Jana Kramer Shares All Her Beauty Secrets
Getty Images Entertainment
If you watched One Tree Hill back in the day, you were probably just as obsessed with Alex Dupre as we were. That hair! That skin! That smile! Girl had it going on. And in real life, Jana Kramer is just as gorgeous as you’d expect (and way nicer than her season 7 alter-ego).
Even though she’s traded in acting for singing, Jana’s beauty game is as strong as ever—and we were lucky enough to sit down with the country star to get the scoop on her routine. Jana, who’s teamed up with Colgate Optic White to prep for the Country Music Awards and is releasing her second album, thirty one, on October 9th—held nothing back. She spilled all her beauty secrets, including her on-stage hair tips, secret love for queso dip (agreed), and even what one former “One Tree Hill” co-star taught her about fashion.
What steps do you take to make sure that you’re confident about your smile before a red carpet event?
I’ve been a Colgate girl from like the very beginning. And what I am obsessed with is the Colgate Optic White Platinum Express Whitening Toothpaste ($4, target.com)—because literally in three days, your teeth are white. I don’t drink caffeine but I drink red wine every day—well, I did before I was pregnant. So it’s important to me to find a great toothpaste because I don’t want the stains.
What is your very best red carpet beauty secret?
For me, I will say confidence goes a long way. That’s why I’m all about the smile, because I feel like if my teeth don’t look good, then I’ll be too timid to smile and be confident on the carpet. Confidence is everything when you’re dressed up on the carpet.
You always have the prettiest waves. What’s your step-by-step?
When it comes to getting glammed up—blow dry and then I like to wrap my hair in the curling iron. My best tip is doing it different ways—like wrap around the curling iron in different directions so it doesn’t all come together as one. When I’m home, I’ll just let my hair air dry. Let it do it’s thing. And when I’m onstage performing, I don’t curl my hair. I usually just let it go. I like to have the kind of messy, rocker-y look.
What’s your 5-minute beauty routine?
Honestly, it’s get out the shower, brush my hair, shake it up, let it air-dry. Then some mascara and some lipstick, because lipstick and mascara can be like pow-pow! Seriously, a red lip and some mascara and you look like you’re glammed up. My husband will be like, ‘Wow you look great.’ I’m like, ‘Thank you. It took me five minutes.’
How has your beauty philosophy has changed over the years?
For me, I think less is more. I think confidence, a great smile, and I don’t like the caked-on makeup look. I like something that’s very natural and doesn’t look like you took a long time getting ready. I think that’s pretty. In the very beginning, I was always thought it was about how much makeup you have on. I don’t do this anymore. I don’t have the time or the energy.
Whose beauty look do you most admire?
I just kind of always model off of Kate Hudson. I just thinks she’s great. I love her look and her effortless style. She’s just chic to me.
How do you keep your makeup looking good when performing?
Again, I just don’t put that much on! I just put a light pop of red lipstick on. For me, that will stay more than the makeup that is on my face. So I just make sure to have lots of lashes and a good lip.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Have you seen your beauty regime change at all?
The only thing that has change is my skin care products because you can’t use salicylic acid, so that’s been interesting to change that up. Of course you want to because of the hormones, but you can’t use it. And honestly, everyone says, ‘You have a glow,’ but I’m just sweating. I’m not putting as much makeup on because you’re hot 24/7.
You’re traveling, you have the CMAs coming up—you’re so busy! How do you eat well on-the-go?
For me, everything in moderation. Going for walks and trying to eat a well-balanced meal but not stressing out about it. Because when you stress out about, that’s when you’re going to gain the weight.
Do you have a guilty pleasure food?
100 percent, cheese dip. Queso dip is my thing. I really want to try the paleo diet after the baby, but I can’t because it’s no dairy. I like cheese. I eat string cheese like on the hour.
We first got to know you as Alex Dupre on “One Tree Hill.” Did you pick up any beauty tips backstage on set?
I always get so confused on how to do the eyes, but I had a really good makeup artist that taught me how to do my eyes and eyebrows. I never did my eyebrows before that show. Now I’m like, your eyebrows are your face.
Do you have a favorite brow product?
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Duo is my favorite. I have the medium dark brown. I’m obsessed, it’s my thing. I showed my mom and she’s like, “Oh my god. I have features!” I’m like, “I know!”
Did you pick up any tips from your fellow cast members on “One Tree Hill”?
Sophia Bush showed me how to have more fashion sense. She’s really fashionable—but picking pieces from affordable places. Because in Wilmington where we filmed the show, the higest-end place was a J. Crew and a Forever 21! It’s all about picking great pieces at great prices.
I’ve heard from a lot of people that when they’re dancing their hair is an accessory. It adds to the movement. Do you think that is true?
Yes, absolutely. I have a diva fan. Get in the diva fan and let it blow.
More From Daily Makeover: Sophia Bush Shares All Her Beauty Secrets
