THE BEST IN BEAUTY
FROM THOSE WHO KNOW BEST

VIOLET GREY began with our search for the best eyelash curler. To find the answer, we formed a band of inside-Hollywood experts and editors — from makeup artists to movie stars — to test every eyelash curler against our rigorous set of standards (the VIOLET CODE). We tested on film sets, on red carpets, and in the back of Jack Nicholson’s limousine — and once we learned which curler would make our lashes curve and not crimp (Utowa, it’s from Japan), we moved on to mascara, lip stain, dry shampoo, and everything else a girl needs in her cosmetic wardrobe. On any given day, we are discovering, testing, and approving best-in-class beauty. The result is a discerning curation of products, tips, and inspiration deemed essential — the Industry’s Beauty Edit.

Makeup Artist Robin Black mandates that proper skin prep is the most essential step in the no-makeup makeup look.

Robin Black is a professional makeup artist, a skilled photographer, and the founder of Beauty is Boring. As a contributor to The Violet Files, she creates exclusive, one-of-a-kind looks for her column, The Black List.

Radiant skin, defined cheekbones, groomed brows, and a perfectly subtle lip is the all-grown-up version of the naked face. The key to creating such a look, however, is a skin-prep routine that offers the desired glowing and polished effect. —R.B.

Model: Shiya @ HMM
Makeup: Robin Black
Hair: Amber Duarte

Robin Black’s Skin Care Essentials

All Products on Violet Grey are approved by the

VIOLET CODE

Shop Now

Sisley-Paris $410

All Day All Year
1.7 oz

$410

Sisley-Paris $145

Eye Contour Mask
1.16 oz

$145

La Mer $65

The Lip Balm
.32 oz

$65

TATA HARPER Replenishing Nutrient Complex - 0.34 oz | @violetgrey

CLEAN BEAUTY

Tata Harper $48

Replenishing Nutrient Complex
0.34 oz

$48

the polished
nude

Koh Gen Do - Maifanshi Aqua Foundation 113

Shop Now

This formula delivers a seamless, luminous finish. Using a foundation brush, apply the makeup to the center of your face and work your way to the outer edges.

Koh Gen Do

Maifanshi Aqua Foundation
113

Shop Now

Bobbi Brown - Creamy Concealer Kit Natural

Shop Now

Use Bobbi Brown’s Concealer Blending Brush to dot the warmer color over the darkest part of your under eye region, and blend by tapping gently with your ring finger. With the same brush, apply the yellow-based shade over any blemishes or discoloration, then blend.

Bobbi Brown

Creamy Concealer Kit
Natural

Shop Now

Shop Now

Create subtle drama by blending a small amount of this creamy bronzer under your cheekbones, on the sides of your nose, on your temples, and under your jaw.

RMS Beauty

Buriti Bronzer

Shop Now

Shop Now

Add a pearl-like finish to all the high points of your face with this gorgeous shimmering cream. You can use your fingers, but you’ll achieve a more precise application and blend with the Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Brush.

RMS Beauty

Living Luminizer

Shop Now

Hourglass - Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner 08 Ebony

Shop Now

Gently line the base of your lashes with this precision felt tip pen. If you have trouble getting between the lashes, try pressing them upward and lining them from underneath.

Hourglass

Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner
08 Ebony

Shop Now

Tom Ford - Extreme Mascara Ravenous Black

Shop Now

A single coat of this very black mascara on the upper lashes adds definition without looking too obvious—and it doesn’t ever smudge!

Tom Ford

Extreme Mascara
Ravenous Black

Shop Now

Shop Now

These opaque, satin finish crayons are a simple option for a perfect, nude lip. They come in six different shades, so you’ll be sure to find one that looks right with your complexion.

Hourglass

Femme Nude Lip Stylo
No. 1

Shop Now