Housewives Share How the Show Has Changed Them

Which star sees herself as a mature Cameron Diaz? And who wears more makeup than ever?

By Sabrina Ford May 20, 2014, 3:16 PM ET

The evolving looks of Bravo's Housewives have always been a favorite topic of discussion among fans. Allure magazine recently talked to some of our favorite Housewives (and Andy!) to get the scoop on how their beauty routines changed after becoming Bravolebs.

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Real Housewives of New York City stars Ramona Singer and Sonja Morgan both readily admit their looks have evolved since joining the show. "Every year, I step it up," says Sonja. Ramona, who has said she sees herself as a slightly older Cameron Diaz, is proud of her Housewives evolution. "Look at me today. I've never been in better shape," she boasted. "My arms have never looked more cut. I think that by seeing yourself on TV, and being filmed with women who are younger, it just makes you want to look better."

One staple the ladies across franchises use to "look better"? Eyelashes. NeNe Leakes of Atlanta and Vicki Gunvalson of Orange County both admit that eyelashes are a necessary part of the Housewives look. "I'm forever in a pair of lashes," said NeNe. "Big ones, small ones, whatever.”

Despite Jersey girls' reputation for over-the-top beauty choices, Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Melissa Gorga and Dina Manzo both admit Housewives glam didn't come naturally to them. Dina, who has no problem pulling her long blonde locks back into a ponytail calls herself "low maintenance." Melissa says, "I did not wear this much makeup before I was on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. There was no need for it. I was a lip gloss and mascara kind of girl." And it's not just her make-up routine that's changed, "Do the coifs get bigger and bigger? They do. And anybody who denies it is lying."

No one's had a better front row seat to the Housewives' transformations than Andy Cohen who says, "Watch season one of every Housewife show, and then watch season two. They've all lost between five and ten pounds. They are full hair and makeup at all times...even hair pieces. It's hilarious."

Try telling that to newbie Housewife Shannon Beador who recently joined the cast of Real Housewives of Orange County. When asked about how her looks have changed she answered, "For me, I just try to keep it real."

Guess we'll have to check back in with Shannon after her second season!