What's In My Bag? Instagram's resident funny girl Heather McMahan dishes on the products she can't live without
Remember this name: Heather McMahan.
The 32-year-old fast-talking comedian, who has gained an online following of more than 288,000 followers, is primed and ready to take her career to the next level through any medium possible.
In the past month, McMahan launched her podcast “Absolutely Not,” whiched debuted at number one on the Apple Podcast charts, bumping podcast king Joe Rogan from his throne. A few weeks later, tickets to McMahan’s first comedy tour sold-out in less than 15 minutes.
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“It’s crazy. I’m really overwhelmed,” McMahan told Yahoo Canada on a call from her New York City home. “I’m just so grateful.”
The Atlanta, Ga. native turned to social media after moving to Hollywood after college and struggling to break into the acting world. Determined to break into the entertainment industry, McMahan began sharing videos of characters to Instagram, along with glimpses into her daily life and an unfiltered take on pop culture.
In 2015, McMahan was thrown an unexpected curveball when her father, Kyle, died just days after being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
“Experiencing the loss of my father and having that really dark moment really set me up for such great success and a glass half-full situation,” McMahan said. “My point of view, especially as a comic has become so much richer. I see the world in such a different way now. It humanized a lot of things and made me more empathetic. In the darkest times, you find the funniest sh-t.”
After her father’s death McMahan moved back home to live with her mother, Robin. Determined to make it on her own terms, she began incorporating her family into her content, with her mother even taking over her Instagram for a nightly live stream to legions of McMahan’s fans.
“I always describe my relationship with my mother like this: we’re like Joan and Melissa Rivers — except we’re both Joan,” she said, laughing. “Robin and I both want the spotlight. She just shoots it straight.”
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As it turns out, timing really is everything. In early 2019, McMahan landed a role in “The Family” starring “Saturday Night Live” alum Kate McKinnon and “Orange Is the New Black” star Taylor Schilling. It wasn’t long before daytime television took notice, with a shout out from celebrity-fan Maria Shriver leading to an appearance on NBC’s “The Today Show.”
“If this would have happened to me in my early 20s, I probably wouldn’t have been able to handle it the way that I am now,” she admitted. “I have a different world perspective. I’ve lost someone, I’ve gone through things...I do think it all happens at the right time.”
“This is what I’ve wanted to do my whole life, to bring people joy through humour. I’m not a good cook, I’m not good housekeeping wise. I’m a terrible wife. What I am good at is finding joy at every situation,” she added. “If people find it funny and they can relate to it, then that’s what I’m here for.”
Want to know the products that Heather keeps on-hand?
Check out the beauty and skin-care must-haves that this funny girl can’t live without.
Megababe Thigh Rescue
“I’m married to and literally never leave the house without the Megababe deodorant and anti-thigh chafe stick. I’m obsessed with everything Megababe, especially in the summer.”
SHOP IT: Megababe, $18 CAD
Playa Hair Care
“I use their shampoo, conditioner and their New Day Mist. It’s the best thing I’ve ever used.”
SHOP IT: Sephora, $32
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzing Powder
SHOP IT: Ulta, $28 (Originally $39)
bareMinerals
Clean beauty is important for McMahan, who does her best to look for products made from all-natural products. “I’m an OG BareMinerals girl,” she said.
SHOP IT: Sephora, $45
Simply Jess Skincare
“I’m all organic and try to use the cleanest products. I only put Simply Jess on my face,” she said.
SHOP IT: Simply Jess starting at $7 CAD
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
SHOP IT: NYX, $9
Tarte Double Duty Shape Tape Contour Concealer
“This is the best stuff on the planet.”
SHOP IT: Ulta, $36
CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
“I travel with these to help me calm down or take before a flight to take a nap,” she said. “They’re the best.”
SHOP IT: CBDistillery, $78 CAD
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