Who is Genevieve Herr? Meet the makeup artist behind Amanda Seyfried and Julia Roberts’ red-carpet moments

When we think of iconic red carpet moments, we imagine stunning gowns, sparkling jewels, and the buzz surrounding the question: Who wore it best? But behind those unforgettable looks is often a talented makeup artist, and one name that comes up time and time again is Genevieve Herr. She’s the go-to artist for A-list celebrities like Anna Wintour, Amanda Seyfried, Connie Britton, and Katie Holmes.

Herr’s makeup philosophy is all about “enhancing what you have already, making it even more beautiful.” As she tells Alexa, “Everybody has something to offer.” It’s a sentiment that shines through in every look she creates.

A Star-Studded Career

Herr’s journey into the world of makeup artistry began after she saw an ad in TV Guide for a makeup course. But it wasn’t until her first agent, Timothy Priano, sent her to Anna Wintour’s home that things truly took off. Herr, who admits she didn’t know who Wintour was at the time, soon became Wintour’s personal makeup artist for five years. Eventually, Julia Roberts came into the picture after they met at Susan Sarandon’s wedding, and Herr began working with the Oscar-winning actress.

Her Signature Look

While discussing her signature style, Herr revealed that she prefers a light touch. She says, “I’m very light-handed,” and she advocates for a more natural and real aesthetic. She doesn’t believe in heavily contoured faces, and as she jokes, “I’m not that type, so [the Kardashians] don’t hire me.” Herr’s approach is all about enhancing natural beauty rather than altering it.

For instance, when creating Amanda Seyfried’s bold lip look at the 2024 Met Gala, Herr focused on enhancing Amanda’s beautiful lips while keeping the eyes light. It’s a simple yet powerful approach that works wonders on the red carpet.

Herr’s Favorite Beauty Products

Herr swears by a few products that she uses to create those glowing, red carpet-ready looks.

1. Lancôme Génifique Face Serum – This is Herr’s go-to product to achieve radiant skin. She loves how it plumps and softens the skin, making it the perfect base for any makeup look, especially for aging skin.

2. Serum Supertint – Instead of using heavy foundation, Herr prefers Serum Supertint for its buildable coverage. It’s creamy, lightweight, and perfect for natural, hydrating coverage. She recommends using it throughout the day, applying it with fingers, a sponge, or a brush.

3. Liquid Eyeshadow and Liner – This fast-drying product doubles as an eyeshadow and a liner. It’s smudge-resistant and doesn’t crease, making it Herr’s go-to for many celebrity looks.

4. Flutter Extension Mascara – Herr loves creating a full-lash look using this extension-lengthening mascara. Her secret to voluminous lashes? She uses brown mascara in place of black and layers it with individual lashes for more depth.

5. Lip Liner – According to Herr, lip liner is a game-changer. It helps keep lipstick in place for longer-lasting color, and she always uses creamy, waterproof liners for that extra staying power.

6. Idôle Eyeliner – For women who are aging, Herr suggests switching from black eyeliner to softer shades like brown or gray. The Idôle liner is perfect for this, as it glides on easily and comes in a variety of shades to suit all skin tones.

Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Serum: Herr’s Holy Grail

If there’s one product that Herr swears by, it’s Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Face Serum. She uses it both day and night, praising its ability to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines while plumping the skin.

Herr’s insights and techniques are a valuable look into how makeup can enhance natural beauty, helping her clients look their absolute best for every red carpet event.