The first day back after a holiday break can feel disorienting for anyone, and for Kelly Ripa, it came with an unexpected on-air beauty hiccup. When LIVE with Kelly & Mark returned on January 5, the longtime host quickly realized that her morning routine had gone slightly off course, leading to a noticeable change in her appearance that she decided to address head on.
Speaking candidly during the show, Kelly shared exactly what happened as she prepared for work that morning. After returning from vacation, she admitted she woke up feeling confused and out of sync. Still adjusting to her schedule, she began getting ready in low light, explaining that she prefers not to fully brighten the room while applying her makeup.
“I started getting ready in the dark,” Kelly explained. “I don’t like to illuminate the room right away.” Reaching for what she believed was her foundation stick, she began applying it to her face. At first, something felt off, but she kept going anyway, layering more product on without stopping to check closely.
It was only later that she realized the mistake. Instead of foundation, Kelly had been applying contour makeup all over her face. As she told the story, she laughed at herself, acknowledging that the result looked far different than intended. “If I look strange to you today,” she joked, “it’s because I was putting contour all over my face.”
Her co-host and husband, Mark Consuelos, quickly jumped in to reassure her, telling Kelly that she still looked great. Kelly, however, could not help but point out the difference herself. “Everyone keeps saying I look tan,” she said, before clarifying, “I’m not tan at all. It’s a contour stick as a foundation.”
The moment was met with laughter and understanding from viewers, many of whom could relate to the experience of rushing through a routine while still half asleep. For someone who spends so much time in front of the camera, Kelly’s honesty made the moment even more relatable.
From a beauty perspective, the mix up makes sense. Foundation is designed to even out skin tone and create a smooth base, while contour is meant to add depth and shadow to specific areas like the cheekbones, jawline, and sides of the forehead. Because contour products typically have deeper, brown toned pigments, using them all over the face can dramatically alter the complexion, especially on fair skin.
Despite the mishap, Kelly is widely known for her polished and glowing look. Over the years, she has often shared details of her beauty routine and the products she relies on. In a previous video filmed in her elegant vanity space, Kelly revealed her go to foundation and explained why it works so well for her skin.
She showed the camera L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Foundation, noting that it feels lightweight and comfortable throughout the day. According to Kelly, the formula does not settle into fine lines or wrinkles and gives her a natural, second skin finish. The foundation, which contains hyaluronic acid, is designed to deliver a radiant look while offering buildable coverage.
Kelly has often emphasized that makeup should enhance, not complicate, her routine. She described her preferred products as ones that feel moisturizing rather than heavy and that allow her skin to look like skin rather than a mask of makeup. That philosophy has helped her maintain a consistent, fresh appearance despite years under studio lights.
This was not the first time Kelly experienced a live on air wardrobe or beauty mishap. In December, viewers caught a candid moment when she was still adjusting her outfit as the cameras began rolling. She openly admitted she was not fully dressed just seconds before going live, joking with Mark as she tried to fix her look in real time.
Mark playfully teased her during the exchange, while Kelly laughed it off and continued the show without missing a beat. Moments like these have become part of what viewers love about her, as she never shies away from acknowledging real life slip ups.
When she is not dealing with unexpected on air moments, Kelly’s style is often defined by sophisticated fashion choices. Her wardrobe frequently features pieces from designers like Stella McCartney, Miu Miu, Gianvito Rossi, Alessandra Rich, and Chloé. She has also shared that she keeps clothing for decades, believing that good style always comes back around.
As she once explained on Live with Kelly & Mark, she dislikes wasting things and prefers to hold on to pieces she loves. Many of her outfits, she revealed, are more than 30 years old, proving that timeless fashion often outlasts trends.
Whether discussing makeup mishaps, wardrobe fixes, or beauty favorites, Kelly continues to connect with audiences by being open and unfiltered. Her willingness to laugh at herself and share the behind the scenes reality of live television keeps her relatable, even after decades in the spotlight.
