Jennifer Rock reveals the secret to a dazzling complexion from behind the scenes at Dancing with the Stars!
Can you believe that 2024 marks Skingredients Founder and Skin
Nerd Jennifer Rock’s THIRD year working behind the scenes at
Dancing with the Stars? As a Facialist by trade, Jennifer goes back to
her hands-on roots to put the sparkle into the skin of the judges and
presenters of the glitzy show.
Working across the whole body, pre-show skincare is a top to toe
commitment! Jennifer is responsible for making sure that every part
of the skin is looked after, collaborating closely with celebrity makeup
artist, Paula Callan, to create a ‘blank canvas’ that is prepped for
makeup that lasts for the duration of the live show – which is no easy
feat! ‘We get access to the studio early, so that we can start at 9am,
before hair and makeup! I look after five clients, who change each
week, but typically include the three judges; Head judge, Loraine
Barry and fellow judges, Arthur Gourounlian and Brian Redmond, and
co-presenters – Jennifer Zamparelli + Doireann Garrihy. I use my time to tackle any pre-show skin issues that need addressing, with the aim of getting skin hydrated and dewy but not too tacky or sticky. Clients need to be ready early (about 1pm) for dress rehearsals and playbacks, mic checks and the final check. This is hours before the live show, so we need to make sure makeup lasts as long as possible!’
Problem shooting
‘I assess the skin and if I notice a breakout or any areas of inflammation, puffiness, lethargy or uneven pigment, I will address these first. As we are prepping the skin mere hours before a live show, we cannot use
potent peels or treatments that could cause irritation. For example, when it comes to blemishes, the most intrusive way I can help is to lance the area and to help combat puffiness, I will perform lymphatic drainage
techniques across the arms and the face. I will then carry out a facial, varying the use of products depending on each client’s skin – all the while, trying not to touch the hair! Sian Sharkey, Head Hairstylist keeps a close
eye on this!’
Show stars
When it comes to creating an energised, radiant complexion, Jennifer will always have Skingredients on-hand. The skin-health centric brand is loved by celebrities, consumers and skinfluencers alike, with every single product an award-winner! ‘I always start with Skingredients PreProbiotic Cleanse Hydrating Cleanser (Primary €29.00/ Refill €26.00) – it’s the perfect daily cleanser as it suits all skin and nourishes as it cleanses. I then move on to an active cleanse using either Skingredients AHA Cleanse Brightening +Exfoliating Lactic Acid Cleanser (Primary €31.00/ Refill €28.00) or Skingredients Sally Cleanse 2%
Salicylic Acid Oil Control Cleanser (Primary €33.00/ Refill €30.00). AHA is great for those seeking hydration, radiance and vibrance whilst Sally is best for those with oily or congested skin. The next step depends on what I am trying to target but often involves selecting a serum to use alongside a massage tool such as the Haumea Smart Sonic Facial Brush, a silicone-based, supercharged facial brush that is respectful
to the skin.’
Supporting act
Live shows are fast paced, so Jennifer used the products she could rely on for instant results:
- Skin Veg Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum (Primary €55.00/ Refill €49.00)– packed with antioxidants and the remedy for a parched complexion!
- Skingredients Skin Good Fats Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturiser (Primary €55.00/ Refill €49.00) – This is TLC in a tub and makes a beautiful base for makeup, together with Skingredients Skin Shield Moisturising + Priming SPF50 PA+++ (Primary €57.00/ Refill €52.00) which provides vital sun protection and leaves a radiant, peachy glow. Importantly this SPF also absorbs like a dream and doesn’t pill under makeup or create photo flashback – Paula Callan loves these two as a base!
Star tip: As we know, Dancing with the Stars is all about the bling, so any areas that we are drawing attention to need to be hydrated. The neck and decolletage are commonly neglected areas, so remember to include these areas in your cleansing, hydrating and protection regimes.
Available from skingredients.com and retails nationwide.
