Tell us about the whole process of becoming "camera ready." Is
there anything about that process you find particularly enjoyable?
Getting camera-ready is really a three step process – hair, make-up and, of course, wardrobe. Each day I arrive at work the first thing I do is head over to see the BET glam squad. Usually I get my tresses styled first. Since my hair's naturally very curly, after washing and conditioning, I have it blown out, then straightened to a sleek style with a flat iron (maybe some rollers to pump up the volume) or curled to perfection with a curling iron. It's essential for my hair to look polished for the camera. One strand out of place can distract the viewers and throw off the whole look. Trust me...it's happened!!
Once hair is done I switch to the make-up chair to get my face made up to a flawless finish. My make-up artist will take a look at the colors in my outfit for that day and play off of them with the shades she uses on my skin. We usually go for a warm, bronzed look with eyes that pop and more of a natural lip.
Getting hair and make-up done can actually give me a chance to relax before the crazy work day really begins. Sometimes I try to work while I’m in the chair but I’ve realized it’s best to let the glam squad do their job without me moving to look at my blackberry. I might get yelled at (in a friendly way)!
Next it's time to head to wardrobe to get fitted by the BET style team! Once I’m in the outfit and accessories I’ll be wearing on-air, they’ll put the finishing touches to the look to make it even more fashionably fab - scrunching up my sleeves, adjusting my buttons, collar or belt, etc. can make all the difference. Now I’m ready for my close-up!!
How much of your "on-air" style is true to your personal style? Do you have a say in what you wear each day at BET?
My on-air look does reflect my personal style to quite an extent. It's probably a little more conservative but since I'm a young woman and our audience is quite young I get to dress a little more relaxed and stylish than your traditional journalist. Plus, I always have options to pick from so if I really don't like an outfit I won’t be wearing it.
What, if any, pressures exist in maintaining a professional, yet trendy style?
It can be difficult to strike a balance between a professional yet trendy style. A lot of fashionable looks tend to show too much skin and a lot of professional outfits can look stuffy or too mature. Jewelry, belts, shoes and other accessories can help funky-up a look and so can the way you wear the clothes. Mixing and matching cool and professional can work too e.g. a tank top and jeans with a blazer, or a button up white shirt with a stylish vest and leggings!
You've interviewed countless HUGE names in the celebrity world. Anyone who made you feel particularly jittery?
Lol! I have interviewed a great deal of a-list celebs. I’m used to it so it doesn't faze me at all. A lot of the time the biggest stars are actually the nicest ones anyway and some of them get nervous themselves. I do have to admit though, Oprah was one person who gave me a twinge of nervousness right before I interviewed her. She’s one of my idols.
What styles or trends are you wearing this summer? Any favorite designers?
This summer (when it actually arrives) I can't wait to throw on my season staple that never goes out of style –
a sun-dress. I also love
the wide range of stylish flip flops that are available this season
allowing your feet to look good and feel good at the same time.
I love the new style of gladiator sandals too.
Jumpsuits are another summer must! Love them…especially the shorts variety. I have a few in my closet and just added another one to the collection – a sexy yet sophisticated grey satin jumpsuit. It has a relaxed fit but is cinched at the waist giving it a very flattering silhouette.
Tank tops always work great in the summer time. You can dress them up with a high-waisted skirt and jewelry or dress them down with a pair of distressed denim shorts or jeans. Plus they’re cheap and come in tons of different shades. My fav is basic white. I’m also going to stock up on some vintage tees for the summer. I like cool and effortless style during this season.
Black Halo is one of my favorite designers. The dresses are always unique and fit perfectly to my figure. I love a D&G dress for a special occasion. If I’m shopping on a budget the new Top Shop in Soho, NY is a great place to find some great deals. I grew up shopping in that store in the UK.
I’ve recently become quite shoe obsessed. When I’m on a shoot or walking the red carpet my shoe game always has to be right and I can always count on my 3 favorite designers - Guisepee Zonatti, Christian Louboutin and Cesare Paciotti!
What beauty product/products do you not leave home without?
the beauty products I can’t leave home without include
a. bronzer, to give me a gorgeous glow, even in the winter time
b. pressed powder and a brush to take away shine
c. mascara – my eyes are probably my best feature so lengthening and thickening my lashes is a great way to enhance them.
d. lip gloss is an essential. I’m definitely more of a gloss girl than a lipstick lady!
In A Few Words, Your Favorite:
Vacation Spot: Barbados
Drink: Red Sangria in the summertime
Sports Team: Not really a big sports fan, but I support England in the World Cup
Food: Indian, Asian-fusion, Thai, West-Indian
Store: Intermix, The Big Drop, shopping online
Getting camera-ready is really a three step process – hair, make-up and, of course, wardrobe. Each day I arrive at work the first thing I do is head over to see the BET glam squad. Usually I get my tresses styled first. Since my hair's naturally very curly, after washing and conditioning, I have it blown out, then straightened to a sleek style with a flat iron (maybe some rollers to pump up the volume) or curled to perfection with a curling iron. It's essential for my hair to look polished for the camera. One strand out of place can distract the viewers and throw off the whole look. Trust me...it's happened!!
Once hair is done I switch to the make-up chair to get my face made up to a flawless finish. My make-up artist will take a look at the colors in my outfit for that day and play off of them with the shades she uses on my skin. We usually go for a warm, bronzed look with eyes that pop and more of a natural lip.
Getting hair and make-up done can actually give me a chance to relax before the crazy work day really begins. Sometimes I try to work while I’m in the chair but I’ve realized it’s best to let the glam squad do their job without me moving to look at my blackberry. I might get yelled at (in a friendly way)!
Next it's time to head to wardrobe to get fitted by the BET style team! Once I’m in the outfit and accessories I’ll be wearing on-air, they’ll put the finishing touches to the look to make it even more fashionably fab - scrunching up my sleeves, adjusting my buttons, collar or belt, etc. can make all the difference. Now I’m ready for my close-up!!
How much of your "on-air" style is true to your personal style? Do you have a say in what you wear each day at BET?
My on-air look does reflect my personal style to quite an extent. It's probably a little more conservative but since I'm a young woman and our audience is quite young I get to dress a little more relaxed and stylish than your traditional journalist. Plus, I always have options to pick from so if I really don't like an outfit I won’t be wearing it.
What, if any, pressures exist in maintaining a professional, yet trendy style?
It can be difficult to strike a balance between a professional yet trendy style. A lot of fashionable looks tend to show too much skin and a lot of professional outfits can look stuffy or too mature. Jewelry, belts, shoes and other accessories can help funky-up a look and so can the way you wear the clothes. Mixing and matching cool and professional can work too e.g. a tank top and jeans with a blazer, or a button up white shirt with a stylish vest and leggings!
You've interviewed countless HUGE names in the celebrity world. Anyone who made you feel particularly jittery?
Lol! I have interviewed a great deal of a-list celebs. I’m used to it so it doesn't faze me at all. A lot of the time the biggest stars are actually the nicest ones anyway and some of them get nervous themselves. I do have to admit though, Oprah was one person who gave me a twinge of nervousness right before I interviewed her. She’s one of my idols.
What styles or trends are you wearing this summer? Any favorite designers?
This summer (when it actually arrives) I can't wait to throw on my season staple that never goes out of style –
a sun-dress. I also love
the wide range of stylish flip flops that are available this season
allowing your feet to look good and feel good at the same time.
I love the new style of gladiator sandals too. Jumpsuits are another summer must! Love them…especially the shorts variety. I have a few in my closet and just added another one to the collection – a sexy yet sophisticated grey satin jumpsuit. It has a relaxed fit but is cinched at the waist giving it a very flattering silhouette.
Tank tops always work great in the summer time. You can dress them up with a high-waisted skirt and jewelry or dress them down with a pair of distressed denim shorts or jeans. Plus they’re cheap and come in tons of different shades. My fav is basic white. I’m also going to stock up on some vintage tees for the summer. I like cool and effortless style during this season.
Black Halo is one of my favorite designers. The dresses are always unique and fit perfectly to my figure. I love a D&G dress for a special occasion. If I’m shopping on a budget the new Top Shop in Soho, NY is a great place to find some great deals. I grew up shopping in that store in the UK.
I’ve recently become quite shoe obsessed. When I’m on a shoot or walking the red carpet my shoe game always has to be right and I can always count on my 3 favorite designers - Guisepee Zonatti, Christian Louboutin and Cesare Paciotti!
What beauty product/products do you not leave home without?
the beauty products I can’t leave home without include
a. bronzer, to give me a gorgeous glow, even in the winter time
b. pressed powder and a brush to take away shine
c. mascara – my eyes are probably my best feature so lengthening and thickening my lashes is a great way to enhance them.
d. lip gloss is an essential. I’m definitely more of a gloss girl than a lipstick lady!
In A Few Words, Your Favorite:
Vacation Spot: Barbados
Drink: Red Sangria in the summertime
Sports Team: Not really a big sports fan, but I support England in the World Cup
Food: Indian, Asian-fusion, Thai, West-Indian
Store: Intermix, The Big Drop, shopping online
Q&A With BET's Sharon Carpenter-Living Her
Dream
Not
one to let life pass her by, Sharon Carpenter made her dream of
coming to New York City something more than reality. She's not
only living her dream, but is easily a role model for women
everywhere with big dreams and the will to accomplish them.
Carpenter, the anchor for BET's daily news briefs, reporting and producing for the network's hard hitting specials, is also serving as the network's first-ever British talent. She's interviewed a countless list of a-list celebs, including Oprah, Harrison Ford, Jay-Z, director George Lucas, and R&B mega-star Usher, who deems the interview with Carpenter as his "most challenging interview" to date.
Her Bio is literally one accomplishment after another and after reading our below Q&A, you'll start to see why. Fun, vibrant, and genuinely "like-able," you're sure to want to get to know more about her when finished. Her natural on-air personality is convincing without the air of prestige, instead offering a easy-going yet professional vibe.
Not
one to let life pass her by, Sharon Carpenter made her dream of
coming to New York City something more than reality. She's not
only living her dream, but is easily a role model for women
everywhere with big dreams and the will to accomplish them.Carpenter, the anchor for BET's daily news briefs, reporting and producing for the network's hard hitting specials, is also serving as the network's first-ever British talent. She's interviewed a countless list of a-list celebs, including Oprah, Harrison Ford, Jay-Z, director George Lucas, and R&B mega-star Usher, who deems the interview with Carpenter as his "most challenging interview" to date.
Her Bio is literally one accomplishment after another and after reading our below Q&A, you'll start to see why. Fun, vibrant, and genuinely "like-able," you're sure to want to get to know more about her when finished. Her natural on-air personality is convincing without the air of prestige, instead offering a easy-going yet professional vibe.
Q&A with 24-7 Style
Want to be interviewed by 24-7 Style? Email us!
Want to be interviewed by 24-7 Style? Email us!