Katey Denno has become a prominent name in Hollywood makeup artistry, having worked with notable personalities like Mindy Kaling, Olivia Munn, and Amber Heard. However, what distinguishes her in the industry is her commitment to using clean and eco-friendly products, and she actively promotes this ethos to her followers.
For those who doubt that natural makeup can achieve stunning results akin to traditional cosmetics filled with chemicals, Denno’s work (@kateydenno) offers compelling evidence. Her artistic creations feature vivid lips, sultry eyes, and radiant skin.
Denno’s journey to becoming a globally recognized advocate for green beauty is both remarkable and motivating. Initially, she worked as a social worker for male-to-female transgender clients, who taught her about the transformative potential of makeup. This experience inspired her to pursue a career as a full-time makeup artist.
While she is now celebrated for her promotion of eco-conscious beauty, her early days were different. “I began using the common commercial cosmetics favored by my peers,” she recalls, highlighting a pivotal moment in her career. “One day, I read the warning label on a professional makeup palette, which advised to keep certain colors away from eyes and lips. That raised a big question in my mind: If these substances are not safe for those sensitive areas, what does that say about their overall safety on our skin?”
This realization sparked her concern for the harmful impacts of such ingredients on both personal health and the environment, prompting her to initiate change. “It occurred to me that I could influence the industry by committing to products free of known toxins,” Denno explains. “Although simple in concept, back then, there weren’t many effective beauty products that aligned with my values as a makeup artist.”
Fast forward a decade, and Denno’s efforts have contributed to a noticeable shift within the beauty industry, where it is now simpler than ever to incorporate health-conscious products into your beauty regime. Moreover, these options often outperform their traditional counterparts in achieving that perfect look.
To help you refresh your skincare routine this winter (and perfect your makeup for the festive season!), we consulted the queen of green beauty for her essential tips.
Winterize Your Skincare Routine
“As the seasons change, especially in drier climates, it’s advisable to incorporate thicker oils and butters into your skincare regimen,” Denno suggests. “I usually transition from solely using oils to layering them with creams and lotions on my driest areas, and a hyaluronic acid product is great for locking in hydration.” With less sun exposure in winter, she encourages focusing on treating any sun damage from summer by utilizing plant-derived retinols and vitamin C serums.
“Be sure to care for all your skin, not just your face, especially if you are showing any skin on your shoulders or neck!” she adds. “A deeply nourishing oil or lotion, possibly combined with some shimmer, can provide an all-over glow.”
Elevate Your Holiday Makeup Look
Bring the best winter beauty trends from Hollywood to your own home with these simple techniques. Denno advises, “Instead of applying that vibrant lip color in the traditional way—thick and glossy—try dabbing it onto your lips for a more subtle, stained effect, and top it off with lip balm.” She also suggests toning down a striking eyeshadow look that usually encompasses the whole eyelid to a sheer line of color for a playful touch without overwhelming intensity.
Find Inspiration from the Runways
Having worked at prestigious events like New York Fashion Week, Denno’s backstage insights can easily be adapted for everyday use and don’t require expensive tools or products. “Apply your favorite bold red or deep berry lip shade, then gently press it into your lips with your fingertip. To prevent excess lipstick from transferring to your teeth, use a cotton swab positioned between your lips, moving left and right a few times,” she advises. Plus, that same lipstick can double as a natural-looking blush when patted onto your cheeks.
