How Vanna White Has Stayed Camera-Ready for 41 Years—and It’s Not Botox (Yet)

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Recently, Vanna White, 66, stepped off the iconic stage and into the Oprah Daily office with a display of items worthy of a wedge on the big wheel: the latest Laura Geller Beauty x Wheel of Fortune makeup collection (vowels not included). Details on that ahead, but first we asked White to share exactly what she’s done to stay so glamorous for 40-plus years of filming what is now the longest-running syndicated game show in the country. From removing stage makeup to caring for her hands after all that clapping, here are White’s top beauty tips:

How does your on-camera makeup routine differ from your off-camera one?

Oh, they’re completely opposite. On camera I wear tons of makeup. It takes about an hour, and I let the makeup artist do whatever she wants. She probably knows my face better than I do.

When I’m not filming, I usually don’t wear makeup for the same reason I don’t wear a gown. I like to be bare-faced with a ponytail while wearing sweats or jeans and tennis shoes. Maybe I’ll do a little bronzer and blush.

Do people still recognize you when you’re dressed casually?

Oddly enough, yes. I don’t understand how, but they do. One time in Venice, Italy, someone standing on the bridge above my gondola saw me and said, “Vanna!” And I was wearing a hat! I've been on camera for many years, though, so chances are you’ve seen me sometime or other in your life; I guess I’m pretty recognizable.

How have the years of TV makeup affected your skin? Do you have the ultimate cleansing routine?

I do have to wash my face very well because the makeup is so heavy; I use a washcloth to make sure I get every nook and cranny. I’m always switching cleansers because I feel like my skin’s needs change all the time. Sometimes when I travel—oh, I shouldn’t say this, but I want to be totally honest—I wash my face with the hotel soap. I’ve never admitted that before. Then, afterward, one of the things I apply is plain old Vaseline; something I learned to do a long time ago.

How has your routine changed in your 60s?

I take better care of my skin and try to keep it moisturized because it does change as you age. I have to do more to keep it fresh and soft, and I always wear sunblock no matter what.

I’ve been thinking about doing a little Botox or something, but I’m so afraid it’s going to change my look. And, honestly, it’s okay to have lines. It shows personality. I’m not trying to be 30, because I’m not. But I don’t know. A little Botox? Maybe.

What do you do to keep your hands ready for their close-ups?

I do always keep my nails manicured; I never know when my hands are going to be filmed, so I get a manicure every couple of weeks. These are my real nails. I don’t do gels or acrylics or anything. Interestingly, after 41 years of clapping, I don’t have calluses.

How do you stay in shape?

I’m very regimented with myself; I have to be because I have to try on sample-size dresses every two weeks and they have to fit—I’ve worn 8,000 dresses on-air so far. I keep 10-pound weights in my bathroom and do at least 50 reps of arm exercises every day. Then I spin on my Peloton. I don’t have a favorite instructor; I actually prefer the scenic routes. I hover just above the seat and do push-ups on the handlebars as I go. Exercise also boosts my confidence when I look tired. I get on that Peloton and go to town, and then I get off feeling energized and looking flushed and dewy.

You’re about to start filming the next season of Wheel of Fortune, which will be host Pat Sajak’s last. How are you feeling about that?

It’s bittersweet. Obviously, after 41 years together, it’s going to be very hard saying goodbye and working with someone new. I know Pat so well. But he said it’s time, so I have to respect that. It’s not time for me! Ryan Seacrest will be coming in. I’ve spoken to Ryan, and he is so excited about hosting the show. He said to me, “I do not want to replace Pat. That’s not what this is about. I will do the best job I can, and help me in any way that you can to make this an easy transition for everyone.”

Prizewinning Eyes Shadow Palette

White says this palette, a nod to the game show's famous letter board, is her favorite from the collection: "I feel right at home with it! And there are so many colors to choose from." The mix of matte and shimmer shadows come in a range of wearable colors ideal for a neutral wash or a smoky eye.

Face The Wheel Blush Palette

This contains five easy-to-blend blush powders, which you can blend together or wear individually.

Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer

A take on the million-dollar wedge, this primer is meant to leave skin looking like...well, you can guess the rest. It contains silicone to smooth skin and keep makeup in place as well as glycerin to hydrate.

Big Money Red Cream Lipstick

This is the can't-lose crimson lip that White is sporting above. The creamy, hydrating formula is especially easy to blend. If you have mature skin, a lip liner helps keep it in place.

Glitz & Glam Kajal Longwear Eyeliner

This smudgy crayon has caffeine and vitamin E to address puffiness and redness; apply it along your lashline or blend it across your lid.

Dual-Ended Blush + Bronzer Precision Brush

You'll want the big, fluffy angled brush to blend your blush and the smaller, tapered brush for eye shadow.

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