Melissa McCarthy Swears That This Hair Texturizer “Literally Doubles” Her Volume
Plus 12 more of our February cover star's favorite things.
One of our favorite things about Melissa McCarthy — and there are too many to count, truly — is the way that she always keeps it real. Whether she's documenting her getting-ready process on Instagram or joking around on set, the beloved actress never fails to come across as downright relatable.
Though we often see her rocking glamorous designer gowns for red carpets and photo shoots (look no further than InStyle's February cover story), in her everyday life, McCarthy carefully curates a wardrobe filled with meaningful items. Take, for starters, her favorite piece of jewelry: a sentimental charm necklace that she wears almost daily. "I’ve been accumulating vintage charms for years," McCarthy tells InStyle. "I try to get myself a new one at every magic crossroads in my life." Even her go-to handbag has a story behind it. "I have an amazing vintage YSL duffel that I bought for my friend, Brian Atwood — but then I couldn't part with it," she says. "Sorry, Brian!"
VIDEO: Behind the Scenes at InStyle's February Cover Shoot with Melissa McCarthy
As many celebrities flock to one trend after another, McCarthy sticks to her tried-and-true favorites in fashion, beauty, and beyond. We asked her to fill us in on all of her top picks, and with the signature candor that she's known and loved for, she delivered. Scroll down for 13 of McCarthy's essentials, from the fragrance that she and her husband, actor Ben Falcone, wear every day to the meal of her dreams (it's "a mindblower," she swears). And for more stories like this, pick up the February issue of InStyle, now available on newsstands, on Amazon, and for digital download.
Signature Scent
"Jack by Richard E. Grant, who has the most developed olfactory abilities of any human. He created this perfume that Ben and I wear every day. [The top notes are] lime, marijuana and mandarin. Come on!"
Shoe Obsession
"The Nike Cortez."
Ideal Meal
“The lasagna at Don Angie in the West Village is a mindblower. They also bread their chicken with sausage. Yes, I said they bread their chicken with sausage! That restaurant owns my heart."
#1 Shampoo
"Robert Ramos Cleansing Conditioner with aloe vera and chamomile. I love me an all-in-one."
Style Icons
"Cher in the '70s and Boy George in the '80s. It depends on my mood, but those always feel right."
Travel Essential
“A small pink heart-shaped pillow that my daughter gave me. She got it at the 99-cent store, and I’m never without it."
Wardrobe Staple
“Any jumpsuit, any time, any place.”
Best Baum
"By Terry Baume de Rose Lip Care."
Song on Repeat
“Anything by the Avett Brothers.”
Must-Have Mascara
"Chanel Le Volume Révolution de Chanel."
Sweetest Shades
"I will not admit to the number of vintage sunglasses I currently own. I cannot resist a 1980s 'underscrolled' arm with a gradating colored lens."
Go-To Drink
"The Glenlivet 18-year-old whiskey."
Styling Savior
"Ted Gibson Shooting Star Texture Meringue. It literally doubles my hair."