Published by Programme B
From their 2014 debut album, In the Lonely Hour, to exceeding 30 million record sales earlier this year, Sam Smith has been gathering international fans for almost a decade. Amidst great songs and an inspirational pride and confidence around gender identity, style is one aspect of the British singer-songwriter that undeniably stands out.
Bold eye looks through simple everyday styles, Smith’s truly mastered an effective beauty routine. Paired with our favorite gel polish and a great outfit, we can channel that same confidence with a look that feels like we’ve just left the barber chair at our favorite salon—but that can be done in just a few minutes at home.
Smith recently sat down with Vogue to discuss the go-to routine that keeps them looking fresh, no matter the occasion. A dedicated skincare regimen—a splash of cold water, gel cleanser, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums, eye cream, and tinted moisturizer—remove excess oils to ensure a refreshed base, rather they’re stepping out of the salon or coming right off a plane. At the same time, a few essential makeup products create a look that’s ready to face whatever the day brings.
Set-Up
To get the most from any beauty routine, including Sam’s, the right setting is critical. Smith swears by music as the most important factor in their personal routine—preferably a bit of danceable Beyonce.
A high-quality barber chair adds a little extra luxury to the process at home or at the salon or barbershop for an extra boost. Of course, you can still manage a little dance from your seat between applications! We’re tuning our at-home beauty salon to some of Sam’s favorites, including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Queen Bey herself.
Step 1
The first step in Smith’s simple yet effective makeup routine is brow gel. Smith’s lashes are a favorite feature, and brow gel is the perfect tool to highlight them. A basic brow gel keeps every hair in place and helps your brows frame your eyes—the windows to your soul—with a striking, defined first step.
Paired with Smith’s dedicated skincare routine, a clear brow gel was more than enough to let our brows stand out. And, like your manicurist’s favorite gel polish, you know your brow gel will be durable enough to keep your brows looking great all day.
Step 2
Next up, we turn to lashes. Smith takes advantage of a clear lash primer, then a cult-favorite: Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara. With the brand’s emphasis on creating volume and a dramatic final look, it’s the perfect addition to Smith’s application process. A few simple swipes are all you need for a lash look that’s subtle yet striking.
Step 3
A quick swipe of the right lip gloss is key to that masterful final look. Sam turns to another of our favorites, Lady Gaga’s Haus Laboratories. Gloss gives our look—and Sam’s—that refined shine, marking it as complete with just a bit of sparkle. A bolder take on this makeup routine might opt for an eye-catching lip color but, for the everyday effect Smith aims to achieve, gloss fits the bill perfectly.
Step 4
Finally, we need to secure our hard work with a bit of setting spray. We maintain a gel nail manicure to keep our look secure over time—why wouldn’t we do the same for our perfectly put-together face? Sam turns to Urban Decay for this step, spritzing a bit of their iconic setting spray to lock in their look. After all, the right makeup is the best of accessories—and Smith’s go-to four-step routine is no exception.
To hear Sam Smith explain it, daily skincare and makeup routine is undeniably part of self-care. ”We’re all flowers, right?” they remark. “And we’re all watering ourselves and keeping ourselves fresh so we can grow tall and strong.” Taking these few minutes to really connect with and care for your skin and self, whether it’s on the go or set up in your trusty barber chair, will do more than help you look good—this routine will make sure you feel good, too.