Tonight, the spotlight is on Video Music Award host, performer and nominee Megan Thee Stallion, and she was ready for all the attention. Our Slack messages lit up when we first caught a glimpse of Thee Stallion, all wondering what was on her lips to give them the perfect jelly gloss look. Was it the viral Rhode or Summer Fridays or Laneige? No, it’s something more affordable and hydrating—The INKEY List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm ($13).
Celebrity makeup artist Lauren Child used a handful of products from The INKEY List to get Megan’s skin right for the big night. Not only did the star look incredible—the whole skin-care routine only cost $46. We love a reasonable queen. “I take extra time with skin prep when doing makeup for television or performances,” says Child. “When makeup is going to be on for a long period of time, under lights, through movement and sweating, it’s so important for the skin to be plumped, well hydrated, but not oily.”
This lip balm has a special place in my heart because it plumps your pout without that classic pesky tingle. Child began with the balm and also finished the look with it, dabbing it over her lipstick for a final gloss and pump. “I’ll be using this product throughout the night for a quick gloss during touch-ups, as well as it gives the lips a healthy, juicy appearance,” she notes.
Megan Thee Stallion’s VMAs Skin-Care Prep
“Skin prep is the foundation for flawless, long-lasting makeup,” says Child. “It’s so important to have skin-care products that you trust will work well under makeup that need to last and look great on stage and TV.” She began by applying The INKEY List’s consistent bestseller, the Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($10). “Because the foundation I use for TV and performances is full coverage, matte and long-lasting, I like to make sure the skin beneath is well hydrated and plumped without being too oily.”
As Child mentioned, she takes her time when doing skin care on clients ahead of a performance gig. She allotted five minutes to apply the Omega Water Cream ($12) moisturizer with a gentle massage. “I used light tapping motions with my fingertips, and then upwards sweeping motions to stimulate blood flow and make sure the hydration is locked into the skin and not just sitting on top.”
Then Child applied the Caffeine Eye Cream ($11) “because its active ingredient caffeine helps to reduce the look of tired and puffy eyes,” says Child. She notes that this formula is fast absorbing, instantly depuffs and perfectly primes for makeup.
