Celebrity Makeup Artist Embraces Green Beauty
Katey Denno has made a name for herself as one of Hollywood’s top makeup artists, with a clientele that boasts names like Mindy Kaling, Olivia Munn, and Amber Heard. Her distinct mission, however, differentiates her from the rest: she advocates for the use of clean, environmentally friendly products and encourages others to join her in this endeavor.
For those who doubt that natural makeup can deliver stunning results comparable to those achieved with conventional products full of chemicals, Denno’s artistry (@kateydenno) is a revelation. Her looks feature vibrant lips, sultry eyes, and radiant skin.
Denno’s journey to becoming a prominent advocate for green beauty is both unique and motivating. Initially, she worked as a social worker focusing on male-to-female transgender individuals, who taught her the impactful role of makeup in personal transformation. This experience ignited her passion for pursuing a full-time career as a makeup artist.
Although she is now a leading voice in promoting sustainable beauty, it wasn’t always her focus. “In the beginning, I used the usual mainstream cosmetics that filled most kits,” she recalls, highlighting a pivotal moment early in her career. “I was examining a professional makeup artist palette and noticed a warning label advising to avoid certain shades near the eyes and mouth. I questioned: If this is unsafe for those areas, is it truly safe for our skin?”
This realization sparked her concern about the potential risks posed by harmful ingredients, both to personal health and the environment. “It struck me one day that I could genuinely effect change by taking a stand in the industry and opting for products free from known toxins,” she explains. “It was a straightforward concept, although at that time, there were limited options that met my standards as a makeup artist.”
That was a decade ago. Today, largely due to Denno’s efforts, the beauty landscape is evolving, making it simpler than ever to incorporate health-conscious products into one’s beauty routine. Not only are they effective, they can rival or even surpass traditional products for achieving a flawless look.
To help you refresh your skincare for the colder months (and nail your party makeup for the festive season), we turned to the green beauty expert for her insights.
Winterize your skincare
Denno advises, “Adjusting your skincare to include richer oils and butters is typically beneficial in colder climates. I usually combine oils with creams or lotions for areas that tend to be drier, and incorporating hyaluronic acid helps lock in moisture.” Given that sunlight is less prevalent in winter, she recommends using the opportunity to address any sun damage incurred during summer by applying plant-based retinols and vitamin C serums.
“Don’t forget to care for all exposed skin, not just your face!” she emphasizes. “Opt for a deeply nourishing oil or lotion, potentially blending in some shimmer for an all-over glow.”
Elevate your holiday party makeup
Bring the season’s most fashionable beauty trends from Hollywood straight into your home with these simple tips. “Rather than applying that striking lip color in heavy layers—high pigmentation, full gloss—try dabbing it onto your lips for a softer, stained effect, then layer on some lip balm,” advises Denno. “Additionally, a vivid eyeshadow can be toned down to a light wash along the lash line for a playful hint of color without overwhelming intensity.”
Draw inspiration from the runways
Having worked backstage at renowned events like New York Fashion Week, Denno has gleaned tips that can easily be applied to everyday life without any extravagant tools or products. “Swipe your favorite bold red or dark berry lipstick onto your lips, then use your fingertip to dab it for an even finish … To prevent it from smudging on your teeth, you can use a cotton swab between your lips, moving it left and right to catch any excess lipstick,” she suggests. An added bonus? The same lipstick can double as a sheer blush for your cheeks.
