Heather McMahan isn’t in the business of selling fantasy. When she recommends something, her followers listen, and that trust comes from radical honesty, not an aspirational version of herself. She’s just as likely to share the moisturizer that finally soothed an eczema flare-up as she is to laugh about a procedure that didn’t go according to plan.
Beyond beauty, McMahan is a touring comedian and hosts the hit Absolutely Not podcast. Her third stand-up special, By a Thread, now streaming on Hulu, showcases the vulnerability and humor that have become her signature. Ahead, we asked her how she got camera-ready, what actually calms her skin and what she’d never do a show without.
How did you prep for this taping?
“I saw my facialist, Karen at Sia’s Beauty in NYC, and then I got a bomb spray tan with Bree, who owns Alchemy Tan in Atlanta.”
What was the one thing that felt different this time?
“It felt good to have a few days off prior to filming, but I did start my period the day of the taping!”
You’re famous for radical honesty about beauty. What’s a product or treatment that flopped for you?
“It works for a lot of people, but peptides for my undereye just didn’t work and made my eczema flare.”
You talk openly about your eczema. What actually calms your skin when it’s at its worst?
“I quit getting gel manicures, and my steroid-free prescription of Opzelura and a gentle wash around my eyes. Epicutis has been a game changer.”
Your schedule is relentless. What gets you camera-ready when you’re running on no sleep?
“A strong iced latte and ice cubes directly on the face. I do a manual lymphatic drain and jump up and down a few times. Swear to God it works.”
Is there a beauty ‘rule’ you think most women should just ignore?
“Don’t follow the trends. Find what shapes, colors and tones look best on you.”
You’re open about injectables and the pressure to look ‘effortlessly’ put together. How has your relationship with aging and beauty standards shifted?
“I got my neck done and I still found parts of my body to complain about, so I realized you have to be okay with not being completely symmetrical. We are humans, after all.”
What beauty essentials would you never do a show without?
“L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist Spray ($14), Ardell Naked False Lashes in 421 or 424 ($14) and NARS Matte Lipstick in American Woman or Walk This Way ($32).”
How do you wind down after a late-night show?
“I wind down by working out my calves and heels with a Theragun, chugging electrolytes and double cleansing my face. I do also have a glass of wine and a nice chicken tender as well. All about balance.”
