Courtney Shields Wants Beauty to Be Fun

Taking your makeup off before you go to bed. That is the number one thing. It’s almost like an antibeauty rule, but I think that’s key because if you wake up the next day and still have all that in your face, no matter what you put on, it’s not going to look good. You got to stay strong, even if you’re tired, and always take that makeup off.

And what about a beauty rule that you think is B.S.?

I think what’s B.S. is this need to look like someone else. There’s always someone that sets this beauty standard, or like a group of people that set a beauty standard. For me it’s more about finding out what flatters you and feeling like the best version of yourself, rather than trying to look like someone else. 

I also think you don’t need a hundred products. You can use products that are super versatile; you can use products a bunch of different ways. The beauty industry has also always told us, “This is bronzer; it’s for your face.” I always disagreed with that. For me it’s like, I want to take the bronzer and use it as an eye shadow, or to contour around my lips, or whatever it may be. You can have fun with products. Just because someone says, “This is a blush,” doesn’t mean you can’t use it on your eyes or lips or wherever else you might want to.

You’re stranded on a desert island and can bring only three products with you. What are they and why? 

So DIBS is actually short for Desert Island Beauty Status, and the idea came from this concept that we all try a million products. You’ve tried everything under the sun, but when it really comes down to it, if you were going to a desert island, what would you actually bring with you? We would love to be the products that you put in that bag.

So I’m going to cheat a little—but not really—on this one. Definitely the Desert Island Duo because I put two products in one. Technically this counts as one spot in my makeup bag, but I get the bronzer and the blush, which is the intended goal. It’s very versatile. And then, obviously, the Status Stick. You can put it all over for the glowy face and body. And then I would probably say either the Tula glowy SPF, or a really good chapstick because my lips always get chapped.

DIBS Beauty Desert Island Duo

Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30

What’s your go-to getting-ready music?

I really like Olivia Rodrigo. I’m very into her album right now; it’s so good. But if I’m in more of, like, a chill getting-ready mode, then I’ll go for oldies like the Eagles or a little Aretha or something like that. If I’m having a glass of wine and getting ready, we’re going to go for like a Counting Crows moment. It depends on the vibe. 

What’s your favorite way to take a moment for yourself?

My morning walks. Back in the beginning of COVID and quarantine, I found this really beautiful secluded trail by my house. It’s three miles, and I like to go every morning if I can. I do have a daughter, so I can’t go every morning, depending on her schedule. But I try and go like, five, times a week. I walk three miles, and it’s been good not only for my body but for my mental health in so many ways. I take a couple of deep breaths, I walk down by the lake, and I get ready for the day. 

What’s your power perfume?

I’ll give you a two-part answer. I love Gucci Flora if I’m feeling more feminine. If I’m feeling more of an actual power perfume, I really like amber oil. It’s super affordable. You can order it online or get it at Whole Foods. I love that it smells different on everyone, and I feel like it’s sexy and powerful.

Gucci Flora by Gucci Eau de Parfum

Nemat Amber Fragrance Oil

Screw, marry, kill: lipstick, mascara, highlighter?

Speaking of sexy, we’re going to screw the highlighter because I feel like you got to. We are going to marry the mascara because I can’t live without a good lash, and we’re going to kill the lipsticks. We’ll have better solutions.

What’s the last Instagram or TikTok rabbit hole you got stuck in?