Lights, camera and the constants. When it comes to getting celebs ready for the red carpet, TV shows and photo shoots, it’s not a time to test-drive the unknown. Here are the go-to products Hollywood’s trusted makeup artists say they always have with them.
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27 ($75)
Celebrity makeup artist Sarah Uslan got her start assisting Bobbi Brown and has worked with such clients as Beyoncé, Solange Knowles, Florence Pugh, Joey King, Lili Reinhart, Emma Roberts, Olivia Colman and Michelle Monaghan, to name a few. She knows her stuff and calls this luxe pick her “forever all-star concealer” because of its “perfect” texture and coverage. “It’s that ideal go-to product that is not too dry and not too creamy—a must!”
Make Up Forever HD Skin Face Essentials Palette ($88)
Uslan is “pretty confident” that every makeup artist has at least one, but likely all four, of these essential palettes. “The formulas are waterproof, sweat-proof and smudge-proof and include buildable shades that easily blend both together and on the skin,” she says.
Laura Mercier Ultra Blur Talc-Free Translucent Powder ($48)
“These powders are a staple for makeup artists because of their beautiful light and velvety formula,” Uslan says, adding that “they’re reliable in that there will be no flash-back situation.”
Setting Spray
We know the header on this one isn’t super specific, but Uslan says that’s because there’s no lack of excellent ones. “Although there is now a wide range of options, every pro will have a setting spray in their kit,” she says. “One/ Size (shown here) has definitely gained popularity, but brands like Makeup by Mario and Charlotte Tilbury have fantastic ones as well.”
Under-Eye Patches
The BTS shots on Instagram don’t lie: Celebs and their makeup artists love a good under-eye patch. “My faves are Skyn Iceland (shown here) and Le Mieux because they stick firmly under the eye without sliding down a client’s face,” Uslan says.
Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% ($185)
While celeb makeup artist Courtney Hart says she “could go on forever” about her product favorites, this derm-loved antioxidant takes the top spot as the skin-care item she always has on hand. “This is the vitamin C product you need,” she says. “I cannot overstate this enough!” Hart loves the line so much, in fact, that she recommends it in full: “I always use and recommend Revision Skincare’s products for my clients—not only for healthy, glowing skin after a red carpet but also in general for its amazing long term, anti-aging skin results.”
Vita Liberata Body Blur ($39)
With a “beautiful sheen and a range of colors,” Hart likes this sunless-glow body makeup for the red carpet.
Lumify Eye Drops ($22)
If you want bright eyes, Hart says you need this product. (It’s also the number-one requested product she’s asked to leave behind when working with a client.) Celebrity makeup artist Ermahn Ospina also praises their efficacy. “These eye drops clear the red out of your eyes almost instantly,” he says. “They leave the eyes looking rested and white for eight hours.”
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder ($48)
Hart likes this popular powder for “filter-finish” skin. Her simple pro tip is to stamp, but don’t swipe when applying.
Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Bronzer ($32)
These three-in-one cream bronzers, which warm, shape and even out her clients’ skin tones, get Hart’s approval.
Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear All Over Concealer ($31)
Known for being crease-free and creamy, Hart likes this go-to concealer for its “full-coverage and long-lasting” effect.
Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation ($58)
A must-have of many makeup artists, Hart is a fan of this best-selling foundation that provides medium-to-full coverage.
MAC Strobe Cream ($39)
Hart says this moisturizer-meets-highlighter “has always been a kit staple.”