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A Glimpse Into the CNN Makeup Room

By Dr. Paula Bloom

I’ve been doing TV appearances for the past few years. I really enjoy the challenge of being quick on my feet and having the opportunity to educate the public about a wide range of issues.  Knowing that I can use my expertise to help others understand why people might do what they do and hopefully, in the process, help them better understand themselves is quite a privilege.  But, if I am TOTALLY honest, though, there is another thing I really like about being on TV (and it isn’t, perhaps,  the most admirable thing to admit).

The CNN makeup room is one of my favorite places to hang out.  The makeup and hair professionals are probably the coolest and most fun people in the building. While the pace in there can be quite frenetic (the number of people they are able to make up in such a short time is truly amazing) it is always fun and relaxing. To me it feels like my wedding day each time I’m in there. It is so much fun to sit back and allow an artist to do what they do best.

Even when the stories I discuss on TV are about violence, tragedy and mental illness, starting off my day at CNN with the women in makeup, helps relax me before going on the air. There’s a lot of laughter, serious discussion about current events and a few TV screens showing  different CNN stations. Talk can get very personal. When someone walks into makeup feeling stressed or sad, the room tends to swoop in and provide much needed support. Seriously, it’s not so unlike a support group in there.  And just like in any support group, there is an assumption of confidentiality. The makeup room is a lot like Vegas,“What happens in makeup, STAYS in makeup.”

I’m grateful each day to get to do what I love. And, a bonus, is getting to have a glamour squad to help me feel fabulous while doing it!

Dr. Paula hanging out in the CNN Makeup room, wearing her Sofft Savona trail boots