Jet Set Skin Care Musts

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.

Make room in your carry-on for these jetlag-defying essentials.

Written By Evelyn Crowley

A Makeup Artist's Packing List For Cannes | #VioletGrey, The Industry's Beauty Edit

— Actress Natalie Portman at the opening ceremony of the 68th Cannes Film Festival, Photographed by Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

Stale cabin air, dehydration, time-zone-jumping fatigue, jet-setting makeup artist Jo Baker knows firsthand the havoc that in-flight conditions on a 12-hour jaunt can wreak on one’s complexion. Hence, she devised a foolproof skin care strategy to keep the effects of transatlantic travel at bay.

Before zipping off to the French Riviera to prepare actress Natalie Portman for the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival (see her look breakdown below), Baker shared the contents of her carryon bag—along with a few key essentials she likes to bring along for work, just in case. From a multi-tasking moisturizer to a long-lasting mascara, these are the items Baker can’t bear to leave behind.

Jo Baker’s
CANNES
PACKING LIST

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SOOTHE

I wouldn’t go anywhere without this hot item in my kit. For skin that is prone to redness and irritation, this product is a game changer. Not only does is smell delicious, it also infuses sensitive or over-stressed skin with powerful healing ingredients that soothe, nourish and protect.

La Mer

The Concentrate

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HYDRATE

This anti-aging cream is also a stellar daily moisturizer. Light enough not to cause breakouts, it combines high-grade ingredients with the genius of Sisley chemistry to fight dryness and protect the skin from unnecessary stressors.

Sisley-Paris

All Day All Year

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CLEANSE

If you know about these, it’s clear that you have done your time and been around the block. There is no better makeup wipe on the market. The soft, silky cloths melt everything away in a flash.

Serge Lutens

Make-up Remover Pads

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REVIVE

Perfect for fragile, sensitive skin, this dual-purpose eye mask reduces puffiness and improves the contour (hence the name) of the orbital area. Apply and tissue off after 10 minutes or, if traveling for a prolonged period, slather on a thick layer and arrive at your destination looking like you’ve had a day at the spa.

Sisley-Paris

Eye Contour Mask

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FRESHEN UP

Packed with essential oils, these hand wipes not only keep paws clean, but when they’re ripped open, they provide an aromatherapeutic treat. On red-eyes or night flights, I use the lavender ones to relax and the lemon ones for when we land and I need to wake up.

Herban Essentials

Lavender TOWELETTES

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REPLENSIH

This rich, clear solution is a miracle drink for the skin. It replenishes and immediately rehydrates, leaving the skin feeling plump and super soft. It’s such a great trick for jet-lagged skin.

LA MER

THE TREATMENT LOTION

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ENRICH

After I take my clients’ makeup off, I like to recharge their skin with a 15-minute face and neck massage using this heavenly oil. It is literally food for your skin—feeding cells with essential fatty oils and multivitamins. The result is a radiant and calm complexion.

TAMMY FENDER

Quintessential Serum Formula No QS-9

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SHINE

For gleaming limbs on the red carpet, I use May Lindstrom’s Good Stuff. Minute flecks of gold mica beam on the skin like an invitation to be photographed or touched. Plus, the scent is spectacular.

May Lindstrom skin

The GOOD STUFF radiance oil

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Kevyn Aucoin - The Volume Mascara Rich Pitch Black

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ENHANCE

Kevyn Aucoin’s Volume Mascara makes it into my Cannes kit for its durability and long-lasting wear. Then when it’s time to come off, it melts away effortlessly with no trace of panda eye.

Kevyn Aucoin

The Volume Mascara
Rich Pitch Black

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Natalie Portman’s
subtle smokey eye

For Portman’s appearance at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony, Baker created a natural and understated look to counterbalance the Oscar-winner’s bright crimson Dior gown. However, when it came to the eye, she couldn’t resist bumping up the drama—just a notch—with a soft, smokey effect. “I dotted Dior Show Waterproof Liner in Carbon halfway across her outer lash line and, with a small pointed liner brush, merged the dots together forming a soft winged liner,” explains Baker. “Using this liner/brush method allows you to add volume but not in a way that’s sharp and over-overpowering.”