Leah McSweeney made a bit of a bang when she debuted on Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York City the first week of April, quickly becoming a fan favorite for her no-holds-barred attitude (and bucket hat). Currently, the 37-year-old fashion designer is quarantining with her daughter, sister and ex, spending her days creating her now-signature "anti-influencer" fitness videos and doing her best to "stick to a schedule"—with a little help from her dermatologist.
What have you been doing wellness-wise while you’re at home?
“I’m trying my best to stick to my normal skin-care routine, even though, sometimes, I feel lazy. At one point, I found myself not even washing my face until about 3 p.m. So, I called Dr. Rita [New York dermatologist Rita Linkner, MD] and had her give me a pep talk. I have been taking baths using Bathorium products, which I love. No facials right now, obviously, so instead of Christine Chin, I’m using Biore strips.”
What beauty treatments do you miss the most right now?
“I love Spring Street Derm. I miss Dr. Rita! My favorite treatment is the Vivace RF Microneedling. The results are amazing and there is zero downtime. It’s magical.”
Who will you visit first when the quarantine ends?
"Dr. Rita, of course. Then, I am going to the Jenna Perry Hair salon to see Ashley, who does my color, and Nylza, who does my cut. Jenna is an old friend and her salon has a great vibe—and they do an amazing job.”
Your “anti-influencer” fitness videos made the news. Why did you decide to start them and why do you think they’re so popular?
“People have been liking them, which is awesome. I think they like the banter between my sister, Sarah, and I—it makes it a little more interesting than just watching someone do sit-ups. I also had my ex, who I’m quarantined with, guest star and show his morning routine, while I bothered him about his dating life.
I think that, especially at a time like this, people are just over the fakeness. The ‘influencer’ thing has always irked me because it just seems so vapid. We know perfection doesn’t exist, but in a photo, you can pretend it does. People are over it.”
Any plans for more social media videos?
“I just made a TikTok, so I’ve been playing with that. I’ll definitely be posting more anti-influencer workouts as well.”
You made your reality TV debut at a unique time; what has surprised you the most about everything?
“The most surprising thing so far is how much of a ruckus the mesh bucket hat I wore in Episode 2 made. But the great thing is that the designer, an amazing Swedish designer named Ida Klamborn, sold out of all the hats after the show aired. I was super happy about that.”
