Table of Contents
- Key Highlights:
- Introduction
- The Importance of Skin Preparation
- Building the Base
- Focusing on the Eyes
- Accentuating Lips and Cheeks
- Conclusion
Key Highlights:
- Kristen Bell showcased a sophisticated makeup look at the 2025 Critics' Choice Awards, emphasizing a natural aesthetic suited for women in their forties.
- Her makeup artist, Courtney Hart, used a range of carefully selected products to achieve a soft glam appearance, highlighting the importance of skin prep and subtle enhancement.
- The article detailed Courtney's step-by-step breakdown of products and techniques, providing insights for readers wishing to recreate Kristen's radiant look.
Introduction
At 44, Kristen Bell remains a striking presence on the red carpet, exemplifying how beauty can evolve gracefully with age. Her recent appearance at the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards not only highlighted her lovely features but also showcased an impressive makeup style that mirrored her mature yet youthful demeanor. Partnering with her long-time makeup artist, Courtney Hart, Bell departed from bold hues and embraced a more understated palette, aligning with the growing trend favoring "less is more."
This detailed account of Bell's makeup process reveals how to create an effortless, effortless glow that accentuates natural beauty, making it accessible for women navigating their forties and beyond. With meticulous skin preparation and the application of high-quality products, achieving a flawless, natural look is within reach. Here, we unveil the comprehensive steps and products used, emphasizing the artistry that goes into creating such a sophisticated appearance.
The Importance of Skin Preparation
Serums for Hydration
Before embarking on the makeup application, skin preparation is crucial for achieving a beautiful end result. Courtney Hart began with the Epicutis Lipid Serum, a fast-absorbing formula that not only quenches the skin's thirst but also lays an ideal foundation for makeup. This product calms and hydrates the skin, ensuring it appears plump and radiant.
In addition, Hart incorporated the Epicutis Arctigenin Brightening Treatment, which is designed to even out skin tone while enhancing luminosity. This dual-layer approach establishes a hydrated and glowing canvas, essential for achieving the radiant aesthetic seen on Kristen Bell.
Moisturizers to Lock In Hydration
Following the serums, moisture retention was reinforced with the luxurious La Mer Crème de La Mer Moisturizing Cream. Known for its rich formulation, this classic moisturizer has been a favorite among celebrities for years. Hart emphasized its efficacy, stating, “Kristen loves La Mer, so I always use their rich cream on her.”
This step not only hydrates but also creates a smooth surface, allowing foundation and other products to glide on effortlessly.
Building the Base
A flawless base is fundamental in elevating a makeup look, particularly when striving for a natural appearance.
Contouring to Enhance Features
Hart commenced the foundation process by "under painting" Bell’s features with the Milk Makeup Sculpt Cream in Stoked, which provided subtle dimension. This method involves applying contour products before foundation to ensure a soft, natural outcome.
Concealing for Brightness
Next came the concealer, administered under the foundation for a more illuminated appearance. Using Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer in 095 Ivoire Warm, Hart brightened the under-eye area without the heaviness often associated with traditional concealers.
Foundation for a Radiant Finish
Hart's choice for foundation was the Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Cream Foundation, which offers a smooth, luminous finish ideal for Bell's complexion. According to Hart, “Her skin can shift depending on the season,” highlighting the importance of selecting the right shade at different times of the year.
Color Correction
For additional warmth, Hart supplemented the foundation with a few drops of Face Atelier Skin Perfect Colour Corrector in Yellow, a product designed to neutralize unwanted pink tones in Bell's complexion.
Bronzers for Dimension
To add warmth and glow, Hart strategically applied Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream in Soleil Tan Deep Bronze, followed by a light dusting of Dior Forever Natural Bronze in Warm Bronze. This two-step bronzing method added depth to Bell's features while maintaining a sun-kissed effect, particularly across the cheeks and forehead.
Setting Powders for Longevity
Lastly, to keep the look intact, Hart employed the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder in Translucent Medium on the perimeter of Bell’s face along with Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in Medium through the center, ensuring both a flawless finish and longevity throughout the evening.
Focusing on the Eyes
Eyelids that Capture Attention
Courtney focused on creating a soft, enchanting eye look with a combination of rose tones and soft bronzes from the Yves Saint Laurent Couture Color Clutch in Desert Nude. With an emphasis on the outer corners, she enhanced Bell’s almond-shaped eyes without overwhelming them with color.
Defining the Eyes
For added definition, Courtney utilized the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Dimensional Dark Brown along the upper lash line, which resulted in a subtle enhancement that framed Kristen's eyes beautifully.
She also opted for the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Limitless Brown on the waterline, followed by tightlining the upper waterline with Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner in Noir Intense. This technique creates the illusion of fuller lashes without a harsh look, ideal for a natural appearance.
The Power of Lashes
To bring Bell’s eyes to life, Courtney applied Dark Swan of Denmark Feather Individual Lashes, using varying lengths to create a lifted effect. She incorporated 10mm lashes in the center and 8mm lashes on the outer corners for a fluttery, yet delicate finish.
Mascara to Complete the Look
For the final touch, Courtney chose Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara in Black for both the upper and lower lashes, ensuring a defined yet natural look that further enhanced the eye makeup.
Accentuating Lips and Cheeks
Blush Application
Courtney mixed two products to achieve a fresh, radiant blush on Bell’s cheeks: Merle Norman Cheek Crayon in Bronzed and Make Up For Ever HD Skin Face Essentials Palette in Harmony 1. This pairing allowed for a dimension that felt both youthful and sophisticated.
Highlighting for a Luminous Glow
For the highlight, Hart employed the Merle Norman Cheek Crayon in Radiant, bestowing Bell's complexion with a subtle luminescence that caught the light beautifully.
Lips Defined
The lip look was completed using Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Anywhere Caffeine as a liner, which defined the lips without overpowering them.
Customized Lip Color
To formulate Bell's unique lip color, Courtney creatively mixed MAC MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick in Fleshpot with Merle Norman Cheek Crayon in Pink Lotus to enhance the natural lip tone while maintaining the soft, glam aesthetic.
Conclusion
Kristen Bell's makeup at the 2025 Critics' Choice Awards is a testament to the power of natural beauty when enhanced with the right techniques and products. By prioritizing skin health and applying a thoughtful selection of cosmetics, Bell embodies the grace and elegance that women can strive for at any age.
This detailed breakdown by Courtney Hart not only offers a blueprint for achieving Bell's stunning look but also highlights a broader movement favoring understated elegance over heavy makeup. As women embrace their forties and beyond, Drew Holland provides an inspiring reminder that beauty resides in authenticity and self-acceptance.
FAQ
What types of products were used for Kristen Bell's makeup?
Kristen's team utilized high-quality skincare and cosmetics, including serums, moisturizers, contour sticks, foundations, bronzers, eyeshadows, liners, false lashes, and lip colors.
How can I achieve a similar natural makeup look at home?
Focus on skin preparation with hydrating serums and moisturizers. Opt for light coverage foundations, soft bronzers, and subtle eye makeup. Choose lip colors that enhance your natural lip shade.
Is it feasible to recreate this look with drugstore products?
While Kristen’s look features high-end products, similar effects can be achieved using drugstore alternatives that provide comparable textures and finishes. Look for hydrating and luminous formulas for skin and makeup.
What techniques can I use to enhance my features naturally?
Emphasizing your natural features through techniques like contouring, highlighting, and soft eye definition can help achieve an elegant and polished look without the heaviness of dramatic makeup.
How important is skincare in achieving a flawless makeup look?
Skincare is crucial. A well-prepped face allows for smoother application, better longevity, and a healthier glow, leading to an overall more polished makeup look.