Newscasters are arguably the most talked-about people today. Although they’ve continued their daily debuts on the small screen, breaking down the ins and outs of our current events, they’ve admittedly gone through some pretty big changes as a result of lockdown, too.
Here, Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist for ABC News, and Robin Meade, lead news anchor for HLN’s Morning Express, talk us through what they’ve learned about themselves—and their beauty routines—as a result of COVID-19.
Out With the Old
Some have taken on a new hobby or tried a new recipe, but Zee says she’s making friends with her hair again. “I have learned to embrace the natural wave in my hair,” she tells us, noting that she never felt confident wearing her hair natural for television before stay-at-home. “The home studio gets super hot and for environmental reasons I don’t love overusing AC—one day I just let the natural curls fly and it was a hit! This has taught me confidence,” she says.
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Meade has also admitted to learning something new in the beauty realm: “I’m handling my own hair and makeup and for continuity sake, I’m using the same products the pros used to use on me—even the same air compressor for the airbrush foundation.”
Promising Products
Just like all of us, both Zee and Meade swear by the products that simply get it done. “If you don’t have an air compressor, I’ve learned you can get a similar airbrushed effect at home with the Dior Airflash Spray Foundation ($62). It comes in a little can—all you have to do is spray and you’re done,” says Meade.
Another must-have item she can’t hit the screen without? Becca’s Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector ($39). “If I didn’t use this, you’d see my reflection from a mile away. Our show is four hours long every morning, so without this gem of a primer, I’d be up a creek.” Two other winners are Laura Mercier’s Secret Brightening Powder For Under Eyes ($28) and Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil ($40) for a frizz-free blowout.
Zee has been mixing and matching for the perfect screen-worthy looks. “I start with a skin primer so the foundation goes on smoother. Then, I mix three different concealers—cream, liquid and potted—for a highlight blend that attempts to cover up my lack of sleep! Many of my products are sustainably made, organic and neither harmful to the environment or to me, which is an important goal for my skin care and makeup.”
Zoom Tips and Tricks
Looking presentable on Zoom is almost unthinkable these days, but Meade has a few tricks up her sleeve for pulling off the best possible appearance. “Zoom has a secret ‘Improve My Appearance’ button. Google it and use it. It’s not dramatic like the filters you see on Snapchat or Instagram but it might be helpful if you’re not looking your best.”
She also notes that the higher the camera, the better you’ll look. “Take it from the longest running anchor of a national morning news show who’s been in this seat for 19 years: You look better if the camera is at eye level or above. Same with your Zoom calls—the higher the camera, the more awake you look!”
For Zee, the makeup comes off when the camera comes off. “I usually have some sort of eye makeup on throughout the day but when it’s time for a workout, it comes off. Then, I’ll put more on after I’m done exercising to shoot ABC News Live or World News Tonight items later in the day.” What goes on behind the scenes, stays behind the scenes!
