The holidays are right around the corner, which means Christmas music is on repeat at all hours of the day. While classic albums from Michael Bublé and Frank Sinatra circle the list, Mariah Carey is continuously at the top. Luckily, this year we can both blast her music and read about her beauty favorites.
Nude Strategy
It’s no news that the singer is a fan of a nude lip, but Carey’s long-time makeup artist Kristofer Buckle says it’s more than just preference. According to Who What Wear, “Carey’s big brown eyes are the glamorous focal point for every look, so the lips should complement, not compete,” Buckle says. Additionally, keeping Carey’s lips “soft and neutral” is a smart way to frame “the magic that is sung through them.”
Before the lipstick goes on, Buckle grabs the cult-classic Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant ($24) for some much-needed moisture. Next, to outline her lips, he goes in with Chantecaille Lip Definer Pencil in Natural ($26) before filling in the lips with her all-time favorite lippie: Kristofer Buckle Cashmere Slip Longwear Lipstick in Renaissance ($18).
Prep Step
“When I have to get Mariah ready for a tour look, I do everything the same, times 50 percent, so it will hold up through the heat, costume changes, and lights,” says Buckle. To prep her skin, he starts with Decléor Night Balm ($42) to deeply moisturize and create a luminous base for her makeup. Next, he uses another product from his own line, Kristofer Buckle Triplicity Perfection Foundation Stick ($30), which he blends into her skin using a synthetic brush. “I always use the Triplicity Foundation in a darker shade to bronze and contour Mariah,” Buckle reveals. “So go ahead and buy a few different shades of your favorite foundation formula—you’ll get the most blend and finish.”
To lock everything in and create a subtle glow before Carey hits the stage, he mists the Kristofer Buckle Power Lock Makeup Setting Spray ($20) over the finished look and presses Heritage Rose Water Spray ($10) into her skin with a sponge.
Pink Wave
To achieve her iconic sculpted and plump cheeks, Buckle applies a pigmented coral blush on the apples of her cheeks. “Then, I’ll add more on top after the makeup has set,” he adds. “It naturalizes the blush so it looks natural and soft.” His go-to cream-powder duo? Kristofer Buckle Twinset Blush Duo in Delight ($15).
