While Dancing With the Stars fan-favorite Jenna Johnson-Chmerkovskiy describes the days leading up to the much-anticipated finale as “crazy,” the 26-year-old professional dancer took time out of her busy practice schedule to chat with us on all things behind-the-scenes beauty from the show. (Spoiler alert: She’s a recent Drunk Elephant convert.) From the setting sprays that work to the cleanser that gets off that ‘caked-on’ makeup at the end of the night, here’s the products she says perform.
Serum Saviors: “My skin has to be healthy under that heavy, caked-on makeup. I do a few serums, I do some deep moisturizers, and I do some oils as well. Recently, I have fallen in love with Drunk Elephant—their serums have literally saved my skin. I use four of their products every Monday before the show.”
Glam Gold: “Thank goodness for the greatest glam team ever. I think they have mastered the element of stay-put hairdos and makeup. They’re really good. We start glam at 7:00 a.m., and we don’t go live until 5 pm., so everything has to stay put. They do a lot of setting powders, setting sprays, and they know foundation. Obviously, we have to do long-wear and mascaras and eyeliners need to be waterproof because you’re going to be sweating. And texture spray and texture powder really help hold the hair in place.”
Hair Stay: “We use a lot of UNITE on set—their texture powder is insanely great. I also use it on tour when I’m getting myself ready, just to give me some extra volume and around my bang area so they don’t fall into my face while I’m dancing and whipping my hair. I really love their products.”
Post It: “Aveeno Makeup Removing Wipes are the absolute best for taking off makeup after the show. I have four packs at all times in my house. My skin is pretty sensitive, so trying to scrape off makeup can be hard at times. These are so light, but not dry, and they don’t make your face feel tingly. I love, love, love. I’m a double-rinse kind of gal, so with my face cleansers, I usually do a double rinse.”
Play Book: “Growing up, no one ever taught me how to do my makeup. I have two sisters and my mom, but they’re more the ”natural makeup’ kind of girls. Everything I’ve learned glam-wise has been from seven years of watching my Dancing with the Stars artists. I never knew about contouring, I never knew about shaping your lips. They’ve introduced me to the greatest products like Giorgio Armani foundation and Kevyn Aucoin concealers—I love those. I’ve learned so many things from them—even simple things, like applying lashes.”
Container Store: “Our head makeup artist, Zena, is the founder of Z Palette. Through her, I’ve learned how to organize my eyeshadows, my blushes, and just have a more efficient way of traveling and storing my makeup.”
Zen Path: “I still get nervous before shows and I love doing some deep breathing before we go on. I’ve learned some great meditation tactics from my husband. He’s really good about becoming really zen before our shows; I like to lock my trailer, give myself five minutes by myself where I can breathe and focus and I always say a prayer. That’s my pre-show ritual. I have to do that to clear my mind and help myself feel grounded. And, never underestimate what lighting a great scented candle can do. It just gives you a bit of coziness.”
Soul Food: “I do love Epsom salt baths [after the show]. Also, I treat myself on show nights. Usually, every Monday night, I’m ordering a pizza. It just does the trick for my soul.”