Westman Atelier’s Foundation Stick Is Makeup Artist-Used

I was daydreaming the other day when I realized I’ve never gotten my makeup done by someone before. I have this vivid memory of my high school prom when so many of my classmates went to get their makeup done and arrived at the dance looking unrecognizable. It’s 10 years later, and I still do my own makeup, even if it’s a special occasion. I may not be the best, but I know what I like: glowy, natural skin that can breathe. 

When celebrity makeup artist Kelly Zhang offered to do my makeup, I just knew I had to put my fears aside and let her work her magic. She’s done glam for celebrities like Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Chung, and Jenn Trann. The first time I met her, I thought she didn’t have a lick of makeup on because her complexion was that airy, lightweight, and pristine. Having the opportunity to sit in her chair, I just knew I had to soak up all of her expertise and add it to my makeup routine. From her go-to foundation from a Nicole Kidman-used brand to her recently-launched eye cream that grips on to under-eye concealer, here are some of her favorite products, along with her tips for using them. 

Makeup Artist Kelly Zhang’s Favorite Products

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick 

As of late, it seems like everyone (celebrities included) cannot stop talking about this luxe foundation stick. “This is perfect for spot coverage or layering where you need a bit more. It melts into the skin and gives a real-skin finish.”  Rather than drawing it all over the skin and blending it in with a brush before adding bronzer and blush, Zhang uses it to spot conceal after underpainting. “I always underpaint first—applying contour and blush before foundation—to add natural dimension and warmth without it feeling heavy.” 

The format of this foundation stick makes it fantastic for spot concealing—a.k.a. only applying it to the areas that really need it versus all over the face. Plus, the formula is super creamy, so a little goes a long way. Zhang told me she likes to apply the product into her warm palm first, then she likes to pick it up with a brush to blend it into the skin seamlessly. Doing it this way, instead of applying the foundation directly to your skin in a thick patch, is so much more natural looking.

Ciele Glow & Protect SPF 50+ Liquid Highlighter

Unlike most liquid highlighters, this one has SPF 50 and bisabolol to reduce the look of redness. “This liquid highlighter adds a radiant glow while offering broad-spectrum SPF 50,” says Zhang. “I love using it on the high points of the face for an effortless, sun-kissed finish that layers beautifully over or under other products.” Plus, a 54-year-old reviewer says it gives her dry skin a “beautiful glow.”

Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

I swear by this internet-loved face mist for my eczema, but have never thought to use it in my makeup routine. “I like to use this before and after makeup,” says Zhang. “It calms the skin, adds a boost of hydration, and helps everything melt together for a more natural finish.” Think of it as setting spray with skin care benefits.

Kelly Zhang Advanced Microbiome Eye Cream 

Applying eye cream before concealer can sometimes mess with the smoothness of the application, but this one is meant just for that. The formula includes green tea extract to reduce puffiness and hyaluronic acid to hydrate without feeling heavy. “The fast-absorbing formula leaves a smooth, slightly dewy finish that grips concealer without creasing or caking,” says Zhang. I have eczema under my eyelids, so I tend to skip concealer in fear of making it more noticeable. This one created such a smooth finish, the texture under my eyes looked undetectable. 

Live Tinted Legacy Lash Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara

“For the eyes, I usually start with mascara to lift and open up the lashes, and then I decide if eyeliner is still needed. Sometimes, that soft definition is all you need,” says Zhang. She used this mascara on my lashes and it gave the prettiest, most natural volume without looking thick or flaking. 

Shop more of Zhang’s makeup picks, below. 

E.l.f. Brow Lift Clear Eyebrow Shaping Wax

Kelly Zhang Lip + Cheek Duo 

Charlotte Tilbury The Sophisticate Luxury Palette