“Glam Masters” producer Diana Madison knows makeup matters
Diana Madison is the executive producer of Kim Kardashian’s new show, “Glam Masters,” now airing on Lifetime, but she is also a mother of two, a talk show host, and yes, she has her hands full.
But, Diana says the key to not stressing about being busy is loving what you do. She makes a gratitude list every morning, and she recommends we all read “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck,” by Mark Manson. Her view on daily obstacles is almost too refreshing. She might just make you take a step back and rethink things in a really positive way.
She says her daughter is too young for Givenchy, her favorite food is Armenian food, and her goal for her show “Glam Masters” is for makeup artists to be taken more seriously. Check out our interview with this hot momma below, you might just change your outlook on your bad day.
You started your career on E! Network and Entertainment Tonight, and then eventually became a host interviewing celebs on the red carpet, including the Oscars and Emmy’s. What was the funniest red carpet interview you did, and what did they say?
I’ve had strange ones where people I admire will treat me like crap. They say don’t meet your idol because you’ll end up hating them! I’ve also had situations where the most A-list stars were sweethearts. Now, I do the one-on-one interviews on my talk show, which I like more. They come in there wanting to talk to me. When I did the red carpet, they don’t want to really talk to you. That’s why I started my online talk show, because I was so tired of begging people to just give me a bite.
Yeah, it’s hard to get anything good on a red carpet.
Yes! I actually had Amanda Bynes interview with me this past year, which went viral. It was crazy, because when she did the interview, people were talking shit about me saying, “Amanda couldn’t get Diane Sawyer so she got Diana Madison.” But, yeah! That’s the beauty of the Internet! The reason she did the interview with me is because she felt comfortable, and she wanted it to be fun and light-hearted. That’s the beauty of it, anyone can have the space to do things more individually.
You’re the co-founder of Obsev Studios; a digital media content company. You’re also the host of “Style Lab” and “The Lowdown.” What’s it like to work such a high-up position while working on several show and raising two children?
Right now that’s a really funny question, because I’m about to jump off this balcony! Maybe I shouldn’t say that. It’s really hard! It’s really crazy. But I will tell you this – as hectic as my life is right now, it’s such a great problem to have. All of my problems are great problems to have. Every day I wake up, it doesn’t feel like I’m going to work. That’s the beauty of it.
Also, I never imagined being a mom. It wasn’t a part of my plan, but it just kind of happened and I felt ready for it. Now that I am a mom, I love it. I feel like you can have a career and be a mom. It’s hard, don’t get me wrong, but it’s possible. I now also know how to prioritize. Before, I used to do everything! Now, I take the time to step back and figure out what’s important and prioritize time for work and time for my family.
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Motherhood can be crazy, and you’ve been super honest about that on your Instagram. Most women on social media make it seem like motherhood is sunshine and flowers, but that’s not really the case. How do you balance your time so that you make sure to have alone time for yourself?
I think every day you have to dedicate some time for yourself. Maybe some days you can only squeeze in five minutes, or maybe some days it’s 20 minutes, but have that alone time. If you’re at work and you’re just not feeling it, go for a walk! A quick walk can change so much. Or it can be a facial, or a massage, or a walk, or a hike, or boxing, or taking a bath, or having a glass of wine – well, lately it’s many glasses of wine [laughs].
I also think waking up and creating a daily gratitude list is super important. I drink into work and check off the things I’m grateful for, and it puts me in the zone where, even if I’m in a shitty mood, I get excited. I’m also reading “The Art of Not Giving a Fuck,” and it talks all about how the problems we have are actually good problems. These problems we have aren’t the end of the world.
What do you do when you’re finally sans children?
Actually, this weekend I’m going away to New York with my husband for his birthday, and I can’t wait to have some alone time with him. I don’t know if this is TMI, but every night my daughter ends up in our bed, so I’m excited to get away with him.
Favorite activity to do with your whole family?
Eat! I love to eat, and I love to eat good Armenian food. I love getting together with friends and family to have drinks and eating.
What are some challenges during pregnancy or motherhood that aren’t necessarily talked about?
Some are talked about, such as postpartum. I feel like I’m having a little bit of that. It’s not so serious, but I have a little of it here and there. You get kind of sad for no reason, and you’re like, “Why am I even sad?” I started seeing a therapist, because I think it’s good to talk about it.
I think something that’s not talked about it how many changes you go through during pregnancy. A lot of hormonal changes happen, and you act certain ways, and you don’t know why it’s happening. In reality, it’s like, “Okay, take a deep breath, it’s your body and the hormones.”
You worked with Kim Kardashian to create and executive produce the new highly anticipated show “Glam Masters.” The show is a beauty competition series for Lifetime, where beauty bloggers compete for an opportunity to be a part of Kim’s glam empire. Who are you most excited to have had compete on the show and what do you think they will bring to the table?
I’m really excited for the winner, because I think they are so talented. But, everyone else on the show is talented as well. The show is about bringing these artists to a platform that showcases their talent. The looks they create on the show are so amazing, they’re truly artists. I’m just so happy to see the competitors showcase their talent.
A lot of the artists actually said that the show helped them realize they can make a career out of being a makeup artist. It is possible. That was really awesome to hear.
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What inspires you to work as hard as you do?
Huh, interesting. I love to shop? No, I’m kidding. I feel like a Carrie Bradshaw quote needs to be inserted right now because I invest in my closet. No, I just love what I do. Most times I don’t even realize I’m working. I’m always told by my mom and my husband to remember I have off days because I’m always working. I love what I do, and I get a paycheck out of having a good time.
What’s your all time favorite beauty brand and why?
I am a big fan of Anastasia Beverly Hills. She’s a good friend of mine, but that’s not the reason why I am obsessed with her products. Her stuff is just good. Every single product she makes is just made so well. Also, no one can compete with her when it comes to her brow products. She’s a huge inspiration in my life, and seeing what she’s built is insane.
In the next year, I’m working on launching a skincare line. I’m in the lab currently working on it, and it’s something that’s never been done before, and I’m really excited to share it with you guys. It’s going to be a game changer for skincare.
Best beauty investment?
It’s pricey, and it’s from Dior. It’s the spray foundation. The air flash spray. I love it because if you don’t have a makeup artist, it will make you look photoshopped. It’s like Facetune in a can.
Beauty tool you cannot live without?
I’m Armenian, so I have thick brows. I always have to have my brows done. Whether it’s brushes, brow wiz, or pomade.
Where did you shop for the comfiest clothes during your pregnancy?
I’ll give you my secret – H&M and Zara. I was not about to break the bank for clothes I may never wear again. I would even buy stuff on sale so that it was really, really cheap, even down to $10. I still have all the clothes, and now all I have to do is put them in the dryer and they’ll shrink. Then I can wear them again.
Favorite clothing stores for baby clothes?
Zara. Zara has really cute baby clothes, and it’s cheap, like I said. They grow out of stuff in a week.
Do you dress your daughter similarly to you, or does she have her own fashion sense?
I used to dress her similarly to me, but I’ve noticed that lately she’s really into clothes and fashion. She hasn’t necessarily gotten her own sense of style yet, but she loves clothes. Sometimes she puts on my clothes and I’m like, “You’re too young for Givenchy!”
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The Spring/Summer buy you’re most excited to rock?
Hats. I’m really into all of the cool hats that brands are creating.
Best place in LA for coffee?
Alfred’s. They are my all time fave.
Best celeb filled party you’ve been to and why?
Actually, I went to a Galore party in New York for fashion week years ago and it was lit. I couldn’t believe how amazing it was. I was at this table and they were like, “Move out of the way!” Here comes Justin Bieber, here comes Usher, here comes Diplo. It was insane.
What’s your pose when you’re on the red carpet?
You always have to suck in the stomach, stand up straight, and put out the Angelina leg.
Can’t forget about the Angelina leg.
Oh yeah, she knows what she’s doing.
Photos by Jacqueline Kulla
Styling by Mallie Koczon
