Meet the makeup artist behind Amanda Seyfried and Julia Roberts red-carpet moments

When we think of iconic red carpet moments, we picture the faces that grace paparazzi-lined step-and-repeats, the gorgeous gowns that mark a moment in history, and the age-old question: ‘Who wore it best?’So when Lancôme offered us the opportunity to hear directly from celebrity makeup artist Genevieve Herr about the inspiration behind some of her A-list clients’ looks and how to recreate them ourselves, we couldn’t hail a cab fast enough.She’s created memorable looks for Anna Wintour, Amanda Seyfried, Connie Britton, and Katie Homes, to name a few.Herr’s philosophy is all about “enhancing what you have already, making it even more beautiful,” she told Alexa.

“Everybody has something to offer.”Herr began her journey after reading an ad in TV Guide about a course in makeup artistry, but her real break came shortly after when her first agent, Timothy Priano, sent her to Anna Wintour’s home to do her makeup.When asked if she knew who Wintour was at the time, Herr admitted, “I had no idea.”Wintour was so impressed that she kept Herr as her personal makeup artist for five years — until Julia Roberts, whom Herr met while working at Susan Sarandon’s wedding, stole her away.We spent the afternoon with Herr at the headquarters of L’Oréal, the parent company of Lancôme, founded in 1935, where she shared her top techniques and insights, honed over years of photo shoots, red carpet moments, and iconic award shows.She walked us through her favorite products and even gave us an exclusive preview of some exciting summer launches, soon to be announced on Alexa.“I’m very light-handed,” Herr told us of her signature look.

She advocates for a more “natural” and “real” aesthetic and avoids heavily contoured styles.“I’m not that type, so [the Kardashians] don’t hire me,” she joked.

“I don’t like to change people’s faces.I like to enhance what you have.”“If I think you’ll look good with a bold lip, like Amanda [Seyf...