What are your top five favorite long-lasting makeup products?
I don’t know if I have a top five, but I have a few things. I’m a drugstore girl. I rarely go to Sephora to buy makeup. Everything I get is from Target or CVS. I think baking is important. I use the Makeup Revolution Translucent Setting Powder. That’s so important; it’s my all-time favorite powder. I use that, and then I do a matte lip every time. I sing with the mic so close to my mouth. If I have a gloss on, it will be everywhere, so I never put a gloss on. I use setting spray, but I don’t know which setting spray is the best one. I think Patrick Starr has a good one […] That stuff is incredible. I remember being really impressed by it.
Do you happen to have a favorite eyeliner or mascara?
I do love Dior palettes. They have such beautiful colors. Every time I use eyeshadow, it’s almost always the Dior palette. For eyeliner, I stick to the drugstore; I’m using an ELF brown liner.
Another trick is sometimes I’ll use an eyeliner for lip liner. I don’t know if that’s good for your lips, but it stays so long. Any brown liner…I’ll even use it to put little fake freckles on my face.
That’s a good trick, especially if it’s waterproof.
Yes, and my lip liner moves! If you know me, you know I’m always pulling out my phone and checking my lip liner. When I use eyeliner or even a brow pencil, those things just don’t move.
I’m what you might call a makeup enthusiast. Ever since I was younger I have had a love affair with getting ready. In my earlier years I would run to sephora or the beauty department of Nordstrom and always want to leave with something new that I haven’t tried yet. I would get so excited to test new products and see how they worked, see what I loved or what I hated, always hoping to find a new product to add to my holy grail list. As I got older and started figuring out which products really worked for me and let’s be honest as my makeup skills improved and I started my list of cant-live-without products that are always in my makeup bag. Number one on that list being the Makeup Forever HD Skin Matte Velvet Undetectable Longwear Blurring Powder Foundation.
The look I’m always going for with my makeup is effortlessly-stunning (I know what you’re thinking, aren’t we all) and this product is absolutely key to getting that airbrushed, blurred, edited look but in real life. When I first put this powder on I audibly gasped, called my sisters and texted my group chat to spread the word that I had just found the dreamiest blurring powder on the planet. I knew I had found a product that I would be purchasing for the rest of my life. This product is no joke, and is one of the most popular products from makeup artists loved brand Makeup Forever. If you haven’t tried this powder yet, you can thank me later because trust me – you’re going to be obsessed.
The key to crafting a condensed routine is to pick products that take up minimal space, but have huge aesthetic impact. For me, that’s a concealer, brow gel, multi-use pigment, and a lip balm. If I can touch up my complexion, shape the brows, add a touch of color, and soften the lips with moisture, I’m instantly more confident in the way that I look. It’s quick, tool-free, and helps you look refreshed instantly.
Last week, I was lucky enough to fly to Scotland and spend seven days exploring Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Luss (a small village on the shores of Loch Lomond). The weather was just what you’d expect it to be. Five out of the seven days were dark and gloomy with pelting rain and blowing wind. While I normally wouldn’t mind that weather—in fact, I’d embrace it—I knew I’d be spending a lot of time outside, and I wanted to look somewhat put-together.
Luckily, I checked the weather before leaving, so I was prepared. Before boarding my first flight, I assembled what I consider to be a pretty epic beauty edit. I packed a skin-soothing face mask to prevent travel-induced dryness and irritation. I packed a humidity-resistant styling product to keep my hair smooth and shiny despite the rain. I even packed a lip-plumping-and-conditioning duo, because I knew I wouldn’t be wearing a lot of makeup, and I at least wanted my lips to look full and hydrated. Basically, I gathered the finest fall beauty products and put them to the test, hoping they’d hold up to rain, wind, and sweat. And guess what? They did.
“I’m a huge fan of the Lawless Forget the Filler glosses, balms, and lip mask, so I was super excited to try the moisturizer—especially with the Maxi-Youth peptide technology in the formula. I’ve been using the cream now for about two weeks, and I’m impressed with how my skin already looks super glowy and hydrated. It layers beautifully with sunscreen and under my complexion products, and my laugh lines appear less prominent, so I’m excited to see how more results take shape as I continnue to use it in my skincare lineup.” — Marianne Mychaskiw, beauty correspondent, NBC California Live
“I hate when my makeup pills. As soon as I touch my face and feel the product start to clump together in teeny-tiny particles of skincare, I can’t stop fixating on it, and I will just rub all my makeup off. Which is why I really, really rely on moisturizers that play nice with my makeup, and Forget the Filler *is* one of those—and then some. It feels rich without being heavy, and makes my skin look and feel so supple and smooth. Plus, I have naturally oily skin that breaks out easily (I have hormonal acne that my dermatologist prescribed retinol for), and this moisturizer is so gentle and doesn’t cause zit drama (it’s formulated to be noncomedogenic). I can’t really speak to the anti-aging benefits (I don’t really have much for wrinkles or fine lines yet), but I can say that Forget the Filler makes my skin look more alive? Like I actually slept for eight hours? And drank the recommended amount of water? It’s just a beautiful everyday moisturizer that I’m going to be buying again and again once my tub runs out.” — Gina Vaynshteyn, commerce director, InStyle, SheKnows
How do you like to use Homecourt products in your daily rituals?
They’re in every room of my home! [The] hand wash, hand cream, and room spray are in every bathroom and candles are in every bedroom. Then, in the kitchen, I have everything!
What initially inspired you to create Homecourt?
I’ve always been passionate about my home and the products in my home, but I got the idea to start Homecourt during the pandemic because of the increased use of cleaning products. I care about the way my home looks, so I wanted to design packaging that would look beautiful on any countertop. I also needed them to be safe for my family and pets and environmentally friendly. And just as important, I needed them to work and have a scent that I [wanted] to be surrounded by.
Do you have any self-care practices that help you keep the peace during stressful times in your life?
Every morning I put [my] Dermalogica Vitamin C serum ($95) on my face and I sit under a LightStim professional red light panel. I work out and lay on my HigherDose Infrared PEMF Go-Mat ($699). I also try to sit in a hot sauna and use a cold plunge every day that I am home.
Despite the overwhelming results accompanying an internet search for “the best blushes,” shopping for your ideal blush can be made simple. One of the biggest determining factors when I’m on the hunt for a new blush product is, without a doubt, its formula. Most blush formulas fall into one of the following categories: powder, cream, gel, or liquid. Recently, cream-based blush formulas have been on the rise, with makeup lines providing them as alternate versions of their best-selling powder blush products. For example, Nars’s cult-classic powder blush in Orgasm has been launched in the form of a multiuse stick.
I flock toward cream and gel blushes that have a sheer yet buildable quality to them since they tend to allow space for teeny-tiny mistakes and a chance to build up the product to my desired pigment. My skin type happens to be dry, so I prefer using products that are chock-full of long-lasting skincare benefits. Blush comes in a number of finishes that can impact a finished makeup look. Whether you’re in the mood for matte or longing for something dewy and fresh, there’s something out there for you!
Before we dive into the blushes I was completely obsessed with long before becoming a beauty editor, I thought it would be helpful to reach out to one of the beauty industry’s most reputable celebrity makeup artists who doesn’t shy away from adding a gorgeous flush of color any chance she gets. Courtney Hart, who has worked with the likes of Anna Cathcart, Kristen Bell, Hilary Duff, and Chelsea Handler, shared a couple of the blushes she’s always reaching for in her makeup kit. Check out her picks and a number of my personal favorites below!
It’s no surprise that working as a beauty editor gives you incredible perks, like being the first to try new makeup and skincare products, sometimes even before they hit the market. However, it can come with some strange “problems”—organization, for instance, especially when you’re already messy, like I am, as well as decision fatigue, and even beauty brain fog. If someone asks me to recommend something, my mind blanks and my eyes glaze over. This is why curating a list of my current beauty favorites and obsessions every now and then is extremely helpful.
Lucky for me, there has been a plethora of incredible launches recently in every category from makeup to haircare and beyond, making it so much easier for me to have an answer when someone asks me what they absolutely need to try. If you’re looking for a new moisturizer to help your skin transition from summer to fall, I have something for you! If you need an eye cream to help you look less zombie-ish when daylight savings comes around again (ugh), I got you! From a game-changing mascara to a game-changing lip plumper, let me and these 25 picks be your unofficial beauty guide for fall.
This fashion week, one of the biggest beauty trends we saw was undoubtedly ribbons. So many different designers, from Christian Siriano to Collina Strada, had their models wearing ribbons laced through their hair. The fashion set quickly followed suit. The latest person to jump on the trend is Hailey Bieber, who shared a ballet-inspired beauty look and a sweet pink hair ribbon to match on TikTok.
September may mean it’s back to school, but it’s also the month we preview everything SS24 has in store for us. Sure, we may have barely dipped our toe into autumn, but as per tradition, designers from across the four fashion cities – New York, London, Milan and Paris – are using the new-season feeling to showcase the looks they have coming for spring and summer. But along with some beautifully breezy garments, we also want in on all the beauty intel.
Now that New York and London have wrapped and Milan is stepping up, we’ve had a chance to get a vibe for Spring 2024. Coquettecore seems to be going strong with silky pink ribbons woven or corseted through hair at Christian Siriano. Meanwhile, PatBo made the case for pastels with pretty pink eyeshadow swept across their models’ lids. Or, for an alternative shade, Tiffany Brown Designs went big on baby blue, with a whole show dedicated to the colour which was washed across the models’ eyes.
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Vintage romance is an emerging mood among London design houses Richard Quinn, Erdem and Annie’s Ibiza. Hair stylist Sam McKnight swept hair into regency-style chignons at Richard Quinn, while Terry Barber for MAC took care of portrait-worthy skin with delicately blushed lips and earthy-toned lids. Annie’s Ibiza saw ’20s-style finger waves created by Sam and high shine red lips created by the pros at Charlotte Tilbury. And romantic matte red lips created by Bobbi Brown pros at Erdem created a pretty statement.
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When the vampires are played by Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie—chiseled features, haute froideur—it’s hard not to side with the bloodthirsty. The Hunger, Tony Scott’s 1983 directorial debut, opens in a New York nightclub, as Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy sings the propulsive “Bela Lugosi’s Dead.” The lovers select their prey: a sunglasses-at-night guy and a redhead with slashes of eyeliner and crimson lips. She dances, unaware that she exits the film in six minutes flat.
A speed-walking cast of models made a similarly fleeting appearance at Marc Jacobs’s fall 2023 show. The designer’s ode to the ’80s manifested as bleached wigs, cropped black stockings, a striped suit fit for Beetlejuice. But it was the drained faces and brusque red mouths, together with show notes credited to OpenAI and ChatGPT, that brought The Hunger to mind—as if updating the plot for an era of vampire electronics. “We wanted a futuristic vibe, so that’s why we went for that gaunt look,” says makeup artist Diane Kendal, who hollowed models’ eye sockets with gray shadows. (Her inspiration was 1982’s Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott, Tony’s brother.) Kendal did dab highlighter on the cheekbones, nose, and tear ducts—“because you still want the girls to look beautiful, even though it’s not the most beautiful makeup.”
That impulse to veer into darkness is the order of the day, from Wednesday (slated for a poststrike return) to Olivia Rodrigo’s music video for “Vampire.” The lyrics lambast an ex (“bloodsucker, fame fucker”), and Rodrigo has bite, her oxblood lipstick offset by ethereal, glossy lids. Makeup artist Kathy Jeung wanted the pop star “to look powerful and vulnerable at the same time,” she explains. The “spidery, clumpy lashes” were Rodrigo’s idea, like tears hardened into spiky resolve.
Bakeup Beauty’s amped-up mascara, Tarantulash, creates exactly that effect. “I didn’t want it to be like ‘voluminous, feathery’ bullshit,” says cofounder and makeup artist Jo Baker, referring to the usual puffed-up marketing names. Hers is to the point. She teased it months ahead of launch, posting a photo of an orange-and-black tarantula alongside her two-tone Critics Choice makeup look for Natasha Lyonne. “This is not for the fainthearted,” Baker says of the fast-build formula that lasts. “I could be caught in the rain. I can have a full emotional meltdown, which, let’s be honest, can happen to any of us.”
That was unexpectedly the case for at least one damp-eyed guest at Rodarte’s fall 2023 show, where Tori Amos’s “Winter” accompanied the fantastically gloomy procession. (“Hair is gray and the fires are burning,” Amos soothsays from 1992.) Witchy liner, pictured above, set the mood, seen first with a suite of neo-Morticia black dresses. “We kept pushing it with early punk references and gothic fairy notes,” says James Kaliardos of the eyeliner shapes, which he sketched with a brow pencil for symmetry before inking with Nars’s Climax. “Though it’s hard to do, I know a lot of girls that want to rock this look.” Even that severe beauty statement found fanciful counterpoints: in Rodarte’s metallic fringe dresses and nearby tables set with glitter-covered feasts. The future, however uncertain, shines bright.
Nars Cosmetics Climax liquid eyeliner
Dior Beauty Mono Couleur Couture eye shadow in Black Bow
I think we can all agree that dewy, lit-from-within skin is something to strive for. Of course, it’s possible to get a major glow from smoothing on serums and creams, but the easiest way to look impossibly glowy is by applying highlighter.
Highlighter may seem like the kind of product that you can pick out on a whim, but in reality, it’s like choosing a foundation—you should base it on your skin’s tone and needs for a flawless, illuminated finish. I reached out to makeup artists to learn more about how to choose the best highlighter plus which highlighters have a forever spot in their kits.
You’re a content creator praised for your elegant style and founder of the skincare line, Marie Louise Cosmetics. What was the inspiration behind the brand?
I launched it during my junior year of college at Howard as a pre-med student. I pivoted after its launch and came back to L.A. (where I’m from), to focus on the brand full time. This was during the boom between 2013 and 2015 when everyone on Youtube was doing DIY skincare, and I was completely obsessed with it!
I have really dry, eczema-prone skin, so I was making face masks and creams to try, and one of the girls on my dorm floor asked if I was selling it. The premise of the brand is reviving older beauty rituals of the past in new, fun, and fresh ways for Gen Z and young millennials. It’s taking all the things we loved about the beauty rituals the women of our family taught us and re-engineering those for the future.
Recently, there’s been an uptick in searches for the quiet luxury aesthetic among social media users (especially TikTok). What is your definition of the term and how, if at all, does it apply to your lifestyle?
I think it’s interesting because I was in no way intentionally trying to jump on the quiet luxury trend. My wedding just happened to be at a time that was really popular on social media! I think the wedding was grouped into people’s idea of what quiet luxury is, whether that’s their definition of what a luxury-driven wedding would look like compared to something else, or the style of dress. Certain beauty products and brands have definitely played a role in the aesthetic since people will select what they think pertain to it.
Right now, I like to think of it as valuing quality over quantity. It may not be the amount of something you show, but more highlighting or prioritizing one of something that is super special. My personal idea of luxury still goes back to quality. But anything can be luxurious. Having access to water bottles is luxurious for some, while going to the mall on a Monday and having a solo lunch can be luxurious to others. For me, something doesn’t have to be designer or expensive to be luxurious.
When you choose a concealer, you should think about what you need it for. Is it mostly for dark under-eye circles? For blemishes? To illuminate? There are so many formulas with different textures and finishes now, from lightweight to full coverage to light-reflecting.
Celebrity makeup artist Valeria Ferreira, whose clients include Victoria Beckham and Lily James, says that knowing this will determine the texture you need. “Drier and thicker concealers are amazing for camouflaging imperfections and for that undetectable concealer look,” she says. “If you are looking to give some illumination to the under-eye, a liquid concealer that has a slight light reflection does the trick.”
As for shade-matching, this depends on both your skin tone and again, what you are trying to conceal. Ferreira says she is more inclined to use yellower shades and also mixing different shades. “On darker skin tones that have a dark under-eye area, an orange-tone base concealer works wonders. It neutralizes the undertone and lets you cover up with a concealer on top, preventing an ashy result.”
In the video, Watson pulls this out of her makeup bag and says, “I found this freckle pen recently, which I absolutely love and use in the winter when my freckles kind of go away and I want to bring out the ones on my nose.”
Faux freckles are having a moment right now. Well, actually, they’ve been having a moment for a while. So, it’s no surprise that this is a best-selling product. The inky marker tip is soaked in a lightweight, subtle, and easily blendable formula. Simply dot it across your skin, wherever you want your freckles to be, and blend using a makeup sponge or brush for a natural look. It’s available in three skin-toned shades. This one, called Mocha, is the darkest color.
Finding the right foundation for Black or Brown skin can be a challenge. Although many brands have followed in the footsteps of Fenty Beauty by dramatically expanding their shade ranges, skin of color can often have a mix of undertones that makes it tough to find a perfect match. Luckily, I can offer a bit of help in this department since I’m Brown and fall into this category. Although I mostly have warm undertones, occasionally, some warm foundations will look too orange on me, and neutral shades make me look too pale. I’m also not one to have the patience for buying and mixing two foundation shades all the time—it’s just too much work.
Due to my role as a beauty editor, though, I’ve gotten the chance to try so many options and shade ranges. Formulas just keep getting better by the day, but the ones below are the favorites I always find myself reaching for. Keep scrolling and discover the one for you. The best foundations for dark skin tones are ahead, and there are picks for every skin type.
After that, Stiles notes committing to a lip is worth the effort. This could be a red lip, or it could be a shade that matches your natural lip color but makes your pout look more cohesive (undertone tips here if you’re not sure where to begin).
For daily use, find a product that also keeps your pout hydrated. If your lips are dried or flaky, any color on top will automatically look dull. You can also layer a hydrating lip balm underneath—I suggest snagging mindbodygreen’s lip balm if your stock runs low.
As for incorporating a light foundation or skin tint, that choice is ultimately up to you. But sometimes keeping your lips and brows refined and letting your skin breathe is all you really need.
Try prioritizing those two features and see how you feel from there. You might be surprised by how these two quick and easy focus areas can give you just enough oomph for a daily look. Plus, your skin will thank you for letting it shine uncovered (save for SPF, of course).
In case you thought it was just a fleeting TikTok trend, let us assure you—mermaidcore is here to stay. “Wet” looks are nothing new on the runways, but this season’s felt a bit more playful and imaginative than usual, taking inspiration from sea sirens beyond just wet-looking hair.
This was perhaps the most noticeable at Sandy Liang, where the Hans Christian Andersen quote “But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore suffers so much more” was on the designer’s mood board. Models sported crystal “barnacles” on their skin, wore sleek, out-from-the-ocean side parts, and tucked flowers behind their ears (something we can imagine Ariel might do).
At Luar and Jason Wu, stylists played with hair. Luar opted for sculptural, wet-looking updos, while Jason Wu went for swirled, damp-looking strands. “I wanted to create a look that felt like the models just emerged from a shipwreck,” says Celebrity Hair Artist, Jimmy Paul with Tresemmé for Jason Wu.
Since it’s been a while since I’ve last used such highly pigmented liquid eye shadows, I had to ask an expert for tips and tricks. Luckily, makeup artist Amrita Mehta was there to answer my call.
How do you recommend applying this product?
“The Matte Fluid Eye Paints can be applied in a variety of different ways. I recommend working in thin layers and varying your tools to achieve different results. You can take the applicator straight to your eyelid or use a palette for a more controlled/precise application. Using these eye paints with a fluffy brush will result in a sheer wash of color. A flat brush is great for a solid, opaque application. An angled brush or eyeliner brush are my go-tos for a thin wing, cat eyes, or a graphic liner (my personal favorite!). A pencil brush is ideal for a pop of color in your inner corner or on the lower lash line. Last but not least, your fingers are great for an easy allover color on the lid or an on-the-go application. The eye paints are multipurpose and I find a different way to use the product every time I pick it up.”
Is there a simple way to use this product for anyone who’s unfamiliar or inexperienced with liquid eye shadow?
“The Matte Fluid Eye Paint are great for beginners and experts alike. Though the pigmentation can seem a bit intimidating at first, the liquid formula allows for plenty of playtime before setting and easy cleanup of any mistakes. I recommend you start with less product and add more (if needed) as you go. Don’t be afraid to mix colors to tone down or amp up different shades to create exactly what you’re looking for. They’re extremely versatile and really allow you to experiment making it hard to ‘mess up.’”
Do you recommend using a primer beforehand?
“Primer is optional but not necessary; it’s really up to you! Using a primer may give you a smoother canvas and a little more ‘slip,’ making it easier to blend out; but even without it, the fluid formula allows for this. When I do include primer in the process, I love to use the Shadow Fix Eye Primer from About-Face, which is long-wearing and lightweight. Once the eye paints dry down, they set themselves! It’s long-wearing, meaning no budge and no smudge.”
Can they be layered or combined?
I love mixing the Matte Fluid Eye paints on a palette or the back of my hand to create custom colors. The product is buildable so layering is also not an issue. I suggest using small amounts of the eye paint at a time when layering to avoid excess product buildup or flaking. Try applying Fractal Glitter Eye Paints on top of the matte formula for sparkle, shine, and dimension!”
Can they be paired with powder eyeshadows?
“Definitely! You can layer a powder over the matte formula once they’ve dried down—after 20 to 30 seconds of playtime. Because of this, they also work great as an eye shadow base and help create extra vibrance and opacity that powder formulas alone sometimes lack.”
Last Saturday, shortly before the white-walled galleries of Phillips auction house moonlighted as a runway, makeup artist Diane Kendal detailed the particulars of Proenza Schouler’s spring 2024 beauty direction. Surprises were not in store. “We’re doing a no-makeup makeup look, enhancing all the girls’ natural features,” she said, ticking through the lineup of Merit Beauty products at hand: Great Skin serum for a healthy radiance, Day Glow highlighter on the cheekbones, Clean Lash mascara applied just at the root of curled lashes. “The usual at Proenza,” she smiled—a vote of approval for designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, faithful stewards of their own good taste. “It’s very authentic to them.”
More than two decades into the label’s run, the Proenza Schouler duo have honed in on an aesthetic driven by the kinds of women they want to celebrate. “You notice them before you notice their personal style,” McCollough says in a post-show call with Hernandez. They offer up a string of examples from their mood boards of late. “Amber Valletta back in the day. Patti Smith. Weyes Blood, who opened the show,” Hernandez says, referring to the musician who also supplied the runway score. Of course Chloë Sevigny, a recurring muse who walked last season; also Sade and “artists Jenny Holzer and even Louise Bourgeois—just these natural beauties, these intelligent women who have this undone quality to them,” McCollough adds.
The two-tone bag incorporates Merit’s shade of pale blue.
By Daniel Shea for Merit.
With today’s debut of the Runway Set—a limited-edition makeup collaboration with Merit—that vision of beauty arrives in one tidy package. Best of all, the package itself is by Proenza Schouler: a chic iteration of Merit’s knotted cosmetic bag, here in reversible black and cloud blue vegan leather.
For Aila Morin, Merit’s founding senior VP of brand, growth, and innovation, partnering with Proenza Schouler was a meeting of the minds. “When we were concepting the brand in 2020, they were all over the mood boards,” she says over Zoom, her incandescent skin a testament to the brand’s serum—one of five products in the set. “Every time I was pulling references, I was really pulling their work. We have this shared sense of effortlessness and wearability that’s in the DNA of both brands.”
A fresh-faced model backstage at Proenza Schouler’s spring 2024 show. Makeup artist Diane Kendal used Merit Beauty products to create the look.
Courtesy of Proenza Schouler.
The beauty company first began sponsoring Proenza Schouler’s shows in February 2022, seeding a kinship that gave rise to the Runway Set—a name that’s duly earned. Along with the serum, there’s the Clean Lash mascara, a formula that’s “really popular with makeup artists because it gives this feathery lifted look, but it’s not chunky and it also doesn’t kind of steal the show,” says Morin. Merit’s clear lip oil is here, along with Flush Balm—a cream blush that’s “impossible to mess up”—in a versatile brick tone. And for a finishing sweep: Merit’s blending brush, good for erasing the seams of any complexion products.
Merit Beauty x Proenza Schouler
The entire set launches today, as part of Proenza Schouler’s trunk show on Moda Operandi. By early October, the bag itself will hit Merit’s site, too, as a very covetable bonus for orders over $100. “I have always loved fashion, and I remember growing up when it was unattainable to a certain extent,” Morin says, thrilling at the idea of a high-brow gift-with-purchase. She recalls how the bag design originally grew out of Merit’s aim for less waste: “Could you create something that people would actually reuse and not just toss out?” This two-tone vegan leather version, drawing on Merit’s signature blue, promises to have particular staying power. “It feels very Proenza, in a way,” says Hernandez. “Easy, effortless.”
