Don’t get me wrong. I’m pretty much the last person on Earth to discriminate when it comes to where I research and shop beauty products because I’m obsessed. Plus, it’s actually part of my job. At any given time, you’ll find big-name beauty retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Dermstore, Nordstrom, Amazon—heck, even drugstore hot spots like CVS—open in tabs on my MacBook. That said, whenever I’m in dire need of a chic beauty fix, I have one haunt, in particular, that’s my first and favorite destination of choice: Violet Grey. Be it the brick-and-mortar store cozily nestled on Melrose Place in L.A. or the online mecca, I’m 100% smitten, and in all honesty, I’ve probably spent more hours surfing the depths of its Violet Code–approved favorites than I’d like to know or admit. You know those horrifying stats that tell you how many hours you’ll collectively spend in traffic or atop the porcelain throne? My equivalent would be the hours I’ve spent trolling Violet Grey’s website. Oops. Why the fixation? Let me explain.
First of all, I’m a sucker for aesthetics. Call me superficial, but Violet Grey’s is one of the most deliciously pleasing. Plus, it has a mass of desirable brands and products to match—a sparkling and luxurious hoard of bottles, tubes, and jars that are nothing short of magical and will look just as magnificent atop your vanity as your collection of jewelry. Then there’s the fact that its beauty products also work great. In order to have the Violet Grey stamp of approval, every single product and brand abides by the Violet Code—aka must be discovered, tested, and ultimately approved by an esteemed group of A-list dermatologists, estheticians, hairstylists, makeup artists, celebrities, and more. Therefore, the majority of coded products are rather rare finds. Yes, Violet Grey has some super-well-known beauty pieces like the infamous Beautyblender, but it also has the under-the-radar treasures you’ve likely never heard of and you’d only otherwise discover in the deepest depths of a makeup artist’s kit (and not on the shelves of Sephora—no offense).
Of course, I’m very much aware of my own fascination and love for everything Violet Grey, but through stalking Instagram, consistently scanning its celebrity profiles, and having a knack for spotting the retailer’s signature white bag among celeb-studded paparazzi photos, I know Hollywood’s A-list is just as fond of the beauty retailer. Curious to know which Violet Grey products celebrities already love and which products we’d personally recommend? Keep scrolling to find out.
According to actress Sara Foster, legendary makeup artist Gucci Westman was actually the first pro to ever do her makeup. The actress is known for a natural, barely there MO when it comes to product, so it’s no surprise Westman turned Foster onto her new namesake makeup line, with her dreamy, ultra-blendable blush stick being a travel-friendly standby.
Although we also hold a fiery torch for anything Westman Atelier, when it comes to top-notch cream-blush formulas, we’re equally loyal to this two-in-one blush and highlight from Kosås. Thanks to its neutral palette and lasting wear, we think Foster would be just as into it.
Like virtually every celebrity (and beauty editor) on the planet, KKW is obsessed with Augustinus Bader’s already iconic anti-aging elixir. Despite the fact that it only just launched last year, it’s amassed colossal attention due to its Trigger Factor Complex—a combination of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and synthesized molecules—which encourages the regeneration of the body’s own stem cells.
As someone who has personally tried The Rich Cream, I can definitely speak to its loveliness. Truth be told, however, I actually prefer this luxe alternative from Royal Fern. In addition to its nourishing Royal Fern Complex, it also contains heavy skincare hitters like hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, cocoa butter, macadamia nut oil, and more.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is known for her amazing pout, so whenever she divulges the products she chooses to plump, hydrate, or stain it with, we pay attention. According to this feature we found on Violet Grey, she’s partial to this flattering shade of pink from Tom Ford.
That said, we also know she has an affinity for beauty products from Yves Saint Laurent (especially mascara—just read the article for proof), so we think she’d also love this favorite find from the brand. The color-and-shine payoff is a tad more amplified, but we think the model can totally handle it.
Jillian Dempsey is one of Hollywood’s favorite makeup artists, so when she came out with her own line of products, we (and her A-list roster of clients) rejoiced. As reported here, Dempsey loves applying her Cheek Tint in Rosy on actress and personal friend Leslie Mann.
To get her own dewy dose of color on her apples and cheekbones, my fellow beauty editor (and roomie) Amanda Montell always sings this blush’s praises. We’d bet Mann would love this sunset-hued tone if she were to give it a whirl.
Demi Moore pretty much doesn’t age—at least externally—and according to various sources, Hanacure’s slightly intimidating but thoroughly effective all-in-one facial is likely to blame.
However, if you don’t like the feeling of your mask suctioning your face (and looking quite scary in the process), we recommend this daily peel from Dr. Dennis Gross. It’s gentle enough for daily use.
It’s no secret celebrities go wild for anything from Charlotte Tilbury (she’s known for the glow, after all). We read here that actress Emma Roberts is particularly fond of the brand’s signature Magic Cream—so much so, she applies it all over her face and body.
Since damask rose and rose-hip oil are two of the starring ingredients in Roberts’s favorite formula from Charlotte Tilbury, we thought we’d keep to the theme with this sensational skincare pick from Sisley-Paris, which plays host to all sorts of luxurious rose extracts and is another top pick from my skin-blessed fellow editor Amanda.
Hairstylist Teddi Cranford loves using this delicious-smelling formula from Oribe on Harrier’s strands. She credits the chic tube for adding extra grip to the hair during a blowout, which ultimately enhances hold and body—a win-win.
We’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t love a good multi-tasking product—especially when it comes to prepping their strands. Additionally, we’ve yet to introduce someone to still under-the-radar brand, Virtue, who isn’t instantly impressed. This six-in-one styler does everything your current stash of pre-styling products does in one fell—and swifter—swoop. Plus, it will make you smell like heaven in the process.
Actress January Jones might have one of the clearest and most perpetually glowing complexions in all of Hollywood. Luckily for us, she frequently shares snapshots of all of her favorite skin and haircare picks, which includes this thermal cleansing balm from Hungarian skincare brand Omorovicza.
We’re also big fans of Omorovicza, but when it comes to a dreamy skin treatment that leaves us feeling extra hydrated on even our driest days, we turn to this lightweight, dewy moisturizer from celeb facialist Angela Caglia. The name doesn’t lie. It truly is as light and fluffy as a soufflé.
When celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff shares her coveted collection of red carpet secret weapons, we immediately prick our ears, especially when Dakota Johnson is her subject. Here, we found out this translucent setting powder is a favorite of both Dubroff and Johnson.
Despite the fervor which often surrounds Laura Mercier’s cult-classic radiance-promoting primers and powders, I’ve actually found it doesn’t play well with my already oil-prone complexion. Thus, I prefer the brand’s Hydrating Formula or my be-all-and-end-all primer fave from Koh Gen Do. Choose from the yellow tone to correct redness and discoloration or this lavender pink hue to help out with sallowness and impart a flattering rosy glow.
Ever wonder where Dakota Johnson gets her good genes? Or perhaps, great taste in beauty products? Mom, Melanie Griffith, might be an influence. In addition to The Rich Cream and The Body Cream, Griffith, an Augustinus Bader ambassador and Violet Grey devotee, also swears by The Hand Treatment. Since hands are just as prone to fine lines, discoloration, and wrinkles as the face, you can be sure this product is worthy of your top-shelf.
We’re always eager to recommend sunscreen to our readers, and this Supergoop with SPF 50 is definitely something everyone—including Griffith—should have in their beauty arsenal. After undergoing a procedure to remove cancerous basil cells from her face in 2018, we’re sure a high-quality sunscreen is a part of Griffith’s daily routine. And if you need one to add to yours, look no further than Supergoop, a favorite among editors and A-listers alike.
