Even as someone who has been writing about beauty for more than a decade (and is currently testing enough makeup, hair and skin care that I could open my own Sephora store — or die tragically in a beauty avalanche), it can still be a challenge to uncover those really, really good, in-the-know products. So, whenever I have a chance to speak to an expert, whether it’s the head of the makeup department on my favorite film or a major celebrity hairstylist, I absolutely pester them for suggestions. Here’s why: Celebrity pros know what melts, what flakes and what exactly will endure through all the sweat, blood and tears (or wind machines, flash photography and hours-long shoots). Plus, these experts don’t beat around the bush about what works and what really doesn’t which is why I always ask what they carry in their bags and stock in their bathroom cabinets.
I reached out to top hairstylists and makeup artists to find out their must-have hair heroes, skin care saviors and more. Below, you’ll see a good mix of high and low, from drugstore classics to a few pricey-but-worth-it holy grails. Each is less about trends and more about simple beauty problem-solving — honestly, advice all of us can use
Quick Overview
A celebrity hairstylist at the Sally Hershberger salon in Los Angeles, Puncerelli has created high-shine editorial and red-carpet looks for stars like Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez.
As both a celebrity hairstylist and creator of the viral “butterfly cut,” Brook has more than 20 years of experience behind the chair and regularly styles celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Jenna Ortega and Rita Ora.
Briceno honed his craft working backstage at top fashion shows, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Schiaparelli, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren. His celeb clients include Debi Mazar and Alicia Silverstone.
Pro tip: Briceno says use your finger to help melt the product seamlessly, or use a small, fluffy brush.
Lona Vigi, celebrity hairstylist
The Emmy-winning celebrity hairstylist (Reese Witherspoon is a longtime client) has shaped looks for Sandra Bullock on films like Ocean’s 8 and on TV sets, from Big Little Lies to The Morning Show.
Jeremy Pugh, award-winning hairstylist
Pugh is an award-winning hairstylist, viral educator and content creator (with more than 2 million followers!) known for his honest product reviews, high-energy tutorials and practical, salon-tested hair advice.
Linda Dowds, celebrity makeup artist and makeup department head
An Oscar and BAFTA-winning, three-time Emmy-winning makeup artist, Dowds works with celebrities like Jessica Chastain and is renowned for her transformative work on The Eyes of Tammy Faye, True Detective and Grey Gardens.
An in-demand celebrity manicurist, Gerstein has polished the hands of A-listers like Michelle Williams and Jennifer Lopez.
Hawkins is the celebrity hairstylist and self-proclaimed “hair-storian” behind some of Hollywood’s most famous ‘dos, including those of Olivia Rodrigo, Meg Stalter and Addison Rae.
Schlabach is a bit of hair legend for those with curls. The LA-based, 20-year industry veteran is so famous for his dry-curly cuts and natural texture transformations, he’s built a social media following of over 2 million.
Rachel Pagan, celebrity makeup artist
An LA-based makeup artist with over 20 years of experience, Pagan has glammed up the famous faces of a wide-variety of clients, including Anna Kendrick, Sherry Cola and Megan Mullally.
The LA-based hairstylist and Moef Salon owner is a Beauty Launchpad 30 under 30 honoree who’s known for her majorly inspiring Instagram hair transformations.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)