The 10 Makeup Products You Will Find on Every Movie Set

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published 20 May 2016

Glowing, poreless complexions. Lip colors that don't budge. Cheekbones that could cut glass for days. These things may look effortless on the silver screen, but there's a lot of blood, sweat, tears—and most importantly, super special products—that keep Hollywood stars looking immaculate in front of the HD cameras. Here, the top-secret tools of the trade.

Mehron L.I.P. Color Cream

As far as long-lasting lip color is concerned, it just doesn't get better than the notorious L.I.P. treatment. Created specifically for theater (and beloved by the Metropolitan Opera and Cirque du Soleil performers alike), this creamy, stays-put-forever formula is rich and vibrant, but still keeps lips smooth and supple.

Mehron L.I.P. Color Cream, $8.88; amazon.com.

Parian Spirit

For makeup artists, there's nothing more important than keeping their precious brushes clean. Made from citrus spirits and food-grade solvents, the clear, non-toxic elixir dissolves even the most stubborn pigments while conditioning the bristles and ensuring quick-drying results. Its natural orange scent is actually kind of amazing.

Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner, $18; amazon.com.

Alcone Company Make-Off Makeup Remover Cloths

When it comes to film makeup, any old makeup remover wipes just aren't going to get the job done. These industrial-strength, individually-wrapped Italian cloths are formulated with soothing rose flower water and work miracles on set.

Alcone Company Make-Off Makeup Remover Cloths, $8 for 24; alconeco.com.

Visine Original Eye Drops

In case you haven't heard, stark-white eyeballs are the sleeper hit of desired facial features because they indicate health and vitality. Not to mention the fact that they just make your makeup look better. That's why makeup artists always keep some Visine tucked in their kit.

Visine Original Eye Drops, $15.99; amazon.com.

Ben Nye Bella Luxury Powder

This ultra-fine, translucent mattifying powder provides just a hint of glowing color (banana being its most popular, versatile shade) to color-correct and cover up under-eye bags. It's basically the industry standard for sandbagging.

Ben Nye Bella Luxury Powder, $15; pnta.com.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Fluid Foundation

Literally created for HD film and TV, this lightweight foundation provides buildable, medium-to-full coverage for a flawless finish that doesn't dry the skin out (or create the need for constant touch ups!) It comes in over 40 different shades.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Fluid Foundation, $43; makeupforever.com.

Valerie Beverly Hills Hocus Pocus Concealer

Ultra-pigmented, these creamy concealers can hide anything (and we mean partying-all-night-with-your-boo-boo-Leo-the-night-before anything) while smoothing on easily and remaining crease-free throughout wear.

Valerie Beverly Hills Hocus Pocus Concealer, $35; valeriebeverlyhills.com.

Cinema Secrets Ultimate Powder Blush

Coming in 10 different shades, this milled mineral, silky pigment powder goes on smooth like a cream and lasts forever.

Cinema Secrets Ultimate Powder Blush, $14; camerareadycosmetics.com.

Joe Blasco Neutralizer

Color correction is nothing new to Hollywood—Joe Blasco himself told us all about the wonders of green concealer going back to the MGM days. The man has a base-tone related neutralizer for every kind of discoloration and designed it to appear like second skin.

Joe Blasco Neutralizer, $26.80; megamakeupstore.com.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution

Eau micellaire has been a longtime secret of France...and makeup artists, too. Because it's gentle, requires no washing, cleanses the skin, and removes makeup, it's basically their best friend on set for keeping skin clean and hydrated.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution, $25.10; amazon.com.

Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.