underwire/padded bra. I wound up buying several for when I want to feel more put-together.

9. Double-Sided Tape — I usually like the look of bra straps peeking out (because I grew up with Madonna) but it’s very distracting on camera. Toupee tape has always worked well for hiding them, but it’s also great for fixing gaping areas on shirts between buttons.

10. I tried on many high-end designer shoes — from Jimmy Choo to Salvatore Ferragamo — for this look. Almost everything hurt except for these Camellia Knotted Sandals by Loeffler Randall (BTW founder

    jessie randall
    has a great Substack called
    Jessie Loves
    ). Wear these band-aids to prevent blisters.

One last green silk dress by Alexis available here! Also, this look/scene got cut from the show.

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