How Beyoncé’s Makeup Artist Would Spend $100 on Beauty Products

People in the beauty industry get tons of goods to test out, so when someone spends their own money on something that they’ve run out of, you know it’s good. In this series, we give beauty buffs $100, and ask them how they’d spend it on the best-of-the-best cosmetics from around the internet. 

When it comes to beautifying Beyoncé, Sir John is the boss. Not only is he the last person who sees Queen Bey before she takes the stage or hits the red carpet, he's also her makeup master for every magazine or album cover she graces. (And yes, he was the man on-call for her floral-goddess lewk for the top-secret baby announcement.)

Beyond Beyoncé—pause, yes, the world exists beyond Bey—he's also a L’Oréal Paris ambassador who's known for creating stunning looks (read: bold blue liners, metallic lips, and shimmering smoky lids) that push boundaries, while remaining wearable. And that's probably why he has a hefty rolodex of other celeb clients including Serena Williams, Karlie Kloss, Priyanka Chopra, Joan Smalls, and the list goes on and on.

So yeah: He knows a thing or two about makeup and has swatched and swiped it all. Here, the essentials that he can't live without, which all together total less than $100. As they say, do as Queen Bey does.

Keep scrolling to learn which beauty essentials Sir John swears by.

L’Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara in Black, $9

“This mascara works really well on false lashes (I use the individual ones a lot on clients) because it doesn’t pull them out as you apply it. Just one coat will give you high-impact color and volume. Plus, you can build it up really easily.”

Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, $6

“You might not believe it, but this cuticle cream is the best lip balm. It’s a great pre-lip, especially before a matte lipstick. It’s a sturdy matte wax, so it doesn’t change the texture of your matte lipstick, but is still super moisturizing. Trust me, it softens lips like no other.”

Caudalie Beauty Elixir Mini, $18

“When I want to splurge, I’ll buy this in the travel-size because it works wonders on damaged skin. The grape seed extract helps repair broken capillaries, firms, gives you a glow, smells great, but most importantly, it’s an amazing prep for foundation. It really helps your makeup glide across your face. Moisturize first, spritz and your skin will look like you just left the spa.”

Givenchy Mister Light Instant Light Corrective Pen, $37

“I love that it doesn’t look like makeup, it just makes you look like you are naturally bright underneath the eyes—especially in photographs. I also use it to highlight the sides of the nose and down the center of the nose. Allow it to dry for a few seconds after applying, then blend it in with a brush. All shades are pretty forgiving, but the most common shade is 4. If you’re deeper, like my complexion, use 5 or 6. ”

RMS Buriti Bronzer, $28

“It’s technically bronzer, but I love it on the eyes. It looks especially beautiful under light at night, whether you’re in a candlelit room or just under a street light. For applying, don’t be afraid to get in there with your fingers! Your body heat will warm it up and make the texture more organic and easy to swipe on.”

Want even more expert intel on how to elevate your beauty arsenal? Check out Chrissy Tiegen's facialist would spend $100. And also, what celebrity makeup artist Katie Jayne Hughes says are her must-haves.