Celebrity Makeup Artist Ash K Holm Shares the Beauty Rule She Always Breaks
Plus, answers to more of your AMA questions
When it comes to beauty advice, there are few we trust more than Ash K Holm. A self-made, celebrity makeup artist who’s painted faces from Kourtney Kardashians to Ariana Grande and Lindsay Lohan (side note: we’ll have whatever she’s having lately), Ash knows a thing or two about glam.
A force behind the scenes at major red-carpet events like the Oscars and Met Gala, Ash’s experience stems from her early years working at top beauty companies like Sephora and M.A.C Cosmetics. Throughout her career, she’s intentionally chosen clients who are some of the most influential and powerful women in the media industry, and yet she remains accessible—offering a look into her life through countless sneak peeks and beauty tutorials on her social channels.
So, when we partnered with Amazon for our first AMA, we knew exactly who we wanted to hear from. After pouring through all your questions, we narrowed it down to the top four, which Ash answered directly. Take a look at the videos below for our favorite tips from the fabulous beauty educator.
What’s One Beauty Rule You Always Break?
Although Ash is a firm believer that there are no strict rules when it comes to makeup, there’s one she continually breaks: foundation first, eyes second. Ash almost always starts with the eyes. Why? You don’t have to worry about fallout. “Didn’t nail the shape of your eye shadow? That’s OK, you can just clean it right up with a Q-tip,” she says.
What’s Your Getting Ready Routine?
Ash shares that her getting ready routine starts with eye care because “eye care is the new skincare.” As a self-proclaimed “eye makeup girlie,” this routine allows her eye area to feel comfortable before applying product. Step 1: Remove any makeup with Amazon Basics Eye Makeup Remover and a lint-free cotton round (she prefers Shiseido). Step 2: Spray eyelids with a cleansing spray (like this one from Optase), pressing for 15 seconds. Step 3: Eye drops! Ash keeps these in every bag.
What’s Your Favorite Beauty Trend at the Moment?
“Sculpting your face with blush,” says Ash. While we’re no strangers to this technique, something about the way she ever so delicately applies the product has us questioning our own technique and itching to try it again. Not to mention, that Saie Dew Blush shade “Baby” is near perfection for summer.
What’s Your First Step When Creating a Major Red-Carpet Moment?
Surprise: eye care is making another appearance. The power duo from her previous video shows up again with Amazon Basics Eye Makeup Remover and Shiseido lint-free cotton rounds. According to Ash, eye makeup stays on even better with the right prep. Next? Stray brow hairs. “Brows really do shape the face, so I always go in and look for any stray hairs with my tweezers. This set is from Amazon Basics and it's my favorite because you get the slated and the point,” she says. Finally, Ash finishes her prep with the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence because it addresses signs of aging: wrinkles, texture, dryness and dullness. We’re sold.
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