Kelly Clarkson, with her powerful vocals and relatable personality, has always captured the hearts of many, not just for her talent but also for her timeless beauty. From the stage to television screens, her looks are always on point, thanks to a genius behind the scenes—her makeup artist. But who is this magician with a makeup brush? How did they get involved in Clarkson’s glam world, and what’s the secret sauce behind those iconic looks? Let’s dive deep into the partnership that keeps Kelly Clarkson looking flawless and explore how we can borrow some tips and tricks for our own makeup routines.

Introduction to Kelly Clarkson’s Makeup Artist

Behind every flawless red-carpet look or show-stopping performance, there’s often a makeup artist working tirelessly in the background. For Kelly Clarkson, that person is the talented Ashley Donovan. Donovan, with over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, is renowned for her ability to create looks that complement each artist’s unique personality and style. From music videos to awards shows, Donovan has earned her stripes working with celebrities, but her collaboration with Clarkson has become a staple of her career.

So, how did this dynamic duo come to be? Their story began during one of Clarkson’s earlier seasons as a judge on The Voice. Donovan was called in as a substitute makeup artist one fateful day, and the chemistry was instant. Clarkson, known for being approachable and genuine, clicked with Donovan’s down-to-earth nature and, of course, her impeccable skills. What started as a one-time gig quickly evolved into a long-term partnership. Since then, Donovan has become the mastermind behind many of Clarkson’s most memorable beauty moments.

Signature Looks of Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson’s look can range from effortless and natural to full-on glam, depending on the occasion. One thing that remains constant? Her makeup always enhances her natural features without overshadowing her infectious personality.

1. The Natural Glow
   When Clarkson steps out for more casual appearances or daytime TV spots, Donovan leans into soft, glowing skin paired with neutral tones. This look emphasizes a healthy, fresh-faced vibe, allowing Kelly’s radiant skin to take center stage. The key here is to keep the skin luminous without looking overly shiny, a balance Donovan strikes with precision.
2. Red-Carpet Glam
   For the red carpet or big awards shows, Donovan turns up the volume with bolder choices. Think smoky eyes, a defined brow, and statement lips. But even at her most glamorous, Clarkson’s look remains polished and never heavy-handed. Donovan’s philosophy is about enhancing rather than masking, which is why Kelly’s red-carpet looks always feel authentic to who she is.
3. Stage-Ready Drama
   When Clarkson takes the stage for a live performance, her makeup needs to withstand hours under the hot stage lights while still looking flawless from every angle. This is where Donovan gets to play with bolder color palettes, vibrant eye makeup, and long-lasting formulas. The makeup artist ensures that even up close or on HD cameras, Kelly’s makeup is perfect throughout her set.

Detailed Makeup Techniques

To achieve these versatile looks, Donovan has mastered a few key techniques that bring out the best in Kelly Clarkson’s features. Below, we break down the methods that can take you from day-to-night, on stage or off, just like Kelly.

1. Foundation and Skin Preparation
   Donovan starts every look with a flawless canvas, and this means prepping the skin properly. Hydration is key—she swears by moisturizing face mists and lightweight serums to ensure the skin is supple and makeup applies smoothly. When it comes to foundation, she opts for formulas that are medium-coverage but buildable, so they can be tailored to any occasion. For Kelly’s luminous glow, Donovan often uses a dewy foundation with light-reflecting particles that photograph beautifully.

   Pro tip: For a fresh, dewy look at home, apply a liquid illuminator underneath your foundation to get that “lit from within” glow Kelly is known for.

2. Contouring and Highlighting
   Contouring is subtle but essential in many of Clarkson’s looks. Donovan doesn’t go overboard with harsh lines but instead uses soft contouring to enhance Kelly’s bone structure. Highlighting plays an equally important role—placed strategically on the high points of the face, like the cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose, to give her that sculpted but natural appearance.

   Pro tip: Use a cream-based contour and highlighter for a more natural finish. Blend well to avoid sharp lines, making it look like the light naturally hits your face in all the right places.

3. Eye Makeup Strategies
   One of Kelly Clarkson’s signature looks is her beautifully defined eyes. Donovan plays up her eyes with a combination of bold eyeliner and carefully blended eyeshadow. Depending on the occasion, Donovan may opt for a smoky eye using neutral tones or go for a pop of color, particularly if Clarkson’s wardrobe calls for something a little more daring. To make the eyes appear larger, she often uses a light, shimmering shade on the inner corners and a darker shade on the outer corners.

   Pro tip: For a simple but effective eye look, apply a neutral matte shade to your crease and a shimmery champagne color on the lid. Use a black or brown liner to create a soft winged effect for that extra flair.

4. Lip Color Choices
   Clarkson’s lip color tends to vary depending on the look, but one thing remains consistent: it’s always complementary to the overall aesthetic. For her more natural looks, Donovan sticks to nude or soft pink tones that enhance Kelly’s natural lip color. For the stage or red carpet, she’s not afraid to go bold, opting for classic reds or deeper berry tones. The key is balance—if the eyes are dramatic, the lips are more neutral and vice versa.

   Pro tip: To get the perfect bold lip, start by outlining your lips with a matching lip liner to prevent feathering. Apply the lipstick with a brush for more control, and blot with a tissue for longevity.

Product Recommendations

Kelly Clarkson’s radiant beauty can be attributed, in part, to the carefully chosen products Donovan uses. Here’s a glimpse into some of her go-to products, and options for every budget:

1. Foundation
   Donovan often reaches for Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation for its blendability and lightweight texture, perfect for both daytime and evening looks.
   Drugstore dupe: Try L’Oreal True Match Lumi for a similar dewy finish.
2. Contour and Highlight
   For contouring, Fenty Beauty’s Match Stix are a staple, offering easy application and a natural finish. Highlighter? Donovan loves Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop.
   Drugstore dupe: NYX Wonder Stick for contour and Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder for a budget-friendly glow.
3. Eyeshadow
   Donovan loves to play with Urban Decay’s Naked Palettes, specifically the Naked Heat Palette for warm, smoky eyes.
   Drugstore dupe: Maybelline’s The Nudes Palette offers a variety of shades for both natural and bold looks.
4. Lipsticks
   For bold lips, MAC Ruby Woo is her go-to for that perfect red, while Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk is a favorite for more natural looks.
   Drugstore dupe: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice for red, and NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm for a nude option.

Customizing These Tips for Yourself

While Kelly Clarkson has a makeup team to get her camera-ready, you can easily adapt these tips for your own routine. Whether your skin tone is light, medium, or deep, it’s all about finding products that match your complexion and complement your features. Here are a few ways you can bring Kelly’s signature looks into your everyday life:

1. Adapting to Skin Tone
   Whether you’re fair, medium, or deep-skinned, the key is to find foundation shades that match your undertone. Contouring products should only be a shade or two darker than your skin tone for the most natural look. And when it comes to lipstick, experiment with different shades to see what makes you feel confident—whether that’s a bold red or a subtle nude.
2. Personal Style
   While Kelly’s looks often lean toward natural or glam, you should feel free to adapt them based on your personal style. If you’re more of a minimalist, focus on perfecting that glowing skin and a swipe of mascara. For those who love bold makeup, amp up the eyes or lips.
3. Experimentation is Key
   Donovan often encourages experimenting with makeup. Try out different eyeshadow colors, lipsticks, or even skin prep routines until you find what works best for you. Just like Kelly Clarkson, makeup should be fun and an expression of who you are.

Conclusion

Makeup is more than just enhancing physical appearance; it’s a form of self-expression, empowerment, and creativity. Kelly Clarkson’s makeup artist, Ashley Donovan, has not only helped her shine in the spotlight but has also provided inspiration for countless individuals to experiment with their own beauty routines. By using some of Donovan’s tips and product recommendations, anyone can feel as confident and radiant as Kelly—whether they’re stepping onto a stage or just stepping out for the day.