Circle Theatre | Director of Creative and Audience Development
What are your top five beauty tips?
1. QUICK HAIR. The messy bun and top-knot are my friend. Know your quick go-to 'do.
2. KNOW HOW AND WHEN TO GET THE BEST DEALS. Follow annual sales like Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty; schedule time to pop in or order online to save 50 percent.
3. TRAVEL. I'll visit Sephora and ask if they'll make me a fragrance sample and I save small gift-with-purchase items for my carry-on.
4. MIX PRODUCTS. Mixing and matching brands to my own liking gives me more flexibility and freedom.
5. HAVE BACKUP. I keep a mini makeup set at my desk and always have a back-up shirt handy. Knowing that I'm prepared for anything helps me take on the day.
What beauty essentials are always in your bag?
- Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper. I'm a fan of retro winged eyes, and this is the best.
- Old Whaling Co. Body Butter. It's made in the USA and you can buy it locally at Rebel. My favorite scent is Oatmeal Milk & Honey.
- Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer. I use it as a concealer, a highlight when I'm contouring and as my eyeshadow base.
- MAC Prep + Prime Fixe Plus. My favorite feature of this priming and finishing spray: I spray it on my eyeshadow brush before using a shimmery or metallic eyeshadow. It gives a high-pigment foil effect that I love.
- Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita. It's easy to apply and long-wearing, and the matte color is described as a "chestnut rose." There's a reason this is a cult classic.
What makeup do you splurge on? I splurge on it all!
What's your favorite feature about yourself? My hair! I've never dyed it. This is 100 percent me.
When do you feel the most beautiful? If I'm laughing or singing, that equates joy—and that defines beauty.
What is the key to your personal beauty? I'm learning to embrace that everything is going to change as I age. The wrinkles around my eyes are from 40 years of laughter; my "expressive forehead lines" are from playing countless characters on stage. My face and body, ever evolving, tell so many stories—including my own.
Edited by Amy L Charles, Editorial Director for West Michigan Woman.
