Now in its 16th season, you'd be forgiven for thinking The Real Housewives of Orange County had covered just about every drama-filled subject covered, but there's plenty to be excited about now that the hit series has returned to our screens on Bravo (channel 4 and Sky channel 12) every Thursday night at 9.30pm.
South Carolina beauty Shannon Storms-Beador is somewhat of a show veteran, after joining the cast for season 9 back in 2014.
In the time since, she's lost and found love, raised her three children Stella, Sophie and Adeline, not to mention flexing her business savvy and establishing herself as a successful entrepreneur.
This season, expect to see the blonde bombshell romance and business ventures soar, as she and boyfriend John Janssen take their relationship to the next level. Shannon's friendships with Heather, Gina and Emily come under fire, while her fears of having an empty nest inch closer.
When it comes to beauty, Shannon prefers her skincare and makeup to be as natural as possible a preference that has influenced product development of her own.
"I'm very interested in anti-ageing, but I want to do it in a natural way. I use products that don't have a lot of chemicals in them. I'm actually developing a cream right now that's made of all-natural ingredients and a stem cell cream for anti-aging. In today's world, there are so many toxic chemicals and it's really important that we all try to limit the use of them," she says.
Below, Shannon shares how you shouldn't always believe what you see on screen, with a decidedly more pared-back approach to makeup when she's not in front of the camera.
What's your signature beauty look?
My signature beauty look is whatever is easy and fast because I'm not really a glam person. I'm pretty casual and low-key. Often times I don't even have makeup on.
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Advertise with NZME.Talk me through your daily routine (skincare and makeup).
It's very important to take care of your skin. I use cleanser, toner, and moisturiser that are made with natural products. Your skin is your biggest organ, so I want to limit the toxicity that my body is absorbing. I think it's super important to cleanse your face, especially before going to bed, and to moisturise. As far as beauty products, for every day I like to look as natural as possible minimal makeup in neutral colors is my go-to.
And what about your haircare routine?
I'm on a TV show, so a lot of times we'll put some clip-ins so that I have more volume in my hair. I do highlight my hair. I know that is not the healthiest thing to do, but that's why I try and create that balance. If I do healthy things in one area, then I don't feel so bad about highlighting my hair.
What are your five favourite beauty products, and why?
I've been trying a new brand called Augustinus Bader and it uses a lot of different peptides and I believe it uses stem cells. I've been trying that to see how it works with anti-ageing and I like it – you use an oil and cream on the face, so that's two things.
I like to use argan oil to take my eye makeup off. It's just completely natural and easy to take the makeup off. I don't like a lot of chemicals just plain argan oil.
There is a brand of concealer that I use, Chantecaille, and they make a camouflage concealer and it has a kind of moisturiser in it, so it doesn't get cakey under the eyes. It's really good.
The best hair conditioner on the planet is by Modern Organic Products. They make a vitamin-C conditioner and it literally detangles anything. Your hair is so super-soft afterward. It's the best.
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Advertise with NZME.Tell me about your most memorable beauty moment.
It's the first time that I did my first confessional look for The Real Housewives of Orange County, because I never really had my makeup done before and it was just the coolest thing for me.
Who do you count as your beauty muse and why?
Gwyneth Paltrow. She's so beautiful and you know she uses natural products as well.
Do you have a top beauty tip or hack you've learned from working in TV?
Lighting is key. If you have a lot of light shining towards your face, it softens everything. So, if you're going to take pictures, lighting is key.
How has your time on Real Housewives of Orange County shaped the person you are today?
It's certainly taught me a lot about human relationships. It has made me a much stronger and more outgoing person today. I'm grateful for the platform. I've been through a lot of personal struggles throughout the show and to where I stand today, starting and growing my own company. I'm grateful for that. I'm able to accomplish goals and I'm also teaching my daughters valuable lessons that it doesn't matter how old you are in life, you can still accomplish what you want to.
What's next on the agenda for you? What excites you most about 2022?
I've been working for years on my nutritional supplements for my company Real for Real. They're finally out there and I have so many more that are going to be rolling out. I'm just so excited that it's finally happening. With Covid-19 and the pandemic, there were so many delays and so it was like basically a two-year delay and it's finally coming together. So that's what I'm so excited about. It's creating a future for myself and for my daughters that will go on beyond The Real Housewives of Orange County.
FAST FOUR
People may be surprised to learn... That I do dermaplaning. That's shaving my face.
The most unexpected item in my beauty kit is... It's not really beauty, but I carry Rescue Remedy with me. It's a supplement that helps calm you down. It's just like a stress reliever.
A beauty treatment I'd love to try is... I'd like to try EmSculpt.
My last beauty buy was… A beauty blender.
Beauty is... Loving yourself.
