Once you've applied makeup to the faces of the likes of Sofia Richie Grainge and Shanina Shaik, we'll take any gem of beauty advice you've got. So when renowned Aussie makeup artist Jade Kisnorbo (who has done just that in her illustrious career) offered up some intel, we were all ears. Here are the affordable products she (and the celebs) swear by, plus everything you need to know about her newly-launched product line (which happens to solve a beauty conundrum in a very aesthetic way)...

A celebrity makeup artist's under $40 picks

Kisnorbo's top tip? Having a strong vision and building your kit (and your look) around it. "Makeup is all about preparation and layering. Every great look starts with good skin prep and a clear understanding of what you want to achieve," she notes. "The products I choose allow me to build thin, seamless layers that last without feeling heavy. When applied carefully and thinly, those layers will always last longer than simply adding more and more product."

As for her affordable essentials, prepare to take notes (and purchase accordingly)...

Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara ($15.69 at Chemist Warehouse): "A staple for nearly 20 years, ever since I first used it backstage for a runway," says Kisnorbo. "It still gives that perfect lifted lash." FYI, both Richie Grainge and Shaik are both self-confessed Maybelline mascara fans. Coincidence? We think not.

Canmake Creamy Touch Eyeliner ($13 at W Cosmetics): "A Japanese favourite: incredible for precision and super long wear."

Tower 28 BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush ($35 at MECCA): "Gives a gorgeous creamy finish that melts into the skin."

MECCA MAX Zoom Shadow Stick ($20 at MECCA): "It's amazing for brightening the waterline and making the eyes look fresh."

MECCA MAX Pout Pencil in 'Classy' ($16 at MECCA): "A super cool-toned, nude-brown shade that pairs beautifully with rosy lipsticks. It really adds a cool, edgy vibe to any look."

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Facial Spray ($34.95 at Adore Beauty): "Amazing for skin prep. I use it during the layering of makeup, whether to add a glow to a really matte look or refresh the skin, helping the makeup sit perfectly."

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré ($39.99 at Chemist Warehouse): "A non-negotiable in my kit. I use it on every client to prep the skin, or even thin out heavy foundation and concealer."

The Body Shop Twin-Ball Massager ($19 at The Body Shop): "I love a twin ball roller, and the one from The Body Shop is so underrated. I use it before makeup as part of skin prep to massage the face, boost circulation, and reduce puffiness. It gives the skin a fresh and lifted look."

Makeup artist hacks you need to know

Because not all of us are incredible makeup artists, we quizzed Kisnorbo on how to corrrect any eye makeup mistakes without messing up an entire look. "If you get eyeshadow or mascara fallout under the eyes, use a clean spoolie to lightly brush it away", she told us. "It lifts the product without messing up your base or smudging the area. It’s a simple trick that works!" Our very favourite kind.

How to store makeup brushes

Owning a generous amount of beauty brushes is obviously a natural part of Kisnorbo's job (and honestly, all of our lives). But even if you've worked out exactly how to wield them to create velvety-smooth makeup looks, drying and storing your tools remains an issue. And often an unsightly one. We've all left a daggy old towel on our vanity for days to allow for proper drying. Or crammed our beloved blending tools into a cheap acrylic drawer they barely fit in.

That's exactly the conundrum Kisnorbo set out to correct with her new Jade Kisnorbo X Robert Gordon line, a range of rather chic makeup tool storage (or rather, display) solutions. "The idea came from equal parts frustration and inspiration. While renovating my home, I realised there was nothing on the market that was both beautiful and functional", Kisnorbo explains.

"Most makeup storage was plastic, bulky, and not designed to be displayed. I wanted to create pieces that felt timeless but also worked in real life. Each piece is made from glazed ceramic, so it feels elevated and lasts over time. The design is all about practicality, like allowing brushes to dry horizontally rather than upright. As that can actually damage the brushes, and this keeps them cleaner, more hygienic, and to last longer. The curved edges in the collection were designed with that exact purpose in mind."

So no, they're not plastic. They're basically pottery pieces that serve a storage function. "Robert Gordon was the perfect fit because we share the same values of craftsmanship, timeless design, and lasting quality," Kisnorbo shared re: the collaboration. "We both wanted to create something as practical as it is beautiful, and that shared vision is what created the Vanity Redefined collection. I’m excited to see it in everyone’s home. The collection can be tailored and customised to suit each person’s routine, just like their makeup. I’m most excited to see how people mix the pieces and make them their own."

Want to elevate your own vanity like a makeup artist would? You can shop the Jade Kisnorbo X Robert Gordon collection here... The range has a whole array of aesthetic drying and storage solutions for your precious beauty tools. 2 of the products even happen to also be under $40, offering up another bargain-status win...

Main image credit: @jade_kmakeup

Alternative image credits: Getty Images


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