Laverne Cox’s makeup artist dished on her favorite products

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Laverne Cox is literally everything. Somehow, the “Orange Is The New Black” alum has juggled acting, slaying a red carpet and constantly serving face with beauty looks all while being an outspoken LGBTQ+ activist focused on equal rights for all.

But when she’s not vocally advocating for others or playing a role on a hit TV show, Laverne is being our enviable style and beauty star. Like many of us, she remembers the exact moment she felt the shift happen when it came to beauty.

“Around ’97, I got these honey-colored loose braids, and I felt like something shifted,” the star told Allure. “I came out of a shell and introduced myself as Laverne for the first time.” 

Credit: Getty Images

Nowadays, Cox is able to create some of her most epic beauty looks in collaboration with her longtime makeup artist, Deja Smith.

“We’re both trans women of color who grew up in majority, marginalized communities, working-class communities,” Smith told In The Know. “What I have come to understand about who I am as a trans woman of color, navigating this world, is that visibility is very revolutionary. And that’s the same for Laverne. I believe that’s why when she presents herself to the world, she always wanted to be an impeccable image, something iconic, slightly over the top at times, but you always have to give it to her because it’s pulled off with such class.”

In the Allure piece, Cox dished on her very signature and minimalistic makeup routine, which I absolutely love because it’s quick, affordable, and fly. Of course, Smith has favorite products that she loves to use on Laverne as well.

“The Clinique Dramatically Different moisturizer with the Tatcha Luminous spray is amazing. Sometimes we’ll use the Makeup Forever HD foundation — they have a new one called ultra HD and it’s more of a featherweight foundation. For a glow, we love to use the Hourglass Ambient highlighter. They’re so, so good.”

For lips. Smith swears by Pat McGrath lipstick, AJ Crimson lipsticks, and Fenty’s gloss balm.

“That’s my number one for anybody,” she said.

Slay those faces, ladies!

Shop: Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick, $38

Credit: Sephora

Swipe on this richly-pigmented lipstick for an added pop of color and flair.

Shop: Clinique De-Puffing Eye Massage, $33

Credit: Sephora

Use this to help with puffy bags and the appearance of fatigue.

Shop: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder, $36

Credit: MAC

Set your face with this powder that provides a natural, dimensional finish.

Shop: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, $27

Credit: Tarte Cosmetics

Brighten under your eyes with this vegan, full-coverage formula.

Shop: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer, $28

Credit: Sephora

Give your skin an extra dose of hydration before applying your makeup.

Shop: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, $48

Credit: Sephora

Spritz this moisturizer on over or under your makeup for a dewy glow.

Shop: Makeup Forever HD Foundation, $43

Credit: Sephora

Get a full HD effect on the skin with this foundation.

Shop: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, $48

Credit: Sephora

Highlight your cheeks and give your skin a glow with this lightweight powder.

Shop: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb, $19

Credit: Sephora

Pull off a glossy shine on the lip with this pigmented product.

If you enjoyed this story, you might like This celeb-loved skincare brand has a set that’s under $90 right now.

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