Kelly Clarkson, the powerhouse vocalist and television personality, has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances and infectious personality for years. Whether belting out chart-topping hits or sharing heartfelt moments with fans, she shines on stage, both figuratively and literally. Behind her stunning stage presence, there’s more than just a strong vocal performance—her signature glam look is an integral part of her overall aesthetic, contributing to her confident, radiant energy.

As Clarkson continues her Las Vegas residency, her makeup has become just as iconic as her voice, helping to craft an image that is both bold and approachable. The glow she radiates from the stage is the result of the meticulous artistry of a talented makeup team. In this article, we dive into the secrets behind Kelly Clarkson’s residency glam, explore the collaboration with her trusted makeup artist, and break down the products and techniques that help create her signature look.

Meet the Makeup Artist

No glamorous look comes to life without the artist behind the scenes. For Kelly Clarkson, that artist is a seasoned professional who understands the subtle dance between beauty and performance. Meet Vincent Martinez, the man responsible for Kelly’s iconic stage glam. Martinez has built an impressive career working with high-profile celebrities, but it’s his connection with Clarkson that has produced some of the most memorable beauty looks in the industry.

Martinez has been a key figure in crafting Clarkson’s image for years, making him an indispensable part of her team. Their relationship is based on mutual respect, creativity, and a shared vision for how Kelly should look and feel on stage. His expertise spans multiple styles—from understated elegance to the full-throttle glam necessary for high-octane performances in front of thousands. His ability to balance Kelly’s bubbly personality with a look that exudes confidence and class is what sets him apart.

“I’ve always wanted to enhance Kelly’s natural beauty without making her feel overdone,” says Martinez. “She’s already radiant. My job is to amplify that so it reflects on stage.”

Clarkson’s Glam Look Inspiration

Clarkson’s residency look is more than just makeup—it’s a reflection of who she is as a performer. Inspired by the duality of her music, her glam look is bold yet effortless, blending soft edges with sharp details, and always performance-ready. The inspiration behind her residency glam can be summed up in three words: bold, effortless, and stage-proof.

When curating Kelly’s look, Martinez drew inspiration from old Hollywood glamour, the energy of rock concerts, and even the vivacious colors of 80s pop culture. It’s a fine line between timeless beauty and contemporary edge, and Martinez walks it with grace.

“We wanted something that stands out under the stage lights but also feels authentic to Kelly’s personality,” Martinez explains. “She’s all about strength and realness, so her look needed to reflect that balance—bold eyes, radiant skin, and a lip that speaks volumes.”

Kelly’s glam embodies the spirit of her performances: powerful yet approachable. The dramatic smokey eye symbolizes her intensity on stage, while the glowing complexion captures her warmth and relatability. It’s a beauty look designed not just to impress but to connect with her audience on a deeper level.

Must-Have Makeup Products

No look is complete without the right tools. Martinez shares the makeup staples he swears by to achieve Kelly’s glam. These products are not only selected for their high quality but also for their ability to endure the demands of a live, high-energy performance under glaring lights.

• Foundation: Martinez starts with Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation. “It’s full coverage but still feels lightweight on the skin,” he says. “Kelly’s skin looks flawless on stage without feeling weighed down.”
• Concealer: For brightening under Kelly’s eyes, Martinez uses Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, a cult favorite known for its full coverage and long wear.
• Powder: To lock everything in place, he swears by Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder. “It’s a game-changer for making sure her makeup doesn’t budge, especially with all the stage lights and movement,” Martinez shares.
• Eyeshadow: Martinez loves to play with Pat McGrath Labs Mothership Eyeshadow Palette for the smokey eye looks that Kelly frequently rocks. “The pigments are rich, and the shades are perfect for creating depth on stage,” he explains.
• Eyeliner: For the dramatic eyeliner that defines Kelly’s bold eye look, Martinez uses Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. “This liner doesn’t smudge or fade, even during her most energetic performances.”
• Mascara: Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara is his go-to for adding volume and length to Kelly’s lashes. “It makes her eyes pop without clumping,” says Martinez.
• Lips: For Kelly’s signature lip color, Martinez often turns to MAC’s Ruby Woo Lipstick. “It’s a classic red that just screams confidence,” he notes.
• Highlighter: To give Kelly that radiant glow, Martinez finishes the look with Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop. “A little highlighter goes a long way in catching the light on stage,” he adds.

Application Techniques

Achieving Kelly’s signature glam isn’t just about the products—it’s about how they’re applied. Martinez has developed several techniques to ensure the makeup lasts through the entire performance, no matter how high-energy the show becomes.

One of his top tricks is layering. “For Kelly’s foundation, I start with a hydrating primer, then I build up the coverage slowly,” he explains. “It’s about creating layers that hold up under the heat of the lights but don’t feel heavy.”

Martinez also uses a technique known as “baking,” which involves applying a thick layer of translucent powder under Kelly’s eyes and along her jawline to set the makeup. This method locks in the foundation and concealer, preventing any creasing during long performances. “It’s a stage-proof technique that guarantees her look stays flawless, even when she’s giving it her all,” Martinez says.

As for the eyes, Martinez always ensures the eyeliner is waterproof and that the eyeshadow is applied with a primer base. “It’s important for the eyes to remain sharp throughout the set,” he emphasizes. “Smudged eyeliner can kill the vibe.”

Skincare Preparation

Behind every great makeup look is a solid skincare routine. For Kelly, prepping her skin before makeup application is non-negotiable. Martinez has curated a skincare regimen that focuses on hydration, protection, and radiance, ensuring her skin is a flawless canvas for makeup.

“I always start with a hydrating serum like Drunk Elephant’s B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum,” Martinez reveals. “It gives her skin that plump, dewy look and helps the foundation sit better.”

Next, Martinez applies Tatcha’s The Dewy Skin Cream, a moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration and keeps Kelly’s skin glowing under heavy makeup. “This step is key for keeping her skin balanced, especially in the dry conditions backstage,” he explains.

To protect Kelly’s skin from environmental damage, Martinez also incorporates Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen before applying makeup. “Even indoors, SPF is a must,” he says. “The lights on stage can be harsh, and the sunscreen creates a protective barrier.”

Final Look & Performance Impact

When Kelly Clarkson steps onto the stage, her makeup isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s part of the performance. The smokey eye draws the audience’s attention, while the radiant complexion creates a glow that reflects the emotion of her songs. The bold lip color gives her an extra boost of confidence, reminding fans that she’s not just a pop star, but a force to be reckoned with.

Martinez believes that Kelly’s makeup plays an essential role in her stage presence. “When she looks in the mirror and sees her glam, it’s like a switch flips,” he says. “Her confidence soars, and that translates into her performance.”

The makeup is designed not just to enhance Kelly’s natural beauty, but to withstand the demands of her live shows. From the high-energy choreography to the emotional ballads, her makeup stays intact, helping her feel empowered throughout the set. The collaboration between Kelly and Martinez has resulted in a signature look that fans have come to love—and expect.

Conclusion

Kelly Clarkson’s residency shows are a masterclass in performance, style, and confidence. Her signature glam look is an integral part of the magic, thanks to the collaboration between her and makeup artist Vincent Martinez. Together, they’ve crafted a beauty routine that not only enhances Kelly’s natural features but also stands up to the rigors of the stage.

For fans who want to replicate Kelly’s look, Martinez’s advice is simple: focus on the essentials—hydrated skin, a bold eye, and a statement lip. With the right products and techniques, anyone can channel their inner Kelly Clarkson and shine just as bright. After all, as Martinez puts it, “Confidence is the best makeup you can wear.”