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When a celebrity walks onto a red carpet, their flawless complexion and sharp eyeliner are rarely the result of a single viral product. Behind the scenes, celebrity makeup artists (MUAs) curate kits filled with high-performance formulas that withstand high-definition cameras, intense lighting, and long hours.
While influencers often promote “dupes,” professionals rely on a core group of brands known for their pigment density, blendability, and reliability under pressure. These brands have become industry standards, appearing backstage at the Oscars, the Grammys, and major fashion weeks.
Following the recent 2025 Red Carpet Beauty Awards, we’ve identified the top 10 cosmetic brands that elite artists use to achieve “the look.”
Table of Contents
- 1. Pat McGrath Labs
- 2. Armani Beauty
- 3. Charlotte Tilbury
- 4. MAC Cosmetics
- 5. Fenty Beauty
- 6. NARS
- 7. Dior Beauty
- 8. Westman Atelier
- 9. Danessa Myricks Beauty
- 10. Patrick Ta Beauty
- Summary of Key Takeaways
- Sources
1. Pat McGrath Labs
Commonly referred to as “Mother” by the industry, Pat McGrath is legendary for her kit-building essentials. During Vogue World 2025, McGrath and her team used her Mothership V: Bronze Seduction palette and PermaGel Eyeliner to create iconic looks for stars like Julia Garner and Adriana Lima [1]. Artists value this brand for its “astral” shimmer shades that reflect light without looking chunky on camera. McGrath herself recommends applying her foundations and shadows with fingers for better pressure control and heat blending [2].
Pat McGrath suggests using your fingers rather than brushes to apply foundation and eyeshadows. This technique provides better pressure control and allows the natural heat from your hands to blend the products more seamlessly into the skin.
Pro artists favor this palette for its ‘astral’ shimmer shades. Unlike standard glitters, these formulas reflect light intensely without looking chunky or textured under high-definition cameras.
2. Armani Beauty
If you see a celebrity with “glass skin” on a red carpet, there is a high probability they are wearing Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation. This product has remained a pro-kit staple for 25 years because of its weightless, buildable coverage [1]. MUAs like Hinako (who works with St. Vincent) and Melissa Hernandez (who works with Mikey Madison) swear by it for its second-skin finish that prevents “flashback” in photography.
It is highly valued for its second-skin finish and buildable coverage that avoids ‘flashback’ under camera flashes. This ensures the celebrity’s complexion looks natural and glowing rather than pale or cakey in photos.
Celebrity MUAs use Armani Beauty on stars like St. Vincent and Mikey Madison to achieve a flawless, weightless glow that has kept the brand a kit staple for over 25 years.
3. Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury has successfully gamified the red carpet with her “Glow” philosophy. According to Page Six Style, her Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder is a frequent winner because it blurs pores without drying out the skin [3]. It is the go-to for artists working with Sydney Sweeney and Rita Ora. For users seeking a youthful look, we’ve covered why this is also one of the best recommendations for mature skin.
This powder is specifically praised for its ability to blur the appearance of pores and imperfections without drying out the skin. It provides a smooth, filtered look that stays fresh throughout long events.
Yes, many of her products, particularly the pore-blurring powders, are recommended for mature skin because they provide a youthful glow and do not settle into fine lines or dry out the complexion.
4. MAC Cosmetics
Despite the influx of new brands, MAC remains a foundational element for most professional kits. Celebrities like Chappell Roan still rely on the iconic MAC Lip Pencil (specifically shades like Vino and Soar) to create structured, long-lasting lip shapes [1]. Artists like Andrew Dahling cite the pencil’s creaminess and precision as the reason they haven’t switched to newer competitors [2].
MAC Lip Pencils, particularly in shades like Vino and Soar, remain industry standards. Artists prefer them for their creamy texture and high precision, which are essential for creating structured, long-lasting lip shapes.
Professional artists like Andrew Dahling stick with MAC because of the reliability and performance of their foundational products, which often outperform newer, trendier competitors in longevity and pigment density.
5. Fenty Beauty
Priscilla Ono, Fenty Beauty’s global artist, notes that the brand’s Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder is a non-negotiable for high-stress events, famously used by Rihanna during her Super Bowl performance [2]. Fenty is also highly regarded for its inclusivity; if you are looking for specific shades, check out our guide on the best cosmetic brands for dark skin tones.
The Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder is the top choice for high-pressure situations. It was famously used to keep Rihanna’s complexion matte and perfect during her high-intensity Super Bowl performance.
Fenty Beauty is widely recognized as a leader in inclusivity, offering an extensive range of shades designed to cater to all skin tones, including specific formulations for deep and dark skin.
6. NARS
Liquid blush has seen a massive resurgence, and NARS remains the gold standard. Celebrity MUA Ash K Holm, who works with Ariana Grande and Lindsay Lohan, recommends the Afterglow Liquid Blush in Orgasm because it mimics a natural flush without sitting on top of the skin like a powder [4]. Its buildable nature makes it ideal for HD video.
NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush is preferred because it mimics a natural flush that looks like it is coming from within the skin. Unlike powders, it doesn’t sit on the surface, making it ideal for the high-detail requirements of HD video.
MUAs recommend building the product in light layers. Because the formula is buildable, you can start with a sheer wash and increase the intensity until you reach the desired ‘natural’ glow.
7. Dior Beauty
Dior’s presence in celebrity kits is driven by its high-performance palettes and lip oils. The Diorshow 5 Couleurs Eye Palette was a key tool for Rokael Lizama to create Demi Moore’s smoky eye looks this awards season [1]. Additionally, the Lip Glow Oil is almost universally used by MUAs to provide a non-sticky, hydrated finish for “no-makeup” looks [4].
The Dior Lip Glow Oil is the go-to product for this effect. It provides a non-sticky, deeply hydrated finish that enhances the natural lip color while keeping the look polished and fresh.
These palettes are used by top artists to create high-impact looks, such as the smoky eyes seen on Demi Moore. They are valued for their pigment quality and ability to create both subtle and dramatic red carpet looks.
8. Westman Atelier
Created by MUA Gucci Westman, this brand focuses on the “skincare-as-makeup” hybrid. Her Vital Skincare Concealer was recently used on Nicole Kidman and Michelle Yeoh [1]. It is favored for its infusion of hyaluronic acid and peptides, which ensures the makeup doesn’t settle into fine lines during long televised ceremonies.
The brand focuses on ‘skincare-as-makeup’ hybrids, such as the Vital Skincare Concealer, which contains hyaluronic acid and peptides. These ingredients hydrate the skin and prevent the makeup from settling into fine lines over time.
Artists use Westman Atelier on stars like Michelle Yeoh because the products maintain a fresh look for hours. The skin-treatment ingredients ensure the makeup looks like real skin even under harsh studio lighting.
9. Danessa Myricks Beauty
Danessa Myricks is a makeup artist herself, which is reflected in her multi-functional products. Her Evolution Setting Powder is widely praised by MUAs like RaeDawn Johnson (Gayle King’s artist) for being so finely milled that it works on all skin types and ages [3]. It is a top choice for preventing shine under the harsh stage lights of the Super Bowl or the Grammys.
Yes, it is highly praised for being so finely milled that it works effectively across all skin types and ages. It reduces shine without looking heavy, making it a favorite for diverse celebrity rosters.
The products are designed by a professional makeup artist to withstand the extreme heat and brightness of stage lights, such as those at the Grammys or Super Bowl, ensuring the makeup stays in place without oil breakthrough.
10. Patrick Ta Beauty
Patrick Ta has become the master of modern glam. His Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo changed how artists apply color. He recommends applying powder first to set the base, then tapping cream on top to bring the glow back to the skin—a technique now standard in the industry to ensure longevity in photos [2].
For a deeper dive into the specific bestsellers from these names, see our list of the 10 best cosmetic brands and their bestselling products.
Patrick Ta recommends a ‘powder-then-cream’ method. By applying powder blush first to set the base and then tapping cream on top, you achieve a long-lasting finish that retains a healthy, dew-like glow in photographs.
This duo provides the longevity of a powder with the luminous finish of a cream. It has become a standard tool for artists who need to ensure their clients’ makeup looks vibrant and fresh for several hours.
Summary of Key Takeaways
Action Plan for Building a Professional-Grade Routine: 1. Prep with Skincare: MUAs emphasize a hydrated base. Use products like Westman Atelier for color correction that includes skincare benefits.
Focus on Light and Shadow: Use Pat McGrath or Dior palettes that offer “satin” or “astral” finishes to catch natural light.
The “Editing” Rule: As suggested by Mario Dedivanovic, evaluate your skin after each layer. Avoid applying products by habit; apply only where necessary [2].
Strategic Powdering: Use a finely milled powder like Fenty Beauty or Charlotte Tilbury only on the T-zone to keep the cheeks glowing but the center of the face matte.
Multi-Texturing: Layer cream products (like Patrick Ta’s blushes) over powders to maintain a realistic “skin” finish while ensuring long-wear durability.
Celebrity makeup is less about the sheer volume of product and more about choosing brands with high pigment loads and reliable textures. By incorporating these pro-standard brands, you can achieve a finish that looks as good in person as it does through a lens.
| Brand | Core Benefit | Key Product Used by MUAs |
|---|---|---|
| Pat McGrath Labs | High-impact shimmer & pigment | Mothership Palettes |
| Armani Beauty | Weightless, photo-ready finish | Luminous Silk Foundation |
| Charlotte Tilbury | Pore blurring & glow | Airbrush Flawless Powder |
| MAC Cosmetics | Structure & longevity | Lip Pencils (Vino/Soar) |
| Fenty Beauty | Shine control & inclusivity | Invisimatte Blotting Powder |
| NARS | Natural, buildable flush | Afterglow Liquid Blush |
| Dior Beauty | Luxe hydration & color | Lip Glow Oil |
| Westman Atelier | Skincare-infused coverage | Vital Skincare Concealer |
| Danessa Myricks | H-D light diffusion | Evolution Setting Powder |
| Patrick Ta Beauty | Dimensional glow | Double-Take Blush Duos |
The ‘Editing’ rule, popularized by Mario Dedivanovic, involves evaluating the skin after every layer of product. Instead of applying makeup out of habit, you only apply product where it is specifically needed to avoid a heavy or ‘cakey’ appearance.
MUAs suggest applying finely milled powder only to the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). This keeps the center of the face matte and shine-free while allowing the cheeks to maintain a natural, youthful glow.