A Professional Makeover

National TV Is No Place to Look Like Crap

A professional makeover is a little-known game show perk. Why? Because a national TV is no place to look like crap.

With no regular beauty regimen, I'm a self-proclaimed expert in looking like crap. I'm not one to wear makeup, and if you catch me on a day when I've actually washed my hair, consider yourself lucky.

If you're the kindly sort, you'd probably say I prefer a more "natural" look. If you're less than kindly, you might say, "Hey, that gal looks like crap. She needs a professional makeover!"

One of the nicest things about appearing on national TV is that they make you look beautiful no matter what.

When I was a contestant on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, I spent two days at the studio. The first morning, I woke up early, determined to primp like I've never primped before. I'm talking hair, makeup, the works. For me, this is no small feat.

So, there at the hotel, I plaster on the makeup, wash, fluff, and straighten my hair, pluck everything that needs plucking, and take a cab to the studio.

And guess what? When I arrived, the nice Millionaire folks turned us over to a professional hair and makeup artist, who made all of us contestants look terrific.

This beauty pro was amazing. So amazing that I assumed she must help Meredith Vieira look terrific too. But alas, she was assigned exclusively to us contestants, even the guys.

On the second day of the taping, I skipped the self-primping. Instead, I crawled out of bed, brushed my teeth, and stumbled down to hail a cab. I arrived at the studio, looking like I always do. How's that, you ask? Well, let me give you a hint. It starts with a "cr" and rhymes with happy.

I figured why bother with my amateur primping when I've got access to a makeover professional, someone who will not only redo what I've done, but do it a thousand times better?

So, my point is this…If you're nervous about how you'll look on television, don't be. And definitely, don't let any appearance-related fears hold you back. You'll look terrific, like you do in real life -- only better.