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Red Carpet Essentials Awards 2024: The Best Eye Makeup, from Waterproof Mascaras to Brow Pencils
From no-budge kohl eyeliners and brow gels to products that mimic falsies, these are the cosmetics used by Hollywood makeup artists to keep their A-list clients' eyes looking stunning all awards season.
By Danielle Directo-Meston, Natalie Alcala
February 21, 2024
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Drumroll, please! After polling some of Hollywood’s top fashion and beauty insiders, The Hollywood Reporter presents the Red Carpet Essentials Awards.
In this edition, it’s all about the eyes. Hollywood makeup artists have no shortage of beauty tricks up their sleeves for dressing up their starry clients’ peepers on the red carpet: think smouldering smoky looks, eye-popping eyeshadow, “no makeup” mascara and scene-stealing glitter, to name a few.
Our panelists spanned experts across hair, makeup and skin-care — among them, makeup artists Jennifer “JD” Daranyi (Lopez & Lopez), Jamie Greenberg (whose clients include Rashida Jones, Kaley Cuoco, Chelsea Handler), Hinako (Stephanie Hsu, Brandi Carlisle, Linda Cardellini), Renee Loiz (Quinta Brunson, Uzo Aduba, Sherry Cola, Danai Gurira), Julia Jovone (One Life to Live, Law & Order SVU, Shonda Rhimes, Jeffrey Wright), Katie Mellinger (Haim, Emma Watson, Sofia Coppola and more) and Robert Sesnek (Hailey Bieber, Lucy Hale and Madelyn Cline).
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Here, trusted beauty pros reveal the best waterproof mascaras, smudge-free eyeliners, strong-hold brow gels and more of the top eye and brow essentials that they keep in their kits.
How We Chose the Winners of THR’s Red Carpet Essentials Awards
Hollywood fashion and beauty professionals have logged hundreds — if not thousands — of hours testing makeup, skincare, hair products and tools, and more on clients and themselves. That’s why we turned to them to share the products that have earned their professional personal seals of approval for use on clients on the red carpet, as well as every day.
THR‘s Red Carpet Essentials Awards Experts
- Stylists Krista Roser, Mickey Freeman, Amanda Lim
- Makeup artists Jennifer “JD” Daranyi, Jamie Greenberg (Jamie Makeup founder), Hinako, Julia Jovone, Renée Loiz (Color May Vary founder), Katie Mellinger, Robert Sesnek, Tisha Thompson (LYS Beauty co-founder/CEO)
- Hairstylists, colorists and extensionists Rita Hazan, Araxi Lindsey, Mara Roszak (Mare Salon co-founder, Rōz haircare founder), MJ Snyder, Priscilla Valles
- Brow and lash artists Melanie Marris (Brow Code founder/CEO)
- Aestheticians and facialists Sarah Akram, Ian Michael Crumm (BeautyCurious podcast co-host)
Read More: THR’s Red Carpet Essentials Award Winners
- The Best Foundations and Face Powders, According to Hollywood Insiders
- The 12+ Best Concealers Approved by Celebrity Makeup Artists
- The Best Hair Dryers, Stylers and Brushes Loved by Celebrity Hairstylists
- The Best Haircare Products Loved by Celebrity Hairstylists
- The Best Fashion Fixes According to Celebrity Stylists, From Lint Rollers to Steamers
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.
The Red Carpet Essentials Awards: The Best Mascaras, Eyeliners and Brow Products
Ulta
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
$29 AT Nordstrom
Katie Mellinger and Jamie Greenberg are among the celebrity makeup artists who love Too Faced’s Better Than Sex waterproof mascara.
“It lasts the longest, IMO,” says Mellinger, while Greenberg calls the mascara “super volumizing and is my go-to for all things waterproof.”
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
“It looks like you’re wearing false lashes.” — MJ Snyder
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara
$8.86 $10.99
“When it comes to affordability and performance, L’Oréal Voluminous waterproof mascara is an absolute favorite of mine. It is a game-changer, especially when working on set and needing to transition quickly between emotional scenes. This mascara not only holds up against tears, but it also provides incredible volume and length to the lashes. The result is a cute, doll-like effect that enhances your eyes and completes your look. You can confidently face any scene, knowing that your lashes will stay flawless throughout the day.” — Julia Jovone
Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara
“Dior’s Diorshow Iconic Overcurl waterproof mascara is a must-have. It never smudges and lasts me through any weather conditions. The curved wand gives me lashes the perfect natural boosted look.” — Priscilla Valles
Sephora
Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
“I love how bold and dark Lancôme’s Monsieur Big waterproof mascara makes my lashes look. I never find myself having to re-apply, and it is smudge-free throughout the entire day.” — Rita Hazan
Rituel de Fille Levitation Lash Lifting + Lenthening Mascara
Rita Hazan and Priscilla Valles are among the Hollywood beauty pros who swear by Rituel de Fille’s Levitation Lash Lifting + Lengthening mascara.
“The formula lifts and lengthens my lashes that creates the perfect curled effect, and the brush glides smoothly and helps to separate my lashes from clumping,” explains Valles.
Hazan calls it “the best longwear mascara … it not only enhances your natural lashes but also gives them volume and added length while simultaneously preventing breakage and damage. With added castor and argan oil your lashes are left feeling soft and healthy.”
Thrive Causemetics
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash Extensions mascara was a top pick of Jamie Greenberg and Jennifer Daranyi.
“This is my go-to choice for instantly achieving the appearance of lash extensions. It is a tubing mascara so it ensures a clump-free, and smudge-free experience,” says Greenberg.
Sephora
Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara
“Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara is a clean mascara and doesn’t irritate sensitive eyes. The short bristles on the dual-sided brush are used to build up volume and the comb side helps to separate and lengthen lashes. I like that it doesn’t flake even after multiple coats.” — Renee Loiz
Covergirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara
$11 at Target
The drugstore brand’s LashBlast Clump Crusher mascara is a favorite of Hinako and others for its volumizing effects and even distribution.
Maybelline Tattoo Studio Sharpenable Gel Pencil Waterproof Longwear Eyeliner
$7.99 $8.99
This thing in black (Deep Onyx)…? MAMA. It won’t budge!” — Katie Mellinger
Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
Hinako is a fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s waterproof Rock ‘N’ Kohl eyeliner pencil, which delivers a pigment-rich, kohl-like finish with the ease of a liquid liner.
Lime Crime Venus Liquid Eyeliner
“This one is super fun! It comes in so many different colors so you can play around with graphic eyeliner looks, but it’s also great for everyday wear with wearable colors too. I like that is has a thin brush for a precise winged look.” — Jamie Greenberg
Chanel Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner
Robert Sesnek loves Chanel’s waterproof Le Stylo kohl retractable eyeliner, which comes in 18 matte, satin and metallic shades and resists humidity, oil and water.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
Available in five shades, Bobbi Brown’s smudge-proof gel eyeliner was recommended for its sweat-resistant and waterproof formula that lasts for eight hours.
Brow Code At-Home Brow Tint Kit
$50 at Brow Code
Designed for pros but friendly for all beauty buffs, the DIY Brow Tint by Brow Code (founded by panelist Melanie Marris) was also a top pick for its long-lasting wear and easy at-home process. The tint lasts up to one week on the skin and as long as four weeks on brow hairs, and one kit — which includes tint, cream activator, nourishing oil, application brush and mixing dish — has enough product for up to 12 applications.
Kosas Brow Pop Dual-Action Defining Eyebrow Pencil
$24 at Sephora
“If you can’t find a shade here you like, you’re probably dying your hair blue. I use these Kosas brow pencils up so quickly.” — Katie Mellinger
Nyx Lift & Snatch Waterproof Brow Pen
$11.99 $13.00
“Amazing shades, not too dark so they’re kind of dummy-proof. So cheap! Perfect for sketching in any missing hairs or extending the length of a brow.” — Katie Mellinger
Grande Cosmetics
Grande Cosmetics GrandeBROW 2-in-1 Tinted Brow Gel + Enhancing Serum
“The small applicator allows for a dense, high color payout look. Also, it’s comforting knowing the serum is not only making them look better temporarily, but also full and dark for the long haul.” — Ian Michael Crumm
Browluxe Precision Brow Pencil
“This brand based out of Canada has one of the best edited shade ranges for brows — one of my favorites I’ve come across. I love the shape of the pencil and that it’s a firmer texture.” — Katie Mellinger
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer
$26 at Anastasia Beverly Hills
Anastasia Beverly Hills was an overwhelming favorite for Hollywood-ready brow makeup, with recommenders including Robert Sesnek, Katie Mellinger, Jennifer Daranyi and Hinako. Among their picks is the all-in-one retractable eyebrow pencil with a built-in spoolie brush. The triangular tip allows you to easily fill, define and detail, and the pencil comes in 12 shades.
KS&CO
KS&CO Clear Strong Hold Gel
$32 at KS&CO
Renee Loiz and Hinako are among those who vouch for celebrity brow artist Kristie Streicher’s KS & Co. line of brow care products.
Says Loiz of the brand’s clear strong hold gel, “it sets brows and holds them in place without leaving those white flakes. I like to groom brows first with the brow gel, then fill brows in, and lastly set the brows with the gel.”
Benefit Cosmetics 24-HR Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel with Lamination Effect
Ian Michael Crumm and Priscilla Valles love Benefit Cosmetics’ 24-HR Brow Setter clear brow gel, which gives a laminated look with all-day hold.
LYS Beauty Secure Brow Clear Brow Gel
Jamie Greenberg and Rita Hazan are fans of LYS Beauty’s brow gel for its flake-free, natural-looking finish.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Styling Wax
$23 at Anastasia Beverly Hills
“My brows are super unruly, and I have bangs. That means they are always out of place UNLESS I use this. Then they stay in place all day. It’s amazing.” — Katie Mellinger
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