We’d love to trade Air Miles accounts with a jet-setting makeup artist like Pat McGrath or Charlotte Willer. Whether they’re flying to a fashion capital for a runway show or taking a much-needed exotic vacay, these face painters always make time to hit their host country’s hot spots and stock up on local
beauty finds.

1. DROP KICK
When Pat McGrath lands in Japan—after getting her sushi fix—she tops up her supply of Rohto Zi:O eye drops, laced with cooling peppermint extract, which she uses for photo shoots. “They really make the models’eyes appear brighter and whiter,” says McGrath, global creative design director for
CoverGirl. 

Try Blue Collyrium drops ($6). If you’re not heading to Tokyo anytime soon, these drops are another makeup-artist fave— they instantly correct bloodshot eyes.

2. TREASURE ISLAND

Hawaii’s bleached sand and turquoise waves are the preferred backdrop for many fashion shoots. When Toronto’s Tony Masciangelo has some rare downtime while he’s there, he hits any local drugstore to stockpile bottles of Monoï Tiki Tahiti Oil, an export from the island’s French Polynesian neighbour. “I use it to create gorgeous texture and shine on the body.” 

Try Fruits & Passion Monoï Nourishing Dry Oil for Body and Hair ($14) for a natural glow.

3. PRIME REAL ESTATE

As Maybelline New York’s global makeup artist, Charlotte Willer splits her time between Paris and New York. But instead of lugging one makeup kit around, she has two. In both, you’ll find Le Maquillage Make Up Mixer, a moisturizing primer she picks up at the French brand’s outpost in Paris. “I use it as a base and mix it with
foundation— it gives your skin that velvety look.” 

Try M.A.C Prep Prime Face Protect SPF 50 ($36.50).
 

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4. CURVE APPEAL

Toronto-based Simone Otis crosses the border to work with makeup maestros like Dick Page backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. “Whenever I’m there, I stock up on Preo eyelash curlers—they curl the lashes without twisting them and get the teeny-tiny lashes at the corners of eyes that are hard to reach.”

Try The Japonesque Precision Lash Curler ($16).

5. KOHL MINE

After stumbling upon a 50-cent smudgeproof kohl eyeliner in a Mumbai supermarket, Chase Aston now buys the pencils “by the bucket load” whenever he visits India. He ships them back home to give to his celeb clients, who love their staying power. Lucky for us, he created one that’s available in Canada.

Try The Body Shop Kajal Eyeliner ($10).


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