From South America to Coachella: Sabrina Carpenter's Distinctive Makeup Style Remains Intact Thanks to These 12 Stage-Resistant...

      Sabrina Carpenter is closely associated with a particular makeup aesthetic characterized by wide eyes, long lashes, and a rosy complexion. Some describe it as having a vintage pinup essence, while others might use terms like "baby-doll" or "coquette." Her longtime makeup artist and member of the Armani Beauty Collective, Carolina Gonzalez, is receptive to the various interpretations from the internet and admits she finds it challenging to articulate herself. "Pinup watercolor? I’m not sure, pre-war? I’m unsure what you’d call it!" Yet, she is certain about the inspiration behind it: Alberto Vargas, a renowned Peruvian American pinup artist. "Alberto Vargas greatly inspired me as an artist," she states. "That’s my realm—sketching and watercoloring. That’s where my passion started. I came to admire his work, especially the makeup depicted in his paintings and watercolors." Drawing from Vargas’s art, she developed the now-iconic makeup look in partnership with Carpenter, incorporating watercolor and oil-painting techniques into the makeup application (more details to come).

      Recently, Carpenter embarked on a tour, performing at Lollapalooza South America before heading directly to the California desert to headline Coachella—no big deal. Despite the hot and humid conditions, bright stage lights, and lengthy, sweaty sets, Carpenter’s makeup remained flawless. There are two reasons for this: 1) Gonzalez’s art-inspired application technique and 2) a lineup of incredibly long-lasting, high-performance makeup products. Below, read our exclusive Q&A with Gonzalez as she discusses backstage moments, shares techniques for layering makeup for durability, and reveals the specific products Carpenter uses.

      Carpenter performs on stage in São Paulo, Brazil. Did you consciously set out to create Sabrina’s signature look, or did it evolve organically? Sabrina knows herself and her preferences very well. She comes with inspiration photos, and then we collaborate. It’s truly a partnership; I can’t claim full credit. I interpret, and together we figure out, "More or less..." It naturally developed from there. I appreciate that she is down-to-earth and shares inspiration pics.

      Indeed, on tour, she usually opts to do her own makeup. I’m not sure if people realize that. I often say, "Girl, you don’t need me." But she insists, "I need you!" Sometimes I see her looks and think, I wish I had done that. She’s impressively skilled with makeup on her own; she understands her face well. She has an incredibly keen eye—she’ll point out, "This side is just slightly longer by a millimeter." And I’m like, "You’re right!"

      Is stage makeup, especially for prolonged sets, more challenging than makeup for photo shoots or other events? Yes, it is. It’s similar to a red carpet—what artists present there reveals a lot about them. You can’t hide anything. In editorial work, you can retouch images, but on the carpet, those Getty [images] capture the truth. On stage, she’s moving and dancing, so everything needs to be set properly, especially for quick changes. We often dab off sweat and reapply lip color when necessary.

      A primer is essential. I use the Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating & Glow-Extending Primer ($48) and work in layers. I apply an oil-painting makeup technique because it really helps to lock everything in place. Then, I set it with the Luminous Silk Glow Setting Powder ($69). For quick changes, it’s all about the powder, a lip touch-up, eye drops, and blotting sweat—you have no time, and then it’s back out there. Thus, makeup preparation is crucial. It’s vital for everything, but especially for performances—the prep is so important.

      What are the top three Armani products you recommend for doing Sabrina's makeup? The Cheek Tint ($40) is definitely one. Right now, we’re loving color 63, and I combine it with a drop of 13. I can also use these for lips if needed. Next, I’d say the Luminous Silk Foundation ($69) since it resembles skin. I can build it up for more coverage if required. And then a lip product—I’m currently mixing the Matte Lip Power in shades 603 and 207 ($48). It’s a berry shade blended with brown. I mix a lot. As long as we have a cheek tint, a lip product, and her skin done, we’re good to go.

      Do you and Sabrina ever modify her makeup look based on the specifics of her shows, outfits, or hair? We frequently adjust based on her wardrobe and hair. It’s entirely a collaboration; makeup is just one part of how we create her overall look. Much depends on her attire. For Argentina, we wanted a very reflective appearance, so I layered the