We Have the Secret to J.Lo's Ageless Skin

When we think of celebs who have managed to completely escape the aging process, one name, in particular, comes to mind: Jennifer Lopez. It’s been over 13 years since her “Jenny From The Block” days, and though her style has matured (RIP cargo pants), her skin has not. While we could wallow in jealousy and complain about our less-than-cooperative complexions, we’re choosing the higher road—and by higher road, we mean we stalked Lopez’s makeup artist, Mary Phillips, and begged her to tell us her secrets. You’re welcome! Keep scrolling for all the deets.

Skin Prep

“I'd say skin prep is the most important part of your makeup routine,” Phillips says. “People should start thinking of their skincare as their makeup—if your skin isn’t in its prime condition, it hinders what I’m able to accomplish [as a makeup artist].” On Lopez, she uses L’Oréal’s Age Perfect Glow Renewal Day Lotion as a base before applying any makeup. “What's great about this is that it's their first oil-infused lotion and it has SPF,” she says. “It's not greasy or sticky—it’s hydrating and feels silky!” Next, she uses the brand’s RevitaLift Moisture Blur as a primer. “It diffuses light and creates a very even appearance while giving a silky finish to the skin,” she says.

Application

Phillips says she uses L'Oréal's True Match Super-Blendable Foundation ($6) foundation on Lopez, but also loves Perricone’s No Makeup Foundation ($55) and AmorePacific’s Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum 50+ ($60) for “exquisite coverage.” When it comes to application, she says it depends on what kind of finish you want, but she prefers to use her fingers. “There's something about the heat transferring from your fingers that gives a really glowy finish,” she says. “It's like holding two live wires together—it just seems to create a certain spark. 

It also makes erasing any mistakes easier; when the client's skin is well hydrated and maintains that warmth from your hands’ application—just wipe and whatever [mistake will] disappear!”

Airbrushed

If you’re going for an airbrushed look, however, she suggests using a foundation brush (she swears by this brush ($72) by Tom Ford). “You want to be soft and delicate, almost like you’re an archeologist uncovering some dinosaur bones,” she says. “[Applying it in] soft circles are fail-proof—take a little more time and be gentle!”

As for concealer, Phillips says a general rule of thumb is to apply it under your eyes, on the sides of the nose, and around your lips. “You should have a few different colored concealers on hand,” she says. “White [concealer] does not cover dark circles or unfortunate blemishes, but will instead put a spotlight on them and give you the dreaded ‘raccoon eyes.’ Green cancels red, and a concealer with an orange undertone will make any discoloration under the eyes disappear.” (To read more about the different types of concealer and which one does what, check out our ultimate guide). Phillips loves Koh Gen Do’s Color Base Correctors ($48), Jane Iredale’s Concealer ($30), Make Up For Ever’s 5 Camouflage Cream Palette ($40), and Bobbi Brown’s Retouching Powder ($46).

Touch-Ups

To keep Lopez’s makeup pristine and melt-proof during red carpet events, Phillips says blotting papers are a must. She recommends ones by Tatcha ($12), Serge Lutens ($20), and Mai Couture ($10) to soak up excess shine without wiping off your makeup.

When it comes to achieving truly ageless skin, Phillips has no miracle cure. “Try and eat healthy, drink lots of water and fresh juices, exercise, get regular sleep, and follow an a.m. and p.m. skincare routine,” she says. “Healthy skin that comes from the inside out is up to you! I can help someone achieve it [through makeup], but Jennifer’s is real. She can have absolutely nothing on her face, and I guarantee it will still be the most flawless skin you've ever seen! She's inspirational in many ways, and [is living proof] that the work you put in is the work you get out.”

Which all sounds good, but there’s got to be one more trick in the book to fake ageless skin if we haven’t exactly been hitting the gym and juicing every day, right? “Facial mists,” Phillips says. “They’re one of my ultimate must-haves and I can never have enough—I think everyone should own one if you truly want to glow.” Her favorites? Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence ($94), Jurlique’s Rosewater Balancing Mist ($32), Omorovicza’s Queen of Hungary Mist ($50), and Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mist ($48).