A quality, long-lasting eyeshadow that doesn't smudge, clump or wear off throughout the day is hard to come by, so when a makeup artist finds one that promises not to do all three, they hold onto it. Jamie Dorman, makeup artist at The Only.Agency, has been using Rituel de Fille Ash and Ember Eye Soot for years. "I love to use it alone or as a base for eye looks," she says. "Its cream texture meshes well with skin, it blends out easily making any eyeshadow look flawless and retouched, it adds intensity to any shadow I use on top of it and it keeps eye makeup from looking heavy-textured, which makes the eye area look younger."
Celebrity makeup artist Etienne Ortega, whose clients include the Kardashians, Christina Aguilera, Eva Longoria and Kate Beckinsale to name a few, has been using Kiss individual lashes for years—specifically, the Mini Mix Wardrobe. "Individuals allow me to create custom applications tailored to each eye look," he says. "Even though it might not seem like it, individual falsies can be so much easier to apply than strip lashes!"
This classic, mainstay mascara is beloved by makeup artists. Brandy Gomez-Duplessis, celebrity makeup artist and co-founder of Entitled Beauty, considers it a mascara that will always have a home in her my makeup kit, both the Original and the Carbon Black (note: the only difference between the two hues is the dramatic heaviness of the color in the Carbon). "What I like about both items is the thickness it gives the lashes as well as the formula's ability to leave lashes soft and free of clumping," she says. She also loves how gentle it is on the eye area. "If I was working on a client with sensitive eyes, I know she or he would not have any problems with the formula," she adds.
Although makeup artist Lori Hamlin Penske has only been using this lip balm for a few years, she says she's used it every day since she first tried it. "I keep it in my kit at all times and replenish it constantly!" she says. "It's perfect for every one of my clients, male or female, and it is formulated without toxic chemicals, has added natural moisturizers, vitamins and antioxidants (coconut oil, shea butter and peppermint) to keep the lips smooth and hydrated and is safe enough for the most sensitive skins." She uses it alone or layered over or under lip color during every shoot.
A tried-and-true staple in makeup artist Erin B. Guth's kit is the original BeautyBlender. "This innovative sponge changed the game when it was introduced in 2007," she says. "Prior to its development, sponges were typically triangular and expendable. Its teardrop, edge-free shape and water-activated material makes it so versatile for applying makeup—plus, it's reusable, so the eco-friendly quality is always a plus!" If you're looking for a sponge that won't leave you streaky, she says there's no better bet than this one. Also, she recommends avoiding any of the knockoffs on the market, as nothing compares to the texture of the original.
