Celebrity Makeup Artist Keita Moore Reveals His Beauty Must Haves and Top Hacks
The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to celebrity makeup artist Keita Moore about his beauty product recommendations.
Celebrity makeup artist Keita Moore has worked with the likes of Iman, Janelle Monáe, Adut Akech, Tessa Thompson, and Yara Shahidi. Hailing from Rochester, NY, where he worked at the MAC counter for a year, he met reality TV stars who assured him of his talent and encouraged him to build his brand in Manhattan. "My primary goal was to offer something new in an industry that is rather hard to break into for a Black artist," Moore tells PS. "As I grew, I walked on sets and [into] rooms knowing that I had to display amazing work to represent, and helped open doors for artists who weren't in those rooms as much."
Moore's experience behind the scenes has brought him to Met Gala gigs, Fashion Week (he's currently gearing up for jobs in New York, Milan, and Paris), and plenty of red carpets where he's been trusted to provide the final touch for his clients before they stepped in front of the camera. "Celebrities can be quite different from what you see on screen," Moore says. "Most of the time, they're looking for good energy to be around. They appreciate great makeup skills, but positive energy is a huge bonus. Glam time often becomes a safe space to bond, share thoughts, and let their hair down."
"Glam time often becomes a safe space [for celebrities] to bond, share thoughts, and let their hair down."
So it's no surprise that a lot of the essentials Moore carries with him include basic essentials like Benadryl, double-sided tape, and Tide sticks — none of which are directly related to makeup on paper. After all, Moore notes that the getting-ready experience is about striking a balance between fashion and beauty. "It's a harmony: sometimes the gown is the focal point, so hair and makeup are kept simple; other times, when the styling is understated, the makeup or hair needs to stand out."
It can be a stressful gig, but Moore remains devoted to himself and his mental health by meditating before and after work, taking vitamins and herbs, staying hydrated, and getting eight hours of sleep. In addition to sharing beauty product recommendations with PS, he also has advice for breaking into the industry: "Practice your craft first. Do as much makeup as you can so that you can fine-tune your artistry. Do some assisting, and while assisting, learn how the key artist works the room and works with their clients."
Ahead, see what Moore has consistently kept in his pocket as he's bettered his skills and creativity to make great strides in his career.
:upscale()/2024/08/14/700/n/1922153/764e4bce66bcd1bfc6b163.68429177_got2B_Schwar.webp)
Hairspray For Eyebrows
Got2B Schwarzkopf Glued Blasting Freeze Hair Spray ($7)
"This spray is a game changer for eyebrows," Moore says. "I like to use it as a brow hold to keep the hairs in place, and they do not move." The wind tunnel-tested spray is known to provide a hold so strong, it'll last until your next shampoo, so Moore's idea to use it on brows is smart for a red carpet event. The product is free of phthalates and comes in a 12-ounce spray bottle.
:upscale()/2024/08/14/673/n/1922153/1e00735096efaff1_Pacifica_Beauty_Coconut_Milk_Essential_Oils_Underarm_Deodorant_Wipes.jpg)
Antiperspirant Wipes
Pacifica Beauty Coconut Milk & Essential Oils Underarm Deodorant Wipes ($7, originally $9)
"Don't say I never gave you anything — this hack is my saving grace. Before starting makeup, I like to use antiperspirant wipes to combat potential sweat on the nose, temples, and chin - anywhere people sweat. It helps to keep the sweat from disturbing the makeup when it's hot outside," Moore says. While any pack will do, this vegan and cruelty-free brand has a pack of 30 that's aluminum free and travel safe. The wipes are free of harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, so they're gentle on the skin.
:upscale()/2024/08/14/700/n/1922153/2413f97566bcd1c097d850.76113295_Tide_To_Go_S.jpg)
On-the-Go Stain Remover
Tide Pen Stain Remover For Clothes ($12, originally $14)
Everyone has their favorite packable, on-the-go stain remover. But Moore keeps Tide Pens on hand for his clients when they get a stain on their gown or their clothes ahead of a red carpet or photo call. He also brings essentials such as Band-Aids, a needle and thread, and nail polish remover to help out behind-the-scenes. "As much as I would not like to say this, and I never say it to my clients, I just pull these items out in case of an emergency — and they come in handy," he says.
:upscale()/2024/08/14/677/n/1922153/23c8aabc5f16a8fb_Fearless_Body_Clothing_Tape.jpg)
Double-Sided Tape
Fearless Double Sided Tape ($13)
Moore says many of his clients actually request double-sided tape when he's on set, mainly for creating a boob lift. This brand is the number one bestseller on Amazon, known for keeping everything in place. The pack comes with 50 strips that are a half-inch wide and three inches long. The adhesive comes off seamlessly, without residue or glue, and it can be easily rinsed off in the shower after an event or a long day.
:upscale()/2024/08/14/678/n/1922153/38d691c61f4f4bf5_Benadryl_Allergy_Ultratabs.jpg)
Benadryl
Benadryl Ultratabs Antihistamine Allergy Relief Medicine ($15, originally $20)
"I keep Benadryl with me at all times," Moore says. "Once, a client allergic to shellfish accidentally ate shrimp. Benadryl helped out." Clearly, being a makeup artist is more than just applying makeup. This pack comes with 100 ultratabs that are effective and powerful in a pinch.
:upscale()/2024/08/14/676/n/1922153/cc00a009943c4a4d_ONE_SIZE_by_Patrick_Starrr_On_Til_Dawn_Mattifying_Waterproof_Setting_Spray.webp)
Mattifying Setting Spray
One/Size by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray ($17-$32)
This setting spray comes in either a one or 3.4-ounce can, the former being perfect for travel. "Setting spray is too important of a last step to not mention this product," Moore says. "Spray it after applying your complexion products and watch makeup stick like glue." Patrick Starrr's brand is a bestseller on the market, racking up over 1,500 reviews and 4.6 stars on the One/Size website, where you can watch it live in action. It's vegan and paraben- and cruelty-free. You can read our full review on the setting spray.
:upscale()/2024/08/14/678/n/1922153/23a22bc2b3717483_Lumify_Eye_Drops.jpg)
Eye Whitening Drops
Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops ($20, originally $22)
"Eyes should always be bright and white; you never know when a client may need them," Moore says. Lumify holds the spot as the number one bestseller in moisturizing eye drops on Amazon, working in just one minute and lasting for up to eight hours. The brand claims it's the only over-the-counter drop to contain brimonidine, which selectively targets redness when used as directed. It also contains no bleach or dyes.
:upscale()/2024/08/14/700/n/1922153/6f7f2f5366bcd1c033fa68.19285727_Danessa_Myri.jpeg)
A Neutral Palette
Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork Defining Neutrals Palette ($65)
This palette can be used on the eyes, brows, face, and lips, making it quite the versatile buy. "It's so important to have products that have several purposes. That's why I love this palette from Danessa Myricks that you can use for pretty much anything," Moore says. "I call it my secret weapon for shadow, lip liner, contour, brow gel; the list goes on."
:upscale()/2024/08/14/672/n/1922153/2a18e3b5177b9701_Apple_Watch_Series_9.jpg)
Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 9 Smartwatch ($329, originally $429)
"Time is so important in my line of work," Moore says. "Clients have such tight schedules, so making sure I'm keeping track of time and not making their life harder is super important." The latest model in Apple's Smartwatch series is the 9, which has a brighter display and can be interactive without touching the screen. Additionally, there are advanced activity and sleep tracking features that make this version stand out.
:upscale()/2024/08/14/671/n/1922153/c2d5763d847b7cf3_Commerce_Mini_Bio_Slides.png)
Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.