If you’ve ever wondered who the mastermind was behind the painted faces of stars like Ariana Grande, Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Ryan Destiny, Salma Hayek, Lindsay Lohan, Shay Mitchell, and more, allow us to introduce you to Ash K. Holm. The established educator and celebrity makeup artist is well-known for being a force behind the scenes at major red-carpet events like the Oscars and Met Gala, stemming from years of experience working at top beauty companies like Sephora and M.A.C Cosmetics early in her career.
Outside of her expert handiwork with top celebrities, Holm also counts herself as a cofounder of the Santa Monica–based medspa Dripology, as well as the creator of Sculpt, a 30-piece professional-level brush collection made in partnership with Spectrum Collection founders Sophie and Hannah Pycroft.
Bazaar caught up with Holm between glam appointments to learn more about the staples she always keeps in her kit, along with her favorite foundation and SPF combination for a glowy butter skin finish.
What was the first makeup product you remember buying or using?
A white matte eyeshadow from NYX Professional Makeup in the 2000s—iconic and very on-brand for the era.
Who or what is your biggest makeup inspiration?
Cher is definitely my biggest makeup inspiration. I’ve always been inspired by the drama she brings to her eye makeup and her overall look. She’s so iconic, a true blueprint.
What’s your number one holy-grail makeup product?
The Morphe Cheek Thrills Multi-Finish Face Trios. They never miss.
How did you learn to do your makeup?
A lot of trial and error. Hours of experimenting and practicing on myself and others!
Are you Team Primer or Team No Primer?
I’m Team Hydrating Primer all the way. I love to layer my makeup, so starting with a smooth, hydrated base makes all the difference.
How many lip balms or oils are currently in your bag?
Too many to count in my kit. In my purse? Probably four.
What’s your skin type and foundation preference?
I have dry skin but get a little oily on the forehead. I gravitate toward hydrating, serum-like foundations. Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk is a fave.
How often do you clean your brushes?
Every. Single. Day. Sanitation is key to preventing breakouts and keeping everything clean for clients.
What are your thoughts on blush, and which ones do you love right now?
Obsessed! Especially with Morphe’s Cheek Thrills line. I could talk about blush all day.
Are you a highlighter or bronzer fan?
I’m a cream-highlighter kind of person. Love that natural, dewy finish.
What is your relationship with eyeshadow?
We’re in a long-term love affair. Eye makeup has always been my thing, and I think bold shadow looks are about to make a comeback.
Some days it can feel like you need a degree from RISD to apply eyeliner. Do you usually reach for pencil, liquid, or gel formulas, and what are some of your favorites?
I’m all about using a pen eyeliner. The Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen is a staple in my kit.
What are some of your go-to mascaras, and would you typically consider yourself a volume or length seeker?
I’m into the Haus Labs B-Structural Volumizing and Lengthening mascara right now. It delivers both volume and length with a clean formula, which I love.
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga B Structural Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara
Now let’s talk about brows: What are some of your favorite products of all time?
Kelley Baker Brows and Anastasia Beverly Hills pencils. I love to mix brands: It’s all about customizing the makeup look.
Are you a fan of red lipstick?
Absolutely. Dior 999 is a universal red that works on every skin tone, especially when paired with the right liner.
Dior Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick in 999
Are there any other fun makeup staples you’re obsessed with, like lip liners, highlighters, freckle pens, or face gems?
The Freck Beauty the Original Freckle Pen is amazing for a natural look. Also obsessed with the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape liners and Victoria Beckham Beauty’s liners as well.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer
If you could use only one makeup product for an entire day, what would it be?
Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40 sunscreen in the shade Golden Hour. It’s got a tinted, glowy finish and SPF—perfection in one step.
![the 2025 met gala celebrating "superfine: tailoring black style" arrivals](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/doja-cat-attends-the-2025-met-gala-celebrating-superfine-news-photo-1746491048.pjpeg?crop=1.00xw:0.668xh;0,0.0267xh&resize=360:* "The 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" - Arrivals")
