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Between early AM property showings and unexpected Selling Sunset filming calls, I’ve mastered the art of the quick-but-polished makeup look. Trust me – when you’re about to show a $20M listing or Jason texts that Netflix crews are heading to the office, you need a foolproof routine that works every time!
My 5-Minute Philosophy
Here’s the thing about being on reality TV – you never know when cameras might show up. But I’ve learned that looking “camera-ready” doesn’t mean caking on products. It’s about strategic application of key pieces that make you look polished and professional, whether you’re filming confessionals or meeting high-end clients.
The Essential Kit:
Everything in my makeup bag has to earn its place. These are my ride-or-die products that deliver every time:
Base Products:
– Tinted moisturizer with SPF (essential for LA sun!)
– Concealer (the one product I’d never skip)
– Setting powder (keeps shine at bay under those bright lights)
– Cream bronzer (for that sun-kissed LA glow)
Eyes & Brows:
– Brow gel (frames your face instantly)
– Neutral eyeshadow stick (one-and-done eye look)
– Waterproof mascara (listing tours in the heat = must be melt-proof)
Finishing Touches:
– Cream blush (looks natural on camera)
– Setting spray (makes everything last through long filming days)
– Lip gloss (keep one in every purse!)
The 5-Minute Breakdown:
Timer on, let’s go…
Minute 1:
– Tinted moisturizer applied with fingers (I blend down onto neck)
– Quick concealer under eyes and around nose
– Tap concealer over any spots
Minute 2:
– Set T-zone with powder
– Quick swipe of cream bronzer along cheekbones
– Blend upward for subtle lift
Minute 3:
– Brush up brows and set with gel
– Swipe neutral shadow stick across lids
– Blend with finger
Minute 4:
– Curl lashes
– Apply mascara (wiggle at base for extra volume)
– Cream blush on apples of cheeks
Minute 5:
– Lip gloss
– Setting spray
– Quick hair check!
Real Estate Ready Tips:
– Keep a touch-up kit in your car
– Check makeup in natural light before showings
– Use cream products (they look more natural on camera)
– Always carry blotting papers
– Keep a neutral lip gloss in every blazer pocket
Camera-Ready Secrets:
– Powder only where needed (too much ages you on camera)
– Cream bronzer photographs more naturally than powder
– Curl lashes BEFORE mascara (holds better)
– Setting spray is non-negotiable in LA heat
– Keep makeup in your car organized (my ADHD hack!)
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
– Skipping SPF (the cameras pick up sun damage)
– Too much powder (ages you instantly)
– Wrong shade match (check in natural light!)
– Forgetting to blend down neck
– Heavy foundation (looks mask-like on camera)
Emergency Touch-Up Kit:
What’s always in my Birkin for filming days:
– Blotting papers [here’s my faves]
– Mini powder compact [here’s my pick]
– Lip gloss [this is my go-to]
– Cream concealer [I cannot live without this]
– Brow gel [the ultimate, in my opinion]
Location-Specific Tips:
For Property Tours:
– Keep everything waterproof
– Focus on long-wearing products
– Natural-looking coverage
For Confessionals:
– Extra attention to undereye area
– Slightly more dramatic eye
– Long-wearing lip color
For Office Scenes:
– Fresh, professional look
– Focus on skin prep
– Keep touch-ups minimal
Pro Tips from Years on Camera:
– Hydrated skin = better makeup application
– Cream products are more forgiving
– Less is more with powder
– Always check teeth for lipgloss
– Keep makeup organized for quick access
Three Levels of Glam:
Basic Client Meeting:
– Tinted moisturizer [here’s my fave]
– Concealer [this comes with me everywhere]
– Brow gel [helps me with those crazy strays]
– Mascara [this is the one I cannot live without]
– Lip gloss [my current go-to]
Full Office Day:
[Add to basic]:
– Bronzer [I need the glow for LA!]
– Blush [I have so many, but this one is ace]
– Eye shadow [I adore this palette right now]
– Setting spray [a quick spritz makes everything stay in place]
Filming Ready:
[Add to full office]:
– Extra attention to undereye
– More defined brows
– Additional powder in T-zone
– Longer-wearing lip color
Remember:
Whether you’re on camera or not, the goal is to look like yourself – just slightly enhanced. These products and techniques are about working smarter, not harder, and letting your natural beauty shine through.
