Celebrity Makeup Artists Share Their Go-To Fragrances

“Wearing perfume is one of the best accessories a makeup artist can have. Scent creates a powerful first impression—olfactory memory lasts, and clients always remember how you made them feel the moment you walk in. But at the same time, I’m very mindful of what I wear, because I’m working in close proximity with clients. I stay away from heavy tobacco, strong leather, or intense oud fragrances since not everyone appreciates those notes, and they can easily overwhelm in a makeup setting.”

Jason has a preference for “fresh, clean scents that feel inviting and never distracting.” Greenley and Sedley by Parfums de Marly are two of his reliable scents. The former leans towards crisp, green, and spicy attributes, which are “very refreshing and energizing, perfect for work days when I want to feel sharp and polished,” while the latter embodies a woody, citrus vibe that’s “cool, bright, and effortless.” They provide the right amount of confidence, setting a positive atmosphere from the beginning.

“As a makeup artist, I have to be careful with fragrances because I’m literally inches from my clients. Some are really sensitive. I’ve had clients sneeze nonstop from strong scents, so now I make sure I keep it fresh, clean, and never overpowering. I’m obsessed with fragrances (fraghead neophyte here!), so I’m very intentional with what I wear.”

Diptyque’s Ilio is Jake’s current favorite for work days. It’s a relaxing scent, reminiscent of sun-drenched moments by the Mediterranean sea. He also reaches for Rosa Verde by Guerlain when he’s in the mood for a very fresh day. Jake applies a lightly scented cream on his hands from Guerlain as well, truly shaping the experience with purpose.

“We work extremely close to our clients, so scent becomes part of the experience. A fragrance can set the tone, calm the energy, and even help build trust. I’m intentional with what I wear because I want my presence to feel clean and comforting. The goal is to enhance the environment, not distract from it.”

When it comes to work, Thazzia gravitates toward fragrances that are “soft, skin-like, and quietly elegant—something that blends into the background but still feels like ‘me.’” With the goal to make clients feel relaxed in her presence, she chooses scents that are gentle, warm, and calming—much like L’Eau Papier by Diptyque. “I love it because it’s incredibly subtle yet memorable.” With a mix of rice steam, white musk, blond woods, and a touch of mimosa, the fragrance feels “almost like warm skin.” Thazzia considers its aura to be airy and soft, yet polished and personal, making it “the perfect work fragrance.”

“As a makeup artist, I’m very particular about perfume because I work inches away from my client’s face. A loud or heavy scent can overwhelm them, so I always choose something soft, clean, and non-invasive. I wear skin scents, fragrances that sit close to the skin and blend with my body chemistry. They don’t enter the room before I do; they’re only noticeable when someone is near me, which is perfect for my line of work.”

Xeng keeps her perfume collection “small, yet very curated,” and included in it is Lazy Sunday Morning from Replica by Maison Margiela. Evoking a comforting atmosphere due to white rose petals and white musk, it captures the delicate sensation of newly washed cotton sheets. Also included in Xeng’s list are Kayali’s Capri in a Bottle, Loewe’s Aire, Santa Maria Novella’s Acqua della Regina, and Voluspa’s Neroli Sunbath.

“For me, wearing subtle scents embodies professionalism and helps us appear well-groomed when facing our clients. Especially since we work in close proximity with them, it’s essential to smell pleasant at all times. My approach in choosing which to use depends on my mood or the type of work I’ll be doing—fresh and creamy but gender-neutral for quick days, and long-lasting scents with musky or woody notes for long shoots.”

Replica by Maison Margiela's From the Garden has a spot in Janica's rotation, given its crisp, woody, and musky scent "that’s great for everyday when I want to smell fresh, bright, and approachable." Also in it is the powdery and slightly sweet Man 001 by Loewe, and the sandalwood-centric Santal Cream by Nonfiction—both of which are skin scents elevated by unique notes, all without overpowering. Finally, becoming a rising favorite for the makeup artist is the new Blk Scents in Quiet Ember, a long-lasting pure perfume with a sophisticated scent that feels just like the sunset.