Kelly Clarkson wrapped up her Las Vegas residency after 10 incredible performances at the Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood. Her shows included unforgettable moments, like a cover Lainey Wilson’s hit “Heart Like a Truck,” a powerful performance by a blind 12-year-old singer, and appearances from Kelly’s kids. While Kelly’s vocals hit all the right notes (as we’ve come to expect since her American Idol debut back in 2002), her gorgeous looks throughout “chemistry, an Intimate Night with Kelly Clarkson” almost stole the show. Here, celebrity make up artist Torsten Witte shares the secrets to Kelly’s glam look.
Q: What is your inspiration for Kelly’s residency makeup?
“When we have the costumes and know stage lighting, we all have a pretty good idea on what the make-up needs to be. We went for a very current, flawless light make-up look for Kelly. I always like glowing skin and bring out every feature on the artist. Strong eyeliner and lashes work well on monitor and on stage without being to overpowering. The color palette needed to be light and cohesive with the costumes and lighting on stage. After a full rehearsal it was very clear to us what the make-up needed to be.”
Q: Does Kelly have any preferences when it comes to her makeup?
“Kelly surrounds herself with a trusted team, and she is very open to all new ideas. Kelly, [fashion stylist] Candice Lambert, and I work well together, and we all know very quickly what a make-up look needs to be. Soft, beautiful make-up combined with Candice’s direction on costumes was the right thing to do. Rules for stage make-up apply, because make-up cannot move for a 90-minute performance.”
Q: What are your favorite products to use with Kelly?
“We are using all waterproof or long-wear make up for a 90-minute stage performance that doesn’t allow time for touch ups. We have a few trusted brands we both like. For skin, we use Chanel Ultra Le Teint Flawless Finish Foundation and concealer and various powder blushes. Charlotte Tilbury is a must for a natural lip tone. Pillow Talk Original and Pillow Talk Medium are my favorites since Emma Stone wore it in LaLa Land. We prep with Tilbury and Chanel primer, and for shading and cream blush we use Westman Atelier. Urban Decay and One/Size both have a great line of waterproof eyeliner and pencils that won’t move, and Ardell Lashes are a trusted brand for a current and comfortable fashion lash.”
Chanel Chanel Ultra Le Teint Flawless Finish Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick
Westman Atelier Cream Blush
Urban Decay Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. She’s currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazine’s next issue
