Jenna Lyons has never been one to follow the crowd. In a recent interview with Fashion Magazine, The Real Housewives of New York star, former J.Crew president and executive creative director, and LoveSeen founder, shared her reflections on growing up on the West Coast. While everyone around her embraced a singular beauty ideal, Lyons found herself searching for something different—though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it at first.
“I grew up in California, and everyone around me had blonde hair, big boobs and a tan—you know, that beachy Baywatch type of beauty,” Lyons told the outlet. “So when, as a child, I travelled to France with my mom, I was fascinated by the women there. They were wearing bold red lipstick and red nail polish, and I just found it so exciting.”
Living with incontinentia pigmenti—a rare genetic skin condition—Lyons knows firsthand how crucial it is to find self-confidence, no matter which beauty style (Baywatch, French, or anything in between) speaks to you. Reflecting on her childhood, she told the outlet, “Kids were so mean about it. I was teased a lot and never felt beautiful.”
Now, as a mom, she sees the impact confidence has on her son’s psyche. “I see the difference in the way he walks into a room when he’s feeling confident; it shifts his attitude toward things that are hard, his ability to overcome something, his excitement about school—everything. When you’re not feeling good about yourself, everything is harder. I don’t think I realized the extent of it when I was younger.”
Below, shop the beauty products that make Lyons feel confident, as told to Fashion Magazine. [A quick note: Her favorite LoveSeen lashes in the “Cate” style are currently sold out, so keep an eye out for a restock.]
Jenna Lyons’ Favorite Beauty Products
“My makeup artist introduced me to this foundation, and now it’s my go-to for light, glowy coverage,” said Lyons.
“This orangey red has been a staple in my makeup kit for years,” Lyons said.
“I’m obsessed with all things exfoliating, and this cleanser does just that while still being gentle enough for everyday use,” the reality star said.
