On-Set Secrets

Pro tips & tricks from the best makeup artists & stylists I've worked with

I wanted to be a stylist before I even knew it was a real job - like, someone actually gets paid to do that? In college, I interned at Valentino (I know, very NYU), where I spent my days making photocopies and dressing models. Glamorous and humbling. What I really wanted was to be in the thick of it—behind the scenes, part of creating the look, and making fashion happen. Since then, I’ve logged hours on sets, in studios, and backstage at shows, soaking up every trick in the book. Now I’m sharing the good stuff with you. Let’s go.

An iconic 1995 Vogue shoot that undoubtedly sent my NY fashion dreams into overdrive

Skin prep ALWAYS

No makeup artist would ever just lay foundation on a bare face, and you shouldn’t either. There’s always skin prep first - usually a sheet mask, or at the very least, some under-eye patches. These flood your skin with moisture which plumps it up and smooths out dry patches so foundation applies more evenly, and well prepped, moisturized skin helps makeup stick better and stay in place longer.

1. Biodance Deep Moisture Masks - The internet loves this mask because it turns ‘transparent’ when it’s done working. Very satisfying! Even 20 minutes is enough to plump and hydrate.

2. ZIIP Halo - This little zapper is a like an instant face lift (I have one, it works). The results are temporary unless you keep at it a few times a week, but it’s great for lifting and tightening before a photoshoot.

3. True Botanics Corrective Eye Patches - Delivers big time hydration and plumps in all the little lines.

4. SK-II Serum sheets - Makeup artists love SK-II because it adds moisture without oil (so no pilling after you apply makeup). Most use it in serum form, but the sheets are very convenient.

   Bigger, brighter eyes

   

1. Lumify Eye Drops - Forget Visine, that’s for amateurs and stoners. The pros use Lumify, which whitens the whites of your eyes, so they look brighter. I also use the eye makeup remover.

2. Lash Curler - You already know to curl your lashes before mascara, but dipping your curler in hot water (then drying and touch testing it before use) deepens the curl and makes it last longer. I’ve also seen someone hit the curler with a hair dryer, but water is a lot more predictable (and safer?!) The curler linked here and pictured above is my favorite and another makeup artist rec.

Stylist Secrets

Straight from my Amazon orders page - the stylist kit must-haves, most of which I learned about from other stylists on sets: kitsch rubber bands for holding up blazer sleeves - they’re not too tight but have good hold, Gold Bond in case the model has sweaty feet, Topstick is technically mens toupee tape but holds a hem or helps close a gapping shirt better than double sided tape, sweat pads, lint rollers, and heavy duty clips

Shiny, beautiful locks

Here’s another fun fashion secret - most of the beautiful hair you see on TV and movies… is fake. Sometimes it’s a full wig, which we can get into in another letter because the art of wigs is astounding, but at the very least it’s clip in pieces to add volume or length. If you’re out here wig free, here’s what you need:

Style Edit Root touch up - An excellent powder for covering any ‘sparkles’ (here’s to the hairstylist who taught me that term)

Crown Affair finishing gel - Gives the smoothest finish on a slick-backed pony or bun.

Roz Styling Oil - Hairstylists love this brand because Roz, the founder, is a famous and beloved hair stylist herself. The products also smell divine and work like a dream.

Cheers! You’re now officially a backstage expert. But more importantly, this should serve as a reminder of the extraordinary effort it takes to create even one perfect look. Think about those wigs any time you think “why doesn’t my hair look like that?”

‘Til next week,

xo

A