If there’s one thing I can always guarantee, it’s that Issa Rae is going to slay a red carpet. She truly never misses, particularly when it comes to hair and makeup. I mean, can you imagine anyone who has more glowing skin?
At the 74th annual Emmy Awards, Rae did not disappoint. “This Emmys, I pulled inspiration from Issa’s Sergio Hudson gown,” Joanna Simkin, the celebrity makeup artist behind Rae’s look, shared in a press release. “The color, fit and style immediately took me to a place of beauty and strength. A powerful black diffused cat eye and immaculately glowing skin came together to create this empowered look that is undeniably Issa.”
The best part of the entire look? Every single makeup product that Simkin used is under $15 and from E.l.f., the beloved drugstore brand. Simkin included all the brand’s biggest hits, like the TikTok sensation (and often sold-out) Halo Glow Liquid Filter. Keep reading for the full breakdown.
Simkin primed Rae’s skin with this grippy primer that also brightens thanks to vitamin C.
This Charlotte Tilbury dupe is TikTok-famous for a reason—it makes skin looks like an IRL filter, and it’s almost constantly sold out. Simkin applied it all over for a glowy base before makeup.
For a natural-looking glow, Simkin contoured Rae’s face with this flexible primer.
Simkin used concealer to brighten Rae’s under-eyes.
This setting powder has flecks of sapphires in it to help create an ethereal glow.
You can use this multi-stick pretty much anywhere, but Simkin popped it on Rae’s cheeks for a natural-looking flush.
For Rae’s elongated cat eye, Simkin opted for this eye shadow palette. “I used the smooth black shade to create the smoky accentuated wing,” said Simkin. “I find using an eye shadow over a liquid or pencil creates more of a sensual diffused look that elongates the face without it looking too harsh.”
Simkin used this clear brow gel to brush up Rae’s brows.
This brow pencil is good for filling in any sparse areas.
For a major lash moment, Simkin applied two coats of this volume-boosting mascara. The hourglass shape helps separate lashes and create major volume.
For a multidimensional lip, Simkin overlined Rae’s lips with this neutral shade.
This moisturizing lipstick was Simkin’s final touch.
