Meet Carolina Gonzalez, The Makeup Artist Behind Sabrina Carpenter’s Signature Look 

2024 was all about the rise of a new wave of pop girlies who had us hooked, not just with their music but their entire aesthetic. Chappell Roan kept us guessing with her experimental fashion, Charli XCX made ‘Brat summer’ a whole movement and Sabrina Carpenter gave us flirty, Old Hollywood glamour that we couldn’t stop obsessing over. I was glued to it all.

Carpenter’s perfectly flushed cheeks and shimmery eyes had me in a chokehold from the get-go. Naturally, I’ve tried (and failed) to recreate the look myself. The genius behind this viral beauty moment? Carolina Gonzalez. The New York-based makeup artist is well-versed in celebrity glam, having worked with the likes of model Gigi Hadid and actor Ashley Park, and has frequently worked on editorials for magazines including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

She started her career working in the main showroom of Carolina Herrera before landing a gig as an assistant for celebrity hair and makeup artist Francisco Valera. “I left Herrera, moved back home, and worked under him for free. That was how I learned to be a makeup artist,” she says.

For Gonzalez, makeup is more than a profession, it’s an evolution of her first love: art. “It’s just another form of painting; the canvas changes, but the principles remain,” she explains. From a young age, her art fixated on the human form, a fascination that continues to shape her approach. Her focus isn’t about masking or transforming, but enhancing natural features with subtle, radiant touches.

Though don’t be fooled into thinking Gonzalez has always leaned into the soft and glowy aesthetic. “I was into punk rock from age 11 – I even had a Mohawk,” she says with a laugh. “I’d paint spider web designs on my face, and later I tried the skinhead look with fringes and buzzed hair.” Her rebellious streak was inspired by punk legends the Sex Pistols and The Clash. “Music has always been a huge source of inspiration for me,” she adds.

I sat down with Gonzalez to delve into her creative process, discover the surprising inspirations behind Carpenter’s looks and find out why she believes getting ‘too comfortable’ at work can be the kiss of death...

My Average Working Day... Is busy! I have two autistic children, so my day begins with making sure everything at home is settled. Then I focus on work, which requires a lot of preparation, organising my kit and planning everything meticulously. My basement studio is filled with 12 closets of makeup, and I often pull products ahead of time based on the next day’s schedule.

If I’m travelling, it’s about getting to the location and ensuring everything runs smoothly. I don’t see my job as tiring because I genuinely love what I do. If I’m with Sabrina Carpenter in Paris, I’m thrilled to be there, even after long days, because I love my clients and feel inspired by them.

My Go-To Work Uniform... A black sweatsuit, sneakers (usually Adidas or Uggs) and a cap. I need to be comfortable because I’m constantly moving, squatting, reaching, contorting. I don’t wear anything I’d worry about getting dirty. It’s all about practicality.

My Creative Process... Depends on a variety of factors, starting with what [the client is] wearing. It’s a collective effort involving hair, makeup, styling, lighting and the overall mood. We discuss everything as a team and from there, I create my interpretation.

I often feel like I’m in a daze, guided by intuition rather than conscious thought. For instance, with Ashley Park, I focus on enhancing her natural features, like making her lips full, her face defined and her eyes round and big. Ultimately, I want women to look like the best versions of themselves, feeling confident but still authentic.

For editorial work, it’s more transformative, as the goal is to create something unique for the story or concept. But for red carpets, the priority is ensuring the client feels stunning and comfortable.

The Art That Inspires Me... Growing up, I was in bands, played guitar and violin and dabbled with drums, so music was always a big part of my life. As a child of the ’80s and ’90s, I was deeply inspired by [makeup artist] Kevyn Aucoin, his first book was one of the first makeup books I ever owned.

Musicians [such as] Blondie, Donna Summer and Cher, as well as punk icons Nina Hagen and the New York Dolls also left a lasting impression. Their makeup reflected a feeling and vibe rather than just a look, which resonates deeply with my approach to artistry.

With Sabrina [Carpenter], I was inspired by [visual artist] Alberto Vargas: the pre-war era watercolour aesthetic with flushed cheeks and soft, blended lines. Sabrina embodies that perfectly.

What It’s Like To Work With Sabrina Carpenter... She always has references, [she’s] so knowledgeable about music from all eras. Sabrina is incredibly intelligent, knows exactly who she is, and knows what she wants. My role is to interpret her vision, but it’s such a collaborative process. I love and respect her so much. She’s wise beyond her years and an inspiration to me.

How I Juggle Different Jobs... These days, its mainly red carpet, events and beauty shoots. I wish there was more editorial work – it’s underpaid and exhausting but incredibly fun and creatively fulfilling. Editorials keep your artistic energy alive, though I’m fortunate that my clients inspire me regularly.

When I started, I focused solely on editorial work, which was exhilarating but financially challenging. To sustain myself, I moved to more commercial work, including a long stint with Victoria’s Secret. Balancing the two has been key.

I did a lot of swim shoots during my time with Victoria’s Secret, and it was fun. They really took care of you. I’ve known some of the models for years, like Alessandra [Ambrosio], who I met when she was 16. I watched her grow up from a young girl to a mother of two, and we’re still working together. Same with Adriana [Lima] and Candice [Swanepoel]. I met Candice when she was 17, and now she has two kids.

At the same time, after a while, you crave something more inspiring because it can start to feel repetitive. That’s when editorial really comes into its own.

My Most Memorable Projects... My first shoot with [singer-songwriter] Fiona Apple will always stay with me. I loved her music, so it was such a cool experience. She might not agree since it wasn’t very her, but it stood out for me.

[And] working with Sabrina for her [2024] VMAs appearance. That was incredible. Seeing her with all the Moon men, and knowing how long she’s been grinding, made me so proud. She’s always been super talented, and it’s amazing that people are finally recognising her.

How I Deal With Difficult Situations... It’s all about staying in the moment. Therapy has helped me learn to focus and not dwell on being overwhelmed. It’s not about me, I’m there to help someone else perform at their best.

Words have power, so I try not to voice negative thoughts. Having kids, especially ones on the spectrum, taught me to stay calm because they can sense inner tension, like horses picking up on energy. I learned applied behavioural analysis for my son, and I use that mindset with my clients. If they’re nervous, I keep my energy calm and reassuring; it makes a big difference.

I don’t think they even realise how much they rely on me. I pour so much love into the process – admiring their features, thinking about how to enhance them. I’m fully in the moment, constantly creating and fine-tuning. It sounds cheesy, but I truly love what I do.

My Advice For Anyone Starting Out... Be consistent and persistent. Don’t worry if it’s not happening immediately, just keep grinding. It’s hard work, but it pays off. Always bring your best to the table and stay ahead of the game. Anticipate needs before they arise. Your performance will always speak for itself.

How I Stay Motivated... Getting too comfortable is dangerous, it’s the kiss of death. I always push myself and never assume I’ve ‘made it’. Humility and staying in the moment are key. Each job is the most important one, and focusing on that helps keep overwhelm and anxiety at bay.

Celebrity Makeup Artist Carolina Gonzalez’s 6 Essential Makeup & Beauty Tips

1. Good Skin Prep Is Essential – The key to makeup that makes you feel great starts with a solid skincare routine.
2. Try LED Light Therapy Or Microcurrent (such as NuFace) – Both can help rejuvenate your skin and improve your overall appearance.
3. Establish A Routine – Consistent steps like cleansing, toning, and moisturising not only improve your skin but also enhance your makeup application, helping you feel your best.
4. Pamper Yourself – Use sheet masks, under-eye masks, lip masks, baths (bath bombs, sea salt), and body creams. These small self-care rituals can boost both your inner and outer well-being.
5. Find The Right Base – Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a glow-enhancing foundation that gives your skin a radiant, healthy look and boosts your self-esteem.
6. Apply Velour Self-Stick Lashes – They’re an easy way to instantly transform your look and make you feel like a new person.

Pia Brynteson is Content Editor at Service95