Sir John Says Eyes Are the Key to a Flawless Beat—Here’s What’s in His Glam Kit
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They say eyes are the window to the soul, but according to celebrity makeup artist Sir John, they’re also the key to a flawless beat. The glam pro—whose client list includes Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, Serena Williams, and Margot Robbie—believes the eyes can convey more than we realize.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re eight or 88, from Harlem or Hong Kong—a bright and lifted eye just conveys so much,” he tells StyleCaster. “It can tell someone how much sleep you had, how alert you are—there’s vitality in the eye. So for me, I’m always going to give Bambi. My reference will forever be Diana Ross.”
Like skin, great eye makeup starts with great prep. To create that lively, awake look, Sir John swears by Upneeq, a prescription eye drop used to lift droopy lids.
“My dermatologist, Dr. Dendy Engelman—aka the Michael Jordan of derms—told me about Upneeq years ago, and I noticed a difference immediately,” he says. “Eyes are the center of my universe. Because I work with the stars, I know how emotive the eyes are—whether in editorial shoots or stadium stages. They help the audience connect. So Upneeq became something I use in my own routine and share with others.”
Beyond Upneeq, Sir John’s glam kit is stacked with non-negotiables. “I have a couple kits—a kit on the East Coast, a kit on the West Coast. A couple suitcases,” he laughs.
One must-have? The Medicube Booster Pro—a device that combines microcurrent, EMS, LED light therapy, and sonic vibration to target wrinkles, improve elasticity, and even out texture. “It really snatches you. It’s like a gua sha on steroids,” he says. He also swears by the Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm, especially for oily skin: “Even if you sweat or get shiny, it absorbs a lot.”
Another favorite? Tarte’s Shape Tape Radiant Concealer. “They’ve done so much work on their brand in terms of equity and diversity. They’ve come a long way—and I love the formulas.”
Injectables are on the table too. Sir John doesn’t shy away from them—in fact, he recommends them. (He currently has a partnership with Allergan Aesthetics, which offers Juvéderm, dermal filler that is considered undetectable and natural looking.) “Listen, as a Black man I know Black doesn’t crack, but it can sag,” he jokes. “If you don’t love the expressions on your forehead, you have options. There’s filler! I’m pro-needles. I’ve never looked back,” he adds, referring to the occasional touch-up.
Of course, he has thoughts on beauty trends, too. With aesthetics like clean-girl, latte makeup, siren eyes, and even bonny tongue filling everyone’s feeds, Sir John’s signature look leans more timeless.
“It’s called dopamine glam,” he says. “It’s all about feeling good. There’s so much happening in the world, and nourishing ourselves through glam—adding that pop of color, that glitter—it really makes a difference.”
So what does dopamine glam look like in practice? “It means finding something that might not be trending, but makes you feel whole,” he explains. “It gives you a feeling.”
And while he’s all for doing what feels right, there is one trend he’s ready to leave in the past.
“That whole cut-crease thing from 2016 is a no,” he says. “I want to see softer sculpting, less contouring. No visible contour lines, no visible complexion lines. Just a seamless, elevated face.”
