In the age of social media, the desire to create the unique look of a modern artist, model or actor is stronger than ever. Therefore, it is not surprising that the most popular items among celebrities today are beauty brands with the same name. That’s probably especially true of makeup lines, with lots of celebrities, such as a bold, trademark lip (hey, Gwen Stefani) or a particularly dramatic pair of eyes (look at you, Gaga).
“This is the era of the famous beauty brand,” says the Los Angeles-based makeup artist Shadi Malek. “In my opinion, some did it extremely thoughtfully and meticulously, while others did not.” For help in sorting out exactly which products are worth our decent pennies, we reached out to the people we’re sure to know: makeup artists, many of whom do Work with celebrities and their beauty brands on a daily basis.
Of the dozens of expert opinions we give, two names keep popping up: Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and Selena Gomez’s Rare beauty. Malek says: “Rihanna has left her mark on the makeup industry with her professionalism, launching products in a variety of shades to suit all skin tones. “Meanwhile, Rare Beauty products are bold in color, have sustainable packaging and convey a positive message.” But those two brands aren’t the only ones with worthy products in your makeup bag. Here, find top picks from MUA’s beloved celebrity makeup lines.
BUYERS love it: Based in Las Vegas Diane Buzzetta
Reason: “This shade works on all skin tones and stays on from day to night. I finally found the perfect nude lipstick that lasts. It hasn’t left my side since it came out. ”
From $11 at Sephora or from $13 at Rare beauty
BUYERS love it: Cynthia Di Meow, Global makeup stylist Rare Beauty
Reason: “It really maximizes your lashes, and the castor oil feels good to wear. It is water resistant but good for contact lens wearers. Serious all-day sustained power but easily removed! That makes it a great everyday mascara.”
BUYERS love it: Sarah TannoHaus Labs Global Artistic Director and Lady Gaga’s Makeup Artist
Reason: “This creates the appearance of glass-like skin. Fire Opal and Rose Quartz create a subtle highlighter blush, but use Moonstone for a high-impact highlight. All shades are safe to use as eyeshadow, which Gaga and I love to do. Try Bronzite for a beautiful smoky eye. They combine so well that you can use them with your fingers.”
$20 at Ulta and Fenty Beauty
BUYERS love it: Priscilla OnoFenty Beauty’s global makeup artist and Rihanna’s personal makeup artist
Reason: “I don’t have to worry about carrying 20 shades of lip gloss in my kit, because this one has been designed to work with all skin tones. It adapts to everyone”.
BUYERS love it: Headquartered in New York City Jason Hoffman
Reason: “A lot of bronzers are too heavy on red, orange, or yellow tones. These things do Not gives the appearance of skin that has just been exposed to the sun, which is often too red. They look like a tan that has had a few days to settle. It’s a classy, neutral tone that usually takes a holiday week to achieve. ”
$49 at Ulta and Fenty Beauty
BUYERS love it: Headquartered in Chicago Toshi Szpyra
Reason: “It just blends so well, creating the perfect illuminated finish on the chest, shoulders, and collarbone for that extra pop.”
BUYERS love it: Headquartered in New York City Jen Cayle Gaum
Reason: “They are so easy to use and the soft, shiny foundation is perfect for everyone. I am obsessed with these! ”
$21 at Sephora or $23.50 at Rare beauty
BUYERS love it: Vivi Mintara, founder Eye makeup lab
Reason: “This blush is highly pigmented, which means you don’t need to apply a lot to create a great effect and the color is amazing. My favorite is near Mauve. ”
BUYERS love it: Based in San Francisco Hillary Clark
Reason: “The ingredients are divine. Let’s be honest: We use products for our lips. With ingredients like coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and rice bran extract, you don’t have to worry about this. Rose doubles as sheer cheek color on fair skin tones when looking natural. Garnet does the same for deeper skin tones.”
BUYERS love it: Based in San Francisco Hillary Clark
Reason: “Whenever someone in my chair looks a little bleak, I pop Awakening on their cheek, and they instantly look fresh and young. I even use it as a color corrector before concealer.”
$ 24 at Ulta and Fenty Beauty
BUYERS love it: Based in San Francisco Hillary Clark
Reason: “It gives a sheer curtain of color that will stay on the water shoots. I couldn’t resist doing a modern ombre with them. You apply one shadow to the center of the mouth and the other to the outer edge and mid-tone fur. Zesty Bestie in the center switch to Berry Banger creating a fuller looking lip. ”
$14.99 at Honest beauty and Target
BUYERS love it: Headquartered in New York City Ashunta Sheriff
Reason: “The colors are beautiful. One of my favorite shades for TV series and movies is Forever. These types have excellent moisturizing ability but still moisturize the lips. ”
BUYERS love it: Headquarters in Atlanta Meredith Boyd
Reason: “It leaves my clients with a layer of natural color that is hydrated but not sticky. I use the Pucker and Nectar shades. Cocoa butter makes it really soothing. ”
$16 at Ulta and About the face
BUYERS love it: Rachel MazzaBrush artist Moda
Reason: “It’s my secret weapon, really anti-shake, especially in warm weather. I never have to worry about my makeup slipping off with these paints, and I love the variety of colors. ”
$20 at Sephora or $22 at Rare beauty
BUYERS love it: Headquarters in Los Angeles Megan Lombardi
Reason: “They are powdery and soft on the lips, almost like a powder, and super hydrating for a matte formula. I like how they have all the colors, but don’t steal the show. They are a neutral lover’s dream! ”
$40 at Ulta and Fenty Beauty
BUYERS love it: Headquartered in New York City Yeika Oliva
Reason: “It melts on the skin and gives the perfect glow to the face. That’s my aim with celebrity clients, like Teyana Taylor’s 2022 and 2021 Met Gala looks. It looks amazing in photos and videos.”
BUYERS love it: Professional team member of Ulta Beauty Deney Adam
Reason: “Cushionable, blendable colors melt seamlessly onto skin to create a sheer or saturated look on lips or cheeks.”
BUYERS love it: Sarah TannoHaus Labs Global Artistic Director and Lady Gaga’s Makeup Artist
Reason: “They are extremely flexible and long-lasting. I love using Black Onyx as a liquid liner alternative. It’s incredibly black and has better control, making it much easier to pay attention to detail. For now, I like to mix Blush Matte with a bit of Flame Matte to make a beautiful peach blush and lip cream. ”
$29 at Sephora
BUYERS love it: Cynthia Di Meow, Global makeup stylist Rare Beauty
Reason: “It enhances your natural beauty with medium to medium buildable coverage that blurs the appearance of texture while protecting your skin, giving you an even skin tone and radiant. I wear it almost every day”.
BUYERS love it: Headquarters in Los Angeles Paige Pelfrey
Reason: “They are transfer resistant, which is extremely important to me. And to be honest, I have never seen any other product than this design. Creating hair-like strokes is easy, and having a spool on the other end is incredibly helpful for dispensing and blending product.”
