I’ve conducted the research—here are the 9 beauty products that celebrities genuinely use.
If you’re a dedicated reader of Who What Wear, you’re likely aware of how much we turn to our favorite celebrities for inspiration. While many focus on the iconic street style and red carpet appearances, as a beauty writer, I'm far more intrigued by the hair, makeup, and skincare products they utilize. In fact, I find myself spending quite a bit of time analyzing their beauty routines on TikTok and Instagram, more than I’d care to admit. Let’s face it, they have access to top-tier products, tools, and makeup artists who craft stunning looks for events, awards ceremonies, and gatherings. This perpetual chase leads me to seek out the exact items my favorite stars employ. You might think that the most stylish celebrities exclusively use luxury beauty products (and who could blame them?), but in reality, their cosmetic bags often include several affordable essentials as well. Thankfully, I’ve compiled a list of these items below. From Zendaya's favorite nail polish to the face primer that Victoria Beckham swears by, continue scrolling to discover nine celebrity-approved beauty products. Plus, hear from the brands themselves about why these cult favorites are loved by celebrities, editors, and beauty enthusiasts alike.
1. Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Who: Meghan Markle and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Hiromi Ueda, Armani Beauty's global makeup artist, explains, "What makes Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation stand out among celebrities and non-celebrities is its ability to create various finishes, from a sheer, natural glow to a more perfected, airbrushed look, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions and skin types." The updated formula now includes skincare-focused ingredients such as glycerin, niacinamide, and Mediterranean floral extracts, which enhance the skin's appearance and texture over time while providing an instantly smooth, flawless finish. It’s incredibly versatile, performing exceptionally on all skin types and ages, even under challenging conditions like bright studio lighting or photoshoots, which is why many celebrities, including Meghan Markle and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, along with their makeup artists, continue to trust it.
2. Le Labo Santal 33
Who: Alexa Chung and Justin Bieber
Le Labo’s fragrance line receives high praise from both editors and scent specialists, with Santal 33 being one of the brand's most acclaimed fragrances. Many of my fellow editors, friends, and family members wear it, so it’s no surprise that celebrities love it too. Alexa Chung has referred to this sandalwood fragrance as her signature scent for several years. The fresh, earthy, and musky notes, along with its undeniably cool, laidback vibe, appeal to all genders. Justin Bieber is another star rumored to wear this viral fragrance, solidifying its cult status.
3. Chanel Rouge Coco Baume
Who: Margot Robbie and Sofia Richie Grainge
Stars like Margot Robbie and Sofia Richie Grainge prefer a naturally radiant makeup look, making it unsurprising that Chanel’s Rouge Coco Baume is a staple in their makeup collections. I’ve noticed Robbie's makeup artist, Pati Dubroff, using the shade Natural Charm on her, although you really can’t go wrong with any available color. This lip balm, albeit a splurge, is glossy, hydrating, and universally flattering on all lip tones.
4. Essie Nail Polish
Who: Zendaya and Kate Middleton
Michelle Humphry, Essie brand ambassador and celebrity nail artist, states, “The rise of the ‘princess nail’ trend has undoubtedly been influenced by royal manicures and the clean, elegant nail aesthetics we associate with figures like Kate Middleton. Shades like Essie Ballet Slippers and Mademoiselle have become iconic for their polished, understated look that pairs well with everything—timeless shades perfect for a princess!” Simultaneously, celebrities like Zendaya have added a more fashion-forward twist to the trend. Even when she opts for a bold Essie shade or a French manicure, she often favors short and chic nails over overly dramatic styles.
5. CurrentBody Skin LED Mask
Who: Suki Waterhouse and Zoe Saldana
Emily Buckwell, associate director of communications at The Beauty Tech Group, mentions, “LED light therapy has become a crucial aspect of modern red carpet skin preparation due to its ability to provide immediate radiance and long-term skin benefits without downtime. The CurrentBody Skin Series 2 LED Mask is particularly favored by celebrities and makeup artists for creating a calm, luminous, camera-ready complexion prior to makeup application. For stars like Zoe Saldana and Suki Waterhouse, whose beauty routines emphasize healthy, natural-looking skin, the mask is an ideal prep tool, visibly enhancing glow, supporting collagen production, and improving overall skin appearance. Makeup artists consistently convey that LED light therapy aids in seamless makeup application and gives the skin that fresh, lit-from-within quality, which translates beautifully both on the red carpet and on camera. It’s now a staple
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I’ve conducted the research—here are the 9 beauty products that celebrities genuinely use.
From VB to Zendaya.
