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.

Get Halle Berry’s fresh-faced (and Oscar-winning) look, step by step.

Written By Jess Basser Sanders

Halle Berry | The Modern Minimalist Tutorial | The Violet Files | @violetgrey

HALLE BERRY AT THE 2002 ACADEMY AWARDS
KMAZUR / WIREIMAGE

THE ARTIST

Kira Nasrat | @kiranasrat

THE INSPIRATION

Halle Berry’s subtle glow during her Oscar acceptance speech for Monster’s Ball.

WHERE TO WEAR

A garden party (once the weather improves) in your best friend’s perfectly manicured backyard.

THE MODERN
MINIMALIST

REIMAGINED BY KIRA NASRAT

Velour Lashes - Wire - Velour Lashes Cluster-holic

Shop Now

INDIVIDUAL FLAIR

“Select your lashes, then place a bit of Duo lash glue on the back of your hand and let it sit until it gets a little sticky. Pick up lashes with Rubis tweezers, sweep the ends through the glue, and apply. Start with the medium-length clusters in the center of the lash line before adding the longer ones to the outer corner and the shorter ones near the inner corner. Once set, curl lashes with Utowa’s curler—the falsies will blend in with your own and eliminate the need for mascara.”

Velour Lashes - Wire

Velour Lashes Cluster-holic

Shop Now

Shop Now

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

“Apply this highlighting pen to the brow bone area to emphasize the arch, and blend in with your fingers. Dab into the inner corners of eyelids for a subtle glow and, if you like, on top of your cupid’s bow as well.”

Laura Mercier

Secret Brightener
#1

Shop Now

Shop Now

TWO FOR ONE

“Line lips with MAC’s pencil in Stripdown, blending the product inward so lips are covered with color. This lipstick is glossy, so apply generously straight from the tube for a luminous finish.”

Tom Ford

Lip Color Shine
Abandon

Shop Now

Laura Mercier - Foundation Primer - Oil Free

Shop Now

OIL-FREE ZONE

“Use a flat foundation brush like Chanel’s to apply this primer to the center of the face, then blend out. Make sure the T-zone is covered to help control oil and ensure makeup goes on smoothly.”

Laura Mercier

Foundation Primer - Oil Free

Shop Now

Tom Ford - Traceless Foundation Stick Caramel

Shop Now

WITHOUT A TRACE

“You can make this versatile foundation sheer by mixing it with the primer, or you can build coverage by applying the stick directly onto the face. Start in the middle and apply only to areas that need correcting. Blend outward with a damp Beauty Blender, making sure you’re pressing into the skin rather than rubbing—you’ll achieve a better finish and the makeup will look more natural.”

Tom Ford

Traceless Foundation Stick
Caramel

Shop Now

ARTIST
PROFILE

KIRA NASRAT

— MAKEUP ARTIST KIRA NASRAT / PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN BLACK FOR THE VIOLET FILES

ARTIST STATS:

Name: Kira Nasrat
Known For: Flawless skin, subtle contouring, and a sophisticated look
Where to Find Her: Los Angeles
Clients: Gwyneth Paltrow, Margot Robbie, Jamie Chung
Years in the Industry: 16
Instagram: @kiranasrat
Beauty Essential: Utowa Eyelash Curler
Mentions in The Violet Files: Cate Blanchett in Carol, 7 Secrets to Dewy Skin, An Instant Evening Look, Instantly Bronze Legs, The ’90s Ingenue Tutorial, The Doe Eye Tutorial, The Rosebud Lips Tutorial, The Golden Goddess Tutorial
Agent: Heather Ryan @ The Wall Group

When questioned on the subject, VIOLET GREY brand ambassador Kira Nasrat has been known to describe her vibe as “gangsta with a Birkin.” The statement is just a taste of the makeup artist’s sweet-but-sassy sense of humor (and style), which has beguiled fans and clients almost as much as her genius with a foundation brush. (Gwyneth Paltrow, Jamie Chung, Margot Robbie, Billie Lourd, and Freida Pinto are just a few of her satisfied customers.)

But for much of Nasrat’s life, although she worked on the business side of the beauty industry, makeup was nothing more than a hobby, albeit one that she was very, very good at. It wasn’t until six years ago, when actress Azita Ghanizada (a close family friend) asked Nasrat to do her makeup for a red carpet event, that Nasrat—who was working as an account executive—realized she could parlay her favorite pastime into a lucrative career, and got serious about the business of beauty.

After joining VIOLET GREY in 2013, Nasrat helped to open and manage the flagship store on Melrose Place, working with VIP customers and growing her celebrity clientele. Now, as VIOLET GREY’s first official brand ambassador, Nasrat does what she does best—charming celebrities, and the world at large, with her winsome smile and unmatched beauty prowess.