From South America to Coachella: Sabrina Carpenter’s Iconic Makeup Look Remains Intact Thanks to These 12 Stage-Resistant…
Sabrina Carpenter is closely associated with a distinctive makeup style characterized by wide eyes, long lashes, and a rosy complexion. Some describe it as having a vintage pinup essence, while others refer to it as "baby-doll" or "coquette." Carolina Gonzalez, Carpenter’s long-time makeup artist and member of the Armani Beauty Collective, is open to various interpretations from the internet and admits she finds it hard to define. "Pinup watercolor? I don’t know, pre-war? I’m not sure what you’d call it!" Yet she is clear about the inspiration behind it: Alberto Vargas, a renowned Peruvian American pinup artist. “Alberto Vargas was a significant influence for me as an artist,” she shares. “That’s my environment, with sketching and watercoloring—that’s where my passion began. I fell in love with his work, particularly the makeup in his art and watercolors.” With Vargas’s work serving as both inspiration and reference, she developed Carpenter’s now-iconic makeup look, incorporating watercolor and oil-painting techniques into the makeup process (which we’ll elaborate on shortly). Recently, Carpenter toured South America with Lollapalooza before heading to the California desert to perform at Coachella—no small feat. Despite the heat, humidity, stage lights, and long, strenuous sets, Carpenter’s makeup remained impeccable, and I attribute this to two factors: 1) Gonzalez’s art-inspired application methods and 2) a range of long-lasting, high-performance makeup products. Below, read our exclusive Q&A with Gonzalez, where she discusses the backstage experience, shares tips for achieving a long-lasting look, and reveals the specific products Carpenter uses.
Carpenter performs in São Paulo, Brazil. Did you intentionally create Sabrina’s signature look, or did it evolve organically? Sabrina has a strong sense of self and her preferences. She often brings inspiration photos, and then we collaborate together. It truly is a teamwork effort. I can’t claim all the credit; I interpret her ideas, and we decide together what works. It naturally developed into what you see now. I like that she’s just like one of the girls bringing inspiration pics.
She really is. Most of the time on tour, it’s just her. I’m not sure if people realize that. I say to her, "Girl, you don’t really need me." And she insists, "I need you!" Sometimes I see her looks and think, "I wish I had done that."
She’s obviously talented with makeup on her own, which is impressive. She really knows her face. She has an eagle eye, pointing out even a millimeter difference in length. And I’ll be like, "You’re absolutely right."
Is stage makeup, especially for long sets, more challenging than makeup for a photo shoot or other events? Yes. It's similar to a red carpet—artists really show who they are in that setting. There’s no hiding. With editorial work, you can retouch photos, but on the red carpet, those Getty images tell the truth. On stage, she’s moving and dancing, so the makeup has to stay in place. And with quick changes, it’s a matter of dabbing off sweat and reapplying lip color as needed.
A primer is essential. I use the Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating & Glow-Extending Primer ($48) and I work in layers. I adopt an oil-painting technique because it helps lock everything in. Then, I set everything with the Luminous Silk Glow Setting Powder ($69). For quick changes, it’s all about the powder, a lip color, eye drops, and dabbing away sweat—you're under time pressure and back out there in no time. So proper makeup prep is critical. It’s always vital, but especially for performances, where preparation is key.
What are the top three Armani products you rely on for Sabrina’s makeup? The Cheek Tint ($40). Right now, we love the new shade 63, and I mix in a drop of 13. I could use that blend for her lips too, if needed. Next is definitely the Luminous Silk Foundation ($69), which gives a skin-like finish. It's buildable for coverage as needed, plus a lip product. Currently, I’m combining the Matte Lip Power in 603 and 207 ($48), which creates a beautiful berry-brown mix. I mix quite a bit; as long as she has her cheeks, lips, and skin done, we’re good.
Do you and Sabrina adjust her makeup look based on the specific show, her outfits, or her hair? We always adapt based on wardrobe and hair because it’s a collaborative effort. Makeup isn’t just isolated; it has to coordinate with the overall look. For Argentina, we aimed for a highly reflective appearance, so I used the Armani Eye Tint Shimmers ($39) and built them up.
Other articles
I Located Every Look from The Devil Wears Prada 2—Find Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep’s Outfits Here
After almost 20 years, Andy Sachs and Miranda Priestly have returned, and their fashion choices are more impressive than ever.
Sighted on the Upper East Side: The Most Stylish White Pants and Flat Shoe Ensemble of the Season
It's effortless and stylish for spring.
NYC and London It Girls are on the same page: this spring outfit formula is the simplest way to achieve a fashion-forward look.
Residents of New York and London are in agreement.
If you're planning to wear white jeans this summer, this shoe trend always gives them a stylish touch.
Assured.
My colleague inquired about the most significant dress trend for this summer—there's no question, it's this one.
I have located it.
NYC and London It Girls Concur That This Spring Outfit Formula Is the Simplest Method to Achieve a Fashion-Forward Look.
Residents of New York and London are in consensus.
From South America to Coachella: Sabrina Carpenter’s Iconic Makeup Look Remains Intact Thanks to These 12 Stage-Resistant…
In a special interview with celebrity makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez, we discovered the *specific* makeup products that Sabrina Carpenter uses while on tour. Here are all 12 of them.