'I'm on a show called Between, which is on Netflix, where my makeup and hair are meant to be as plain as possible. It's funny, because growing up acting, I hated all the makeup they put on me—I was a tomboy, and foundation always felt so caked-on. But for this character, they wanted my hair slicked back, so every day it was in a pony that wasn't even brushed. We’re talking minimal. And then I had the grown-out bangs which would flop about—they became known as the 'little seagull wings' on set. I have a rounder face, and hairstylists will tell me that I look better without bangs, but I disagree. I like how my face looks better with them.

I went brunette after I finished the show Sam & Cat—that was with Ariana Grande, and I was blonde. But then the brunette grew out and faded, so my stylist threw in highlights to blend in with my natural hair. If I had to title my hair’s look now, it would be 'An Effort in The Natural Movement.' [Laughs] I like good-smelling shampoos and conditioners. I just picked up a couple travel sizes of Drybar’s Sake Bomb Shampoo and Conditioner, but I love clay conditioner like Aveda's Pure Abundance Volumizing Clay Conditioner because it's really protective.

For makeup, there was a time that I was big into smoky eyes—not so much anymore, though, because I like to look wide-awake. Some tricks work better on certain people. I used to be like, ‘Oh! I want to be Jennifer Lopez, so I’ll make that happen today.’ But actually, maybe I should try being a better Jennette. Miranda Cosgrove turned me on to false eyelashes when we were on iCarly together, but by the time I was 19, I decided they were ripping out my real eyelashes, so I had to stop. That, and I wanted a more natural look.

Now, I swear by Benefit’s They’re Real! Mascara. It makes my lashes fuller, thicker, and it makes my eyes pop. The wand is very key. I’ve tried tons and tons of mascaras. I have an irrational fear of my favorite products being discontinued, so I'm also always trying new products to have a backup—though if They’re Real! ever becomes discontinued, I will probably never wear mascara ever again.

So even if I only do a little bit of mascara, I’m probably going to use foundation, too. Dior's Diorskin Forever Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup in Light Beige 020 is my favorite. I put it everywhere then conceal with either the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit or the Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer, which I apply with a Sephora Collection Classic Multitasker Concealer Brush #21. It feels good on my face, which is how I pick my brushes. A brush should not feel like a broomstick. That’s a problem.

I find it easier to act when I feel comfortable with how I look with the makeup on. It’s such a vulnerable thing to have cameras in your face and a crew around watching you all day. Yeah, it can be uncomfortable, but I least I know my blemishes are covered. That's a great feeling.”

—as told to ITG

Jennette McCurdy photographed by Tom Newton on June 9, 2015.

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