“We love to give each other a hard time,” said Nelson. On a cold day right before Thanksgiving, they didn’t expect much turnout, but people came in throngs and the crew was outside for upwards of 14 hours. In total, 861,000 pounds of food were donated, along with a number of checks from companies. “It was amazing to see the way the community responded,” said Nelson. “It was one of those days that you go home and say ‘I love my job.’”
I’m a tomboy at heart. All of this hair and makeup, it’s not really me.” – Belinda Jensen
Belinda’s
Look
Clothing and accessories from Hot Mama
Jensen arrives from a reading group at her first-grade daughter’s class. In a ponytail and casual all-black outfit, you wouldn’t guess that this woman is one of the most watched people on Twin Cities televisions every night. “I’m a tomboy at heart,” Jensen said. “All of this hair and makeup, it’s not really me.”
Dressy (page 19) Tommy Bahama Pearl Stripe Maxi Dress, $118 Denim jacket by KUT, $78 Gold Pearl Necklace by Harriet Isles, $38
And for news personalities in the Twin Cities, sometimes you have to be “on” even off camera. “It can be hard if you’re having a bad day at the grocery store with your kids,” said Jensen of being recognized in public.
Make-up: Plec used Jane Iredale Skincare Makeup on Belinda as well — Smooth Affair primer; Glow Time foundation; Circle/ Delete concealer; Pure Pressed Bronzer; Pure Pressed blush in Awake; Pure Pressed eyeshadows in Champagne, Cappuccino and Double Espresso; Black/Brown liner; Longest Lash Mascara; and PureMoist lipstick in Annette.
West End Compass | theshopsatwestend.com
Pierce, Jensen, and Nelson gush over the opportunity to have their hair and makeup done for today’s shoot, which they’ll keep for broadcasts to come later in the day. Unless it’s sweeps, the women dress themselves and handle their own hair and makeup.
Casual Vest by Prairie Underground, $258 Polka Dot Button Down by Matty M, $78 Nico Mid Rise Skinny by Hudson, $189
Hair: For Jensen, Nelson used Oribe’s Shampoo for Beautiful Color to brighten blonde and Magnificent Volume conditioner which has a plumping effect at the roots. She used Supershine Light (lightweight moisture and heat protectant) through the ends, then sprayed Volumista at the base, and Gel Serum throughout to create that weightless volume. Nelson used a medium sized round brush, and dried section by section. She finished the style with Dry Texture spray and Superfine Hairspray.
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Camera Ready
But all three maintain that they’ve been welcomed with open arms in their communities. “Everyone is so nice and kind,” said Nelson. “I really think that everyone should get this kind of encouragement in their jobs. I get really sweet emails and everyone is really respectful.”
Like Family “When you join KARE, you’re joining a family,” said Nelson, speaking of both her coworkers at the station and the families who watch the nightly broadcast. “I’ve had the best co-anchors,” said Pierce, who now shares the spotlight with Pat Evans. “All of the guys have a funny streak in them. We’re always joking that the real entertainment is behind the camera — but it wouldn’t all be appropriate for TV!” she says with a laugh. Jensen and Nelson have grown close in the 10 years they’ve been together on the evening news and often can be found after the 10 o’clock show in the parking lot chatting about the day. “We’ll talk about what happened that day, what balls got dropped, what’s happening with our kids,” Nelson said. “She’s one of my best friends. It’s been priceless to be with someone who understands the craziness of our jobs.”