Escaping Chappell Roan’s influence? Impossible—and who’d want to? At just 26, the singer has been pulling in crowds practically as vast as oceans (that’s barely an exaggeration), all perfecting the moves to her hit “Hot to Go” with an enthusiasm that rivals the craze of the “YMCA.” But it’s not just her chart-topping music that’s drawing ears—it’s also her magnetic stage presence and her boldly adventurous glam. In a recent interview with POPSUGAR, Roan’s makeup artist, Ali Scharf, shared the duo’s stage makeup routine, including the makeup primer that doubles as a fashion aid in a pinch. Ahead, we’re breaking down key takeaways from the story.
Their go-to makeup products…
Kicking things off, Scharf revealed that both she and Roan are “massive fans” of the E.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer. They’re in great company; it’s a viral obsession on TikTok, with a 4.7-star rating on Ulta Beauty’s website, along with nearly 8,000 five-star reviews applauding its cooling gel texture, its lasting power for makeup, and its tacky texture that clings perfectly to makeup.
But, as teased, how they use this makeup primer stretches beyond traditional beauty boundaries, so to speak. “We’ve used this exact primer to lube up Chappell and other performers’ latex outfits,” Scharf explains. “That material only looks good when it’s super shiny, so sometimes when they run out of actual lubricant, they go digging through my makeup kit.”
Shop Chappell Roan’s favorite makeup primer
How they collaborate on her performance looks
Putting Scharf’s artistry skills into words is a challenge; her work doesn’t just speak—it shouts from her Instagram grid. Her most recent post? A mermaid-inspired look that’s reminiscent of a literal work of art. Despite her talent, collaborating with Roan and bringing such elaborate looks to life symbolizes a new chapter in Scharf’s career. “Prior to working with Chappell, I’d describe my makeup style as natural glam with an editorial flair,” she told the outlet. “Doing her makeup has basically re-wired my brain.”
Creating stage looks is a blend of practicality and imagination. “There are some aspects of her makeup that are just logistical, like keeping her face extremely matte for performances so that her makeup doesn’t slide off, but when it comes to ideating on a look, she’s super open to suggestions,” Scharf told POPSUGAR. To keep it matte, they rely on the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation. Another product they use regularly is the Trixie Cosmetics Play Pigments, which are eyeshadows regularly raved about for their highly pigmented and long-lasting formula.
