Since beginning her time on The Real Housewives of New York last year, Brynn Whitfield has proven her flair for fashion and beauty. Not one to shy away from creativity, self-expressionism and a little oversharing, the fan-favorite also tells us she hates to “gate-keep” her favorite beauty secrets and spots—unless it means a waitlist for her favorite manicure.
I don’t think anyone can argue that you bring a lot of energy to the show. When you are about to shoot, how do you get ready to get going?
It’s funny. We don’t necessarily do anything because it’s supposed to be real life. I try to think about it like I’m going to work. “What am I going to wear to work?” This season, we’re filming more outdoors, so it was more about checking the weather. Honest to God, most days, it’s like, “Can I get away with wearing a baseball cap or not?” That’s my ritual. Check the weather and see if I can just throw a cap on my head.
Your hair and makeup always look really great, though. Is there anything you rely on when filming?
Somewhere along the line, I learned the whole theory of how the eyelashes are the most important thing. I’m always either getting my eyelashes done or putting on mascara. I’m definitely all about Lancôme mascara; I always throw it on—literally. That’s the one thing that I know I need. If I can at least make my eyes look pretty, I can pass. Attempt to pass the class! But, yes, my big thing is trying to have my eyes pop.
Then, there’s one other product I swear by. Everyone is always saying I’m laughing or talking too much. My mouth is open a lot, I guess. But there’s this product I get off Amazon. It’s called HiSmile. It’s the oddest product, a blue dye. Basically, you brush your teeth like usual with your regular toothpaste. Then, after you apply this blue gel to your teeth, you wait 30 seconds, spit out and your teeth look so white. It looks so strange while it’s on, though. Don’t be around little kids—they’ll scream and run.
Everyone thinks I have veneers. I don’t. It’s the HiSmile. And I drink coffee every day. My dentist wants me to floss more, but I don’t. My cheat is that I just use this product, so my teeth always look super white. It’s amazing. It’s my go-to, especially before filming.
I know the brand. I should use the product more.
You have to! It’s the most brilliant brand. I’ve recommended it so many times. As far as my skin-care routine goes…it’s funny, but I actually don’t buy that many products. I’ll just go on the Amazon beauty page and whatever pops up with good reviews, I add to the basket. That’s how I found HiSmile. Some of the stuff I buy sticks.
Our readers will love that pick. I feel like you know everything that’s cool in New York. Do you have any places you like to go to for facials or massage or anything wellness and beauty you can recommend?
Yes, but I have to present this with a note: I am getting more careful with my recommendations. I’m going to share with you, but after today, I’m done sharing!
My nail girl went off and did her own thing and now she is blowing up! On the very first day that she opened her cute one-woman shop, I posted to my Instagram. A month later, she said, “Thank you so much, honey. I got so many follows and clicks and appointments and whatnot.”
Guess what! A month later, I went to book and she was booked out! So I sort of shot myself in the foot! But I will share one last time. For my nails, I go to Art Nail NYC, which I can’t recommend enough. I had short, chubby nails last season. This season, I have the longest nails ever. They’re natural. I never was able to grow up my nails. I don’t know what’s in their stuff. I’m sure it’s healthy, but I don’t care if it isn’t. They are amazing.
For pedicures, I go to Sundays. For eyelashes, if I’m not doing mascara, I go to Envious Lashes. Clemm is the owner. She’s amazing. She was actually in the beginning of this week’s episode. I’m there all the time, so they started filming me there.
Where else? Oh, Angela Guerra. I’ve been going there for five years for lymphatic drainage massage. I’m obsessed. Every time I get off of a flight, I’m there. My body bloats a lot. Now that I’m in my late 30s, like one glass of wine or one flight and I’m super bloated. So I go there a lot for lymphatic drainage massage.
Then, I really like Joanna Vargas for facials. They’re amazing. I do their Triple Crown Classic. I love their facials there. They’re really, really great.
You do a lot of events, but it’s also a lot of charity events. Is there anything that you’re looking forward to supporting as we get into November ?
Yes, something huge. I’m very, very passionate about Covenant House. They’re an incredible organization. They’re nationwide. I was fortunate enough to host their summer gala this year and I’ve had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with their youth here at their New York City campus. They’re incredible. They offer 24/7 services. Any sort of youth that is experiencing homelessness, home insecurity, they’re able to come in, at any hour, and be met with care and help. They offer everything from health, psychological education, legal services and, of course, just a safe space to sleep. It’s amazing all the work that they’re doing.
I’m super honored and excited to be an ambassador with them and be participating in their 15th annual sleep-out. For one night, I’m going to be giving up my bed and sleeping outside. It’s not about, “Oh, let’s pretend like we’re homeless for one night.” It’s nothing like that. It’s just really to help fundraise and really just be in solidarity with the youth because they’re so amazing. They’re so aspirational and they’re clever, smartest, coolest kids, hilarious, fantastic. I’m really, really excited to be able to raise awareness for it.
So, yes, I’m looking forward to participating in that. And it’s not just happening in New York. It’s happening in cities across North America. It’s going to be a really impactful evening.
