Red Carpet Kit Must-Haves
LESSONS:
RED CARPET KIT MUST-HAVES
Hollywood’s top experts open their kits and reveal their must-haves.
- Photography By:
- ANTHONY GOBLE
- Written by:
- PATTY TORTOLANI
Laura Harrier
A true red carpet coup requires more than a dress to impress. Whether it’s an impeccable updo, statement lip, or an effortlessly cool smoky eye—the actor’s beauty look carries equal importance. Think Michelle Williams’ crimson lip providing the perfect contrast to her canary yellow gown; Lady Gaga’s ice blue chignon tinted just the shade to match her billowing Valentino. It's a dramatic winged liner and Old Hollywood waves. Quite frankly, it’s Rihanna every damn time she steps out.
While we may not all have a red carpet of our own to attend, we have plenty of occasions (big and small) when owning the moment, getting the beauty just right, is of the utmost importance. And so, we asked the true mavens of the red carpet—the Industry hair and makeup pros and, naturally, Committee Members—to reveal their tips, tricks, and ultimate kit essentials, which we will promptly be putting in THE BAG.
MARK TOWNSEND, HAIR STYLIST
VIRTUE’S THE PERFECT ENDING SPLIT END SERUM
“This is like a haircut in a bottle! It quickly seals up split ends to make the hair look healthy and shiny. Mary-Kate Olsen likes to air dry her hair so I just add a small amount of this serum to her ends to help the hair dry smooth.”
“I go through cases of this spray during awards season because I love how it adds dry, matte texture to the hair without weighing it down. I use this to get great volume in Aubrey Plaza’s hair.”
R+CO BLEU’S REFLECTIVE SHINE SPRAY
“This is an absolute must for me when getting a client ready for the red carpet. It has a nice flexible hold and adds tons of shine so the hair reflects the flash from the cameras on the carpet.”
JILLIAN DEMPSEY, MAKEUP ARTIST
CHANEL’S LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW NATURAL EYESHADOW PALETTE
“The shades are super easy to wear and have a purpose for most red carpet looks. I use it on Kristen Stewart to build a monochromatic look, and then highlight under her brows, center lids, and the inner corners of her eyes.”
JILLIAN DEMPSEY’S GOLD SCULPTING BAR
“If I want my client to look like they’ve had 10 hours of amazing sleep (i.e. refreshed AF), the answer is all in this vibrating tool. I use it directly under eyes to help eliminate puffiness. It also helps to carve out a jawline.”
CHANTECAILLE’S HD PERFECTING POWDER
“Chantecaille’s pressed powder is mandatory in my kit at all times. I use it to remove shine around the sides of the nose, chin, and above the eyebrows.”
FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
VICTORIA BECKHAM BY AUGUSTINUS BADER’S CELL REJUVENATING POWER SERUM
“When I want the skin to feel fresh without shimmer, nothing beats this serum. It gives the skin a glow that doesn’t look artificial, too luminous, or remotely greasy. I’ve never used another serum quite like it.”
SURRATT BEAUTY’S RELEVÉE EYELASH CURLER
“There are very few people that escape my chair without a generous eyelash curling. This curls better than any other, with zero aggressive crimping and the curve fits pretty much every shape.”
AMI COLÉ’S LIGHT-CATCHING HIGHLIGHTER
“Sometimes you want a highlight that doesn’t feel like a highlight, just pretty skin. This is one of those products that is the perfect punctuation for your makeup. Dab a little onto the tops of your cheekbones and on the bridge of your—nose with or without makeup—for that dewy highlight that makes people stop and ask who your facialist is.”
TOMMY BUCKETT, HAIR STYLIST
“I use it on dry hair to smooth frizz and add shine. It’s so lightweight, I can use it over and over again and it won’t make hair look oily or greasy—it just gives tons of shine!”
DYSON DYSON SUPERSONIC™ HAIR DRYER
“You can’t have red carpet hair without a beautiful blowout! This dryer is a staple in my kit because it's fast, smooths out any frizz, and adds shine to hair.”