Harth was at CBS on March 11, 2020, the very last day before the shutdown. Everything has changed. Only the very top people have their own personal makeup artists, or they are doing it themselves. Harth sent her clients gift kits so they can do it themselves. Prior to Covid, Harth had a well-rounded repertoire of clients: fashion shows, photo shoots, editorial makeup, and even brides. Now, like so many others in the beauty industry, she is in a holding pattern, watching and waiting to see what’s next. There are always beauty consultations via zoom and online product sales. Harth plans to make more videos in 2021.
These days, Jill Harth lives in a co-op in Oakland Gardens in Bayside, Queens. Until recently she had been taking care of her mom who was in hospice and required around the clock care. Harth is grateful that she could be with her Mom during the final phase of her life and not separated like so many families who have lost loved ones to Covid. Grace, age 92, passed away this past January. About her mother, Harth said, “It has been an honor to take care of her in her final moments and a heartbreak at the same time.”
Harth has learned to slow down and take care of herself too. She has endured a lifetime of what she defines as sticktoitiveness—meaning she has always gone the distance and exerted the ultimate in perseverance. She has learned to fend for herself and to weed out the people who might be fleeting or fairweather friends. “I’m a caretaker, a giver,” she says. “In this world, looks do matter. People are judged every day based on what you look like. When you do things to make yourself look good, you feel good. I like to help people do the things they need to do to feel good about themselves. I still love making people look beautiful. Helping people choose their skin care line and makeup is personal, and it means a lot to me.”