Lisa Vanderpump Says 'Reality TV Gives You a Thicker Skin'

Parade.com:

The Real Housewives franchise has produced many a breakout star in recent years (NeNe Leakes, Bethenny Frankel, Teresa Giudice). For better or worse, the stars of the hit Bravo reality series have achieved major fame — not to mention millions of loyal fans.

One of the biggest stars to come out of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is Lisa Vanderpump, whose popularity resulted in her own spinoff series, Vanderpump Rules. She also appeared on the 16th season of Dancing With the Stars.

The British beauty, 53, chatted with Parade.com about reality TV stardom, the secret to her 31-year marriage with husband Ken Todd, and those pesky tabloid rumors.

This season of RHOBH has been particularly nasty in terms of tabloid reports and rumors. How do you deal?
“It’s just all sensationalism, and then you read about it on Twitter and you just have to ignore it or make a statement, but for the most part it’s nonsense. People should just relax and watch the show and then judge it from there. I just have to ignore it unless it comes from somewhere reputable.” One thing that reality television does give you is a thicker skin. I remember the first time something was written about me and it wasn’t true, I was so indignant and I burst into tears. I remember sitting in my restaurant thinking, ‘how could they?’ Now I’m like, ‘oh, whatever!’”

Viewers love watching you and Ken together. What’s the secret to having a lasting marriage when so many relationships have been torn apart by reality TV fame.
“It sounds cliché, but I think having respect for each other and being kind to one another. Of course, you have trials and tribulations like everybody does, but we have a sense of humor about things as well. We’re not taking ourselves too seriously, and I think most people watching Housewives know that I do love a laugh, and I’m married to somebody that supports everything I do.”

You’re always looking glam. What are some of your best beauty tips?
“It’s really about makeup. I’m a great believer that you can get ready in five minutes, of course it normally takes longer, but you can put it together very quickly if you have to. I just think it’s really important to always put your best foot forward if you can. The one day that you put your hair in a clip and you’ve got no makeup on is the day you run into the person that you really don’t want to see, so I always try and pull it together, whatever time I’m working with. I’ve always got mascara — if not lashes — on and lipgloss. I just feel better that way, and I think most of us do when we just make the bit of effort. It gives us a better kind of energy and a better attitude.”

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