In 2025, some of the top professional makeup artists are becoming as famous as their celebrity clients. I actually prefer to follow more makeup artists on social media than celebs, but maybe that’s because makeup artistry is my profession and I’m on social media to learn from them!
These experts work with the best of the best. The majority of these artists now carry a blend of high-end and drugstore products in their kits. They know that both can give them the ability to craft stunning looks on camera and on the red carpet. Along with good lighting of course, wink wink! *Like my light attachment clip, $31, that goes on my cell phone that I carry with me everywhere! It’s a lifesaver when you want to take great photos/selfies, but the lighting is terrible around you. *
Of course, whenever I see a celebrity whose look I love, I immediately start Googling WHO is her makeup artist, and WHAT products did they use! Because I want to put my hands on them and see if they’d work for me and my clients.
So today I’ve done just that, and I want to share with you some makeup products that my favorite celebrity makeup artists actually use! And the cool thing is, that you don’t have to BE a celebrity to benefit from these products, but you CAN look like one if you use them! Just check out my same-day, before and after image below, where I used all of these products I’m about to share.
I saw a quote running around Instagram that I felt in my bones, it’s about getting ready for the day, and it said, “Please wear all your good clothes, makeup, and accessories this year. The occasion is YOU!”
That being said, here are some of their favorite makeup products that I personally own and use, that I believe can make everyone feel like a movie star…
The Artist, Kristofer Buckle
Has worked with: Mariah Carey, Kelly Ripa, and Bethenny Frankel
L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Blush, $10. This blush has been around for a loooong time, and I have always loved it. The formula is so soft and easily blendable, and the shade range, though not vast, includes some very wearable colors. I have worn this formula for 5+ years, specifically this shade I’m wearing here, “Apricot Kiss,” which is really the perfect combo of color and warmth. It’s a truly healthy shade that I use when I have no time for bronzer!
L’Oreal Voluminous mascara and Lash Paradise, $9. Kristofer feels just the way I do about drugstore mascara, and that it’s the way to go for this category most of the time. Because you should toss your mascara every 3-4 months due to accumulated bacteria near the eye and it dries out so quickly – why would you want to spend all your money here so often?? And these are two old-school favorites, and the formulas just don’t disappoint, ever. The Lash Paradise is constantly compared to the viral “Better Than Sex” mascara.
The Artist, Nikki La Rose
Has worked with: Brooke Burke, Susan Yara, Lisa J. Makeup, Founder of BK Beauty Brushes
Milani Make It Last Original Setting Spray, $11. Nikki is a very well-known YouTuber, as well as a celeb artist, AND has her own line of makeup brushes with BK Beauty. She has compared many makeup setting sprays before and likes this very affordable one that she compares and says is an almost identical dupe in function to the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, $38. And I 100% agree with her, bc I own both of these and can attest they feel identical and both lock in makeup the same. I love this Milani formula for normal to dry skin ladies.
The Artist, Hung Vanngo
Has worked with: Selena Gomez, Jessica Chastain, and Halle Berry
Makeup by Mario Master Mattes eye shadow palette, $52. I’ve watched Hung work with multiple celebs using this palette on his YouTube channel, and he creates the most gorgeous looks with Mario’s original palette. It is an all-matte palette, so it gives you that 90s vibe with no shimmery shades. He emphasizes that if you don’t want to put a spotlight on wrinkly eyelids, a matte finish is the way to go.
These are all very warm neutrals, so if you prefer cooler neutrals with matte finishes, Makeup by Mario also has a great palette for that here, $52. Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Cream Contour + Bronzing Stick, $34. One of the reasons I reach for this product is because of the brush blender included on the opposite side of the stick. So you don’t need to search for another brush to blend out your bronzer/contour with, and it’s actually a great one. Plus, the formula dries down to a natural matte finish and the shade range never goes orange or muddy – seriously a beautiful product if you struggle with contouring. I’m wearing the shade “light medium” here.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter, $27. Hung works on Selena Gomez quite often (she’s the founder of Rare Beauty as well) and he’s always using this highlighter to make her cheekbones pop. I bought this because I was influenced by my teenage daughter who bought it first, I used hers, then was floored by how beautiful the finish was in real life, so I went and bought it for myself!
You get the most gorgeous glow from this product which is finely milled and never glittery or chunky. I use just a tap of this highlighter above my blush color, the bridge of my nose, and even the inner corner of my eyes, giving just the right amount of light. I’m wearing the shade “Mesmerize.”
The artist, Mary Irwin
Has worked with: Linda Carter and Polly Mellen
L’Oreal Infallible Full Wear Concealer, $12. I bought this concealer just recently and have been super impressed with it! With great longevity, this formula rivals the $32 tarte Shape Tape, and does a fantastic job with full coverage for the darkest of under eyes! Wearing shade “Cashmere,” here.
The Artist, Charlotte Tilbury
Has worked with: Celine Dion, Demi Moore, Amal Clooney
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick in “Supermodel,” $35. Of course, I couldn’t do a post on celebrity makeup artists, without mentioning Charlotte! She’s literally worked with ALL of the big names in Hollywood and has created her own iconic brand in the meantime. Her matte revolution lipsticks are one of the more popular items she offers (yes, the shade “Pillow Talk” is part of this collection).
I chose her shade “Supermodel”, which is considered a mid-toned nude rose shade and is darker than Pillow Talk. But I find it is very flattering on most skin tones!
The Rest of My Outfit Details
For my foundation, I am wearing the Fenty Blur + Smooth Tint Stick, $36, shade 5, that I showed in action over on my “how to nail the minimalist makeup look” post here on SAACA. It’s an incredibly easy product to use and looks phenomenal and lightweight // Since we are still in winter, but lots of fashion houses are running coat sales to get ready for spring, I found a couple of similar teddy coats that I’m wearing from Shein here and here for under $100. // I get my soft Hollywood curls by using the T3 Extra long barrel curling iron, $115, not sure what I’d do without it! // Who doesn’t love a statement earring? Especially when it involves peacock feathers! Mine are very old, but you can find similar vibes on Etsy.
What products are you currently using that make you feel like a movie star every time you apply them? I’d love to know! Be sure to check out last week’s post on, two throwback lip looks from the 20s and 60s that you can still wear in 2025!
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