The essentials list: ‘Queer Eye’ star Jonathan Van Ness shares their beauty and style essentials

“When your skin is prepared well, the makeup lasts way longer and is much more seamless,” Van Ness says. “That said, my biggest secret weapon is a beauty blender.” This tear-shaped makeup sponge ​​is made from super-plush foam to give a natural airbrushed, streak-free finish when you apply foundations and powders. “When you understand how to use it, the result is so seamless and beautiful.”

“Fashion to me is both a means of expression and function,” Van Ness says. “Because I have so much work that is very fashion-forward, but then I will be gardening the next day covered in mud, my wardrobe is very versatile. I always need a great dress, comfy sweats and easy, effortless pieces.” On heavy rotation in their wardrobe is this relaxed-fit unisex crop tank from Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand Skims. Made from a soft cotton and modal blend, this everyday staple has a scoop neckline and dropped armholes. 

“I use all of our shampoos and conditioners based on what look I’m doing or what my hair is going through,” Van Ness says. “If I want sleek hair, I use our Undamage Shampoo and Conditioner to prevent heat styling damage.” Infused with vibrant bergamot, fortifying ceramides and hemisqualane, the Undamage collection works to strengthen strands, repair split ends, reduce frizz, preserve color and boost softness and shine.

“Right now, I love the Tatcha Dewy Serum and Unseen Supergoop Sunscreen,” they share. This dewy 3-in-1 serum features lactic acid, skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and hydrating squalane. “My overall tip for skin care is to give everything a chance to work. Full results can take months, so if you switch out every week, you won’t see the full effect.”

“When it comes to my hairstyling routine, I consider the weather,” Van Ness says. “If it's super hot and humid, I will opt for my curly routine, but if I’ll be inside and in air conditioning, I’ll rock a blowout.” For curly hair days, Van Ness says they can’t live without their brand’s Instant Recovery Serum, which instantly smooths the hair and protects it from heat damage thanks to niacinamide and charged lemon protein. They also swear by the Air Dry Cream to battle frizz and enhance hair shine with its blend of moringa seed oil and chia and linseed extracts. 

When it comes to their signature scent, Ness admits to being “really obsessed with all things Henry Rose, especially Char.” Free of parabens and phthalates, Char is available in two sizes and is an amber woody scent that blends tonka bean absolute and Ivory Coast ginger with Moroccan orange flower.

“My go-to accessories are a little purse and a piece of jewelry,” says Van Ness, who nominates this cute leather card case from Bottega Veneta as an essential. “They give you that little glimmer of ‘yas queen’ when the days can get tough. I love to turn on some music and sing while I get dressed and style my hair and face.”