Beyoncé is the queen of an effortless beauty slay. Known for keeping her makeup super fresh and dewy, with the occasional pop of color, the superstar did exactly that at this year’s Grammy Awards.
Throughout the weekend’s events, including the Roc Nation Brunch and Clive Davis Gala, Bey looked absolutely flawless. The mastermind behind her impeccable beauty looks, which included a modern smokey eye and a bold violet lip, was none other than Sir John.
Beyoncé’s long-time makeup artist told ESSENCE the inspiration behind her looks was simply the clothes. “She wore all black and dark colors and I just wanted to magnify the eyes a bit,” he says. “I always first talk to Marni [her stylist] to see what the clothes will be doing.”
To create the celestial eye look (reminiscent of a beautiful oil spill) Beyoncé wore to Roc Nation’s brunch, Sir John used a forthcoming Glossier eye product (set to release very soon) and L’Oreal’s Shimmerista Highlighting Powder and Glotion for the mesmerizing glow.
Sir John says the trick for keeping makeup in place all night long is duality. “I like to use a liquid foundation and then a powder on top of it. And then a creme blush and then a powder blush to set it. That duality keeps it super long wear for the face,” Sir John tells ESSENCE.
When it comes to choosing between high-end and drugstore beauty products Sir John is all about mixing it up.
“It’s really just about who has the better payoff when it comes to products. It’s not one of those things where it needs to be all high-end. Sometimes I find a really great drugstore product that just works really well and I’ll pair it with a $30 lipstick,” he says.
Thankfully as Sir John confirms, we don’t have to spend a fortune to glow like Queen Bey!