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In the busy world of new makeup launches and ever-changing, seasonal beauty trends, keeping your cosmetics current takes research. The quest for your next “holy grail” cosmetic can feel like a long road, balancing personal taste with factors like performance, aesthetic, texture, longevity and formulation.
But curating your personal “top shelf” of beauty products need not be daunting or even excessively costly—and this is not to be taken lightly, with one recent skincare launch costing $1,500! No one wants to splurge on an expensive product that ends up being a bust, but the luxury beauty world (and its aspirational price points) can in fact be deftly navigated with the help of an industry expert, like a beauty editor or celebrity makeup artist.
Though the best option would be to go shopping with an expert to provide feedback, the next best thing is the expert-curated shopping list below. These recommendations, come from their nearly unlimited access to beauty products and years of experience, are based on the luxury skincare, makeup and beauty tools they keep in their own beauty kits. The best part is, most are currently on sale for Black Friday promotions and holiday shopping.
Keep reading to find out which “holy grail” luxury cosmetics seven celebrity makeup artists recommend from their own beauty kits.
Celebrity Makeup Artist Katrina Klein
La Bouche Rouge
La Bouche Rouge Lipstick Refill, $45
Celebrity makeup artist Katrina Klein loves the lipsticks from this luxurious, Parisian beauty brand—and no one pulls off a red lip like a Parisienne. All thirty-nine shades of the vegan and algae-infused lippies are sold in eco-conscious refills to be housed in Refillable Fine Leather Lipstick Case, $80, made from upcycled leather from the Tanneries du Puy. They are not simply très chic, but eco-chic.
Chanel Beauty
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream, $60
Klein consistently relies on this luxury gel-cream bronzer to keep her clients glowing and camera-ready. The non-comedogenic formula applies smoothly to the skin but leaves behind a matte finish. Once you get used to its subtle bronzing warmth, it will feel like something is missing without it.
Augustinus Bader
Augustinus Bader The Eye Patches, $130 for 6 pairs
The first step of glam is skin prep, which determines the way the complexion receives the subsequent cosmetics and how professional makeup artists ensure a seamless, long-lasting look. For the delicate and crease-prone under-eyes, Klein turns to these patches from the celebrity-favorite brand to delivers its proprietary blend of skin-brightening nutrients via TFC8 technology.
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour Stylus, $38
To accentuate bone structure, professionals mimic the effect of shadowing and light reflection to make cheekbones pop, refine the nose, define the jawline and more. Klein begins this process using the ultra-precise tip of this contour stylus, which imparts cool-toned dimension that fakes shadowing. It can be applied directly to the face thanks to its narrow circumference; however, it saves product when applied to a brush first.
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter Stick, $42
Next, Klein artfully adds subtle glints from this highlighting stick—the shadowy contour’s counterpart. She recreates the effect of light reflection, using its gently glistening aesthetic to completes the bone structure-enhancing effect and hint at dewy plumpness.
rephr
rēphr brushes, $13-$99
Shopping for makeup brushes is never as fun as other makeup products, but the right set makes all the difference. Klein adores this line of Japan-made beauty brushes for their quality, precision and seamlessness of application. Once you invest in high quality brushes, do not forget to clean them regularly.
Celebrity Makeup Artist Carissa Ferreri
Clé de Peau
Clé de Peau Beauté The Foundation, $270
It’s pricy—but it’s worth it, says celebrity makeup artist Carissa Ferreri. She confirms that Clé de Peau’s costly foundation provides long-lasting, buildable coverage while also gently hydrating. Though the formula relays modest, hybrid sun protection, it is still best to still apply additional SPF.
Tom Ford Beauty
Tom Ford Beauty Shade and Illuminate Contour Duo, $95
Ferreri recommends the cream-to-satin formula of this contour and highlight compact. Product is easily picked up with a brush and blends in effortlessly upon the warmth of the skin. She is especially fond of the dewy highlighting balm, which leaves a shimmer-free glint that can traced upon the bridge of the nose, the tops of the cheekbones or any areas that catch the light.
Tom Ford Beauty
Tom Ford Beauty Lipstick in Spanish Pink, $59
Ferreri names the shade “Spanish Pink” from Tom Ford’s range of luxury lipsticks to be a staple hue in her beauty kit. The formula is hydrating and glides on smoothly thanks to added extracts, butters and flower oils, while the shade itself is a soft pinky-salmon with the hint of satin sheen. The fact is you have undoubtedly already seen it topping countless A-lister’s pouts.
Giorgio Armani Beauty
Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer in Shade 11, $42
For a subtly bronzed, warming shimmer that sits just atop the cheekbones, look no further than Armani’s liquid highlight. Ferreri recommends the shade “Bronze Blush” as a finishing touch of warmth. As for the formula’s versatility, it can also be used for touch-ups, mixed with foundation for all-over glow or used as a super-dewy primer.
Chanel Beauty
Chanel Les Pinceaux de Chanel Brush N. 200, $42
Ferreri loves the dual-ended, retractable makeup brushes by Chanel, which come with caps that make them supremely travel-friendly. Because their beloved concealer brush, N. 105, is often sold-out, the best hack is knowing that this eyeshadow duo also works beautifully at blending concealer.
Celebrity Makeup Artist Robin Black
Chanel Beauty
Chanel Baume Essentiel, $48
Celebrity makeup artist, photographer and consultant Robin Black understands everything about applying—and photographing—cosmetics. She names this multi-tasking, highlighting balm as her year-round pick for its “sophisticated sheen.” Her favorite places to add it are on the peaks of the lip’s cupid’s bow, the bridge of the nose and sometimes the centers of the eyelids.
Chanel Beauty
Chanel Les Beiges Water Fresh Complexion Touch, $70
While skin tints are beloved in warmer months, Black also loves them in the Winter. She points out that this range of sixteen serum-like shades is “so good when applied over a heavy, cold weather moisturizer.” These tints, she says, are ideal for those seeking a minimalist foundation alternative that will even out skin tone and diffuse redness.
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner, $34
Black calls eyeliner the “unsung hero” of the makeup world and names this formula by Victoria Beckham Beauty “unequivocally the best I have ever tried.” The precision tip of the pencil is countered by the formula’s buttery-softness, which blends and builds without pulling at the eyelid’s delicate skin. She names “Cocoa” and “Cinnamon” (pictured above) as the perfect daytime Winter pigments, while “Bordeaux,” “Sequin Green” and “Navy Noir” are her picks come evening.
Sisley Paris
Sisley Paris Phyto-Lip Balm in 3 Crush, $65
Black calls the shade “3 Crush” the “perfect wintery rose brown.” She adds that the luxury lip tint has just enough pigment to apply precisely, yet is sheer enough to be swiped when casually running errands. Consider it your new daily neutral that can be dressed-up or dressed-down, and leave it at that.
Armani Beauty
Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow in Wood, $38
Black names this creaseless, easily blendable shadow the “best liquid eyeshadow formula I have ever tried.” She is partial to applying the matte, deep brown shade “Wood” along the lashline, then using a brush to flare out the outer corners into a smoked, kitten-eye shape. From first use, you will notice it applies like a liquid yet feels weightless.
Celebrity Makeup Artist Allan Avendaño
CurrentBody
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask, $469
Celebrity makeup artist Allan Avendaño emphasizes the importance of skincare due to his and his clients’ sensitive skin types. He calls this LED face mask his “MVP” for the way its red light therapy rejuvenates the skin with regular use, while also calming inflammation due to its infrared wavelengths.
Circa 1970
Circa 1970 Luxury Face Oil, $110
Ensuring the skin has adequate hydration is particularly important during the Winter, when indoor heaters can dry out the skin and exposure to colder temps can be taxing. So, prior to makeup application, he loves to soothe, plump and nourish client complexions with a couple drops of this luxury face oil. He points out that it is “never greasy or sticky” and has a calming, naturally-derived scent.
L’Oréal
L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion, $16.99
To offset his penchant for costly skin prep, Avendaño offers some budget-friendly cosmetics. The L’Oréal ambassador is known for looks that create “effortless” glow upon the skin skin, so he loves this formula by L’Oréal. Editor’s Note: Consider it a drugstore dupe with a wider shade range for the best-selling, clean SPF-serum, RMS Beauty SuperNatural Radiance Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $48.
L’Oréal
L’Oréal Lumi Le Liquid Blush, $14.99
To continue the glow-getting effect, he recommends the liquid blushes from L’Oréal’s Lumi collection. Liquids can be more forgiving when the skin is dryer in the Winter. So if you are a powder blush-lover but want to try out a liquid or cream formula, this is a fantastic way to get started.
Celebrity Makeup Artist Kelly Zhang
Tower28
Tower 28 GetSet™ Pressed Powder, $28
Celebrity makeup artist Kelly Zhang is a fan of how sensitive skin-friendly this squalane oil-infused, talc-free pressed powder is. Available in four different shades based on your skin tone—translucent, pink, yellow and tan—it uses color theory for the slightest bit of brightening. All together it sets and blurs without being drying or cakey, and can absorb and withstand moisture and sweat due to its incorporation of kaolin clay.
Kelly Zhang Makeup
Kelly Zhang Tinted Primer, $35
For ultra-lightweight coverage, or to prime the skin before makeup, Zhang created her own tinted primer to use with clients. Each of its four shades uses Skin Adapt Pigment Technology to adapt to skin tone while the formula also relays modest sun protection. Think of it as a daily staple or a first-step.
La Mer
La Mer Lip Balm, $80
Everyone wants hydrated-looking lips, but this becomes extra challenging during the Winter. This is the perfect season to invest in a lip mask or functional balm, and Zhang is a fan of the luxury brand La Mer’s. Citing their proprietary Miracle Broth™ for its hydrating prowess, she names the balm’s minty-fresh, velvety texture for making it her go-to.
Patrick Ta
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Blush Duo, $38
If you have a hard time deciding between powder and cream blushes, the dual compact by celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta circumvents the battle altogether. Zhang recommends using them alone or together to create a dimensional, lit-from-within glow that lasts all day. You can layer in multiple ways, but the general rule of thumb is to apply cream first and then “set” with powder for extra long wear.
Hourglass Cosmetics
The Hourglass Veil™ Powder Brush, $65
Zhang’s stamp of approval for this ultra-soft, dual-ended powder brush makes it a shoe-in for your kit. Its versatile design can be used from the eyes to the face, while its Taklon bristles can pick up the most delicate of loose and pressed powders for an airbrushed finish. Pet parents will also like that the vegan- and cruelty-free luxury line is devoted to animal wellness.
Celebrity Makeup Artist Lisa Aharon
Sisley
Sisley Black Rose Face Mask, $200
Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon turns to this luxury face mask for “instant hydration and plumping” of the skin, prior to applying makeup. It is rich enough to be worn and rinsed off like a face mask. But the real beauty hack, she says, is leaving it on underneath your foundation for “ultimate radiance.”
Chantecaille
Chantecaille Cheek Gelee, $48
This is Aharon’s go-to blush for what she calls a “buildable, blendable and long-lasting” flush upon the cheeks. The hybrid formula falls somewhere between an emulsion and a stain with a delightfully hydrating feel. She adds that it is currently only available in a few shades, but rumor has it that more are on the way…
111Skin
111Skin Cryo Depuffing Eye Mask, $110 for 8 pairs
Some under-eyes call for brightening, others call for de-puffing—but to be honest, individual needs can vary day by day. While the above-mentioned patches come in handy for dark circles, this cooling eye patch is Aharon’s pick to “de-puff” when a client’s tired, puffy under-eyes need some “snatching.” “These go on most of my clients pre-glam,” she says.
ZIIP
ZIIP Halo, $399
Just as in-office micro-current devices applies gentle, electrical pulses to stimulate the muscles of the face, the ZIIP at-home beauty tool uses nano-currents for gentle lifting, toning and even contouring (via subtle lymphatic drainage). With its temporary effects visible from each mini face-workout, Aharons keeps the tool on-hand for pre-glam skin prep.
Monastery
Monastery Gold Oil, $159
Calming and hydrating the skin (and nerves) is imperative for a successful glam. Aharons finds this blend of floral oils—like rose, rosehip and jasmine—to be supremely calming and nourishing pre-makeup application. When using a facial oil as makeup preparation, it is especially important that it is lightweight, non-greasy and absorbs quickly. This one checks all the boxes, she says.
Makeup Artist Diane Caranica
MAC Cosmetics
Mac Cosmetics Eye Kohl in Costa Riche, $24
With some calling “brown the new black,” this hue is a must-have in your cosmetic arsenal. The brand describes it as a “warm, coffee bean brown,” but it is really more of a “medium roast” than, say, an “espresso.” Gliding on with a soft, kajal-like texture, it leaves behind a stunning, chestnut shade that is to-die-for paired with the eyeshadow below.
Giorgio Armani Beauty
Giorgio Armani Beauty in shade 44 S Blush, $38
Like Black, Caranica is a major fan of Armani’s liquid eyeshadow. However, she names shade “44S Blush” as her frontrunner for creating delicately feminine and romantic eyes. This shade is technically shimmery, but it is truly a delicate and refined, sophisticated aesthetic that will add only a hint of sparkle to a daytime or nighttime look.
Gucci Beauty
Gucci L’Obscur Lengthening Mascara, $36
This cult-favorite mascara from Gucci is a must-try for anyone in search of a lengthening, enhancing formula that separates lashes and does not dry out or flake. Bear in mind that it will not volumize like a tubing mascara will; rather, it is more like a replacement for the old school Dior Show, adding tasteful glamour at just the right viscosity to yield texture but not tackiness.
Yves Saint Laurent Beauty
Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Touche Eclat Awakening Concealer Click Pen, $40
The featherlight brightener is a cult-favorite for a reason. The luminescent formula is ideal for the under-eyes and paints on with the most lightweight feel. Hint: Prep the eyes with the eye patches recommended above to enhance the brightening effect and keep things set throughout the day by tapping on the lightest wisp of moisturizer from your ring finger.
Pat McGrath Labs
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Divine Blush in Nude Venus, $39
Caranica is a fan of Pat McGrath’s entire Nude Venus shade range, which strikes a balance between delicate softness and bold pigment. The matte Nude Venus I is described as a “peachy pink with golden pearl,” whereas Nude Venus II (pictured above) is a “peach nude with pearl” and a touch of sparkle.
YSL Beauty
YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick, $45
This formula goes on like a slippery balm but relays the tint of a subtle lipstick. What is most impressive is the way that it affords the precision and hue of a lipstick but still glides on comfortably with an oil-slick shine. It is also the perfect texture to top an on-trend, ombre lip liner—and Caranica names the liners by Kevyn Aucoin named as some of her current favorites.
