Every step in Sydney Sweeney's red carpet beauty routine, according to her makeup artist

When we're not studying the details of Sydney Sweeney's intense workout schedule for Christy, we're paying very close attention to the beauty products she swears by — both on and off the red carpet. 

Which is why we knew just who to contact when we saw the actress' flawless face gracing the recent Emmy Awards stage to present the best supporting actor in a limited series trophy to (the youngest-ever winner) Adolescence's Owen Cooper.

Sweeney's trusted makeup artist, Melissa Hernandez, has worked with the actress for almost seven years, and she knows every detail of her pre-red carpet beauty routine intimately.

"We’re constantly learning from each other. Sydney is very collaborative and incredibly trusting — she’s always open to experimenting with new looks, which pushes me creatively and often takes me outside my comfort zone," Hernandez tells BEAUTYcrew. "That kind of trust and willingness to play is something I’m really grateful for in our working relationship."

Ahead, Hernandez shares the non-negotiable steps in Sydney Sweeney's red carpet beauty routine. Word to the wise — take notes.

What skin care do you use to prep Sydney's skin for the red carpet?

"I always begin with a few minutes of icing to depuff and wake up the skin, followed by a quick red light therapy session. I apply Project E’s Lumalux Face Red Light Therapy Mask ($609 from Project E) for six minutes to calm, de-puff, and instantly boost her glow," Hernandez tells BEAUTYcrew. "The mask works on everything from fine lines to breakouts, and it preps the skin beautifully so that skincare and makeup absorb seamlessly, and its soft silicone design makes it incredibly comfortable for clients — it’s become a true red carpet essential."

"Once I remove the mask, I spritz Laneige Cream Skin Toner ($55 from Adore Beauty) for hydration, then lock it in with a lightweight gel moisturiser ($57 from Adore Beauty) and lip balm ($31 from Adore Beauty) to ensure her complexion looks plump and radiant before we start makeup," explains Hernandez.

What makeup products do you always have in your kit when you're doing Sydney's makeup?

"Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (usually $120, now on sale for $96 from Adore Beauty) and Concealer (usually $75, now on sale for $60 from Adore Beauty) are absolute staples in my kit, and Sydney’s favourites as well," says Hernandez.

"I’ve used them on her for years, because they give the skin such a gorgeous, healthy glow and photograph beautifully under every kind of light," she went on to say. "What I love most is how buildable they are; I can layer them to achieve the perfect amount of coverage without ever looking heavy or cakey."

We loved Sydney's kitten eye makeup at the Emmys, what was the inspiration behind the look and how did you achieve it?

"The vision was to keep the makeup clean and intentional so it didn’t compete with her red gown," Hernandez explains. "We focused on luminous skin with soft touches of mauve on the cheeks and lips, paired with subtle eye definition for a modern take on classic Hollywood elegance."

"To create the kitten eye, I used a kohl pencil along the outer third of her lash line and softly diffused the edges with a pencil brush for a seamless, elongated lift," she tells us.

Sydney's complexion and blush had this soft focus, airbrushed appearance too — is it because of the products or is there a technique you used to achieve the look? 

"It’s always a combination of the right products and thoughtful layering," Hernandez explains.

"One of my go-to techniques for a soft-focus finish is applying cream formulas first, then setting or enhancing them with powder textures on top," she went on to say. "Layering this way not only extends the wear, but also amplifies the colour payoff, and ensures the skin looks dimensional and flawless in photographs."

Main image credit: Getty Images

Love a pro makeup tip? This is how to make blush last all day, according to Hernandez.