Celebrity makeup artist Georgie Eisdell counts Dr. Althea among her kit must-haves, and the K-beauty powerhouse is earning viral status for its ultra-hydrating, calming and brightening formulas that actually live up to the hype. Beloved by pros and skin-care obsessives alike, the brand’s sensorial textures and results-driven ingredients make it a seamless addition to any routine, especially for those chasing that radiant, even-toned, camera-ready glow.
Case in point: Eisdell recently used some of the brand’s skin-care superstars for Dakota Johnson’s weekend red-carpet appearance.
Dakota Johnson’s Governors Awards Skin-Care Prep
“Dakota’s Valentino gown was absolutely stunning, and I felt so inspired for a luminous and radiant makeup,” Eisdell shares. “I started by prepping her skin with Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mist to hydrate and create a soft glow, then layered the Cushion Veil Calming Mask to refresh her skin. I followed with the Vitamin C Boosting Serum to even out her skin tone and brighten her complexion. Finally, I applied the 345 Relief Cream to lock in moisture and soothe any redness, for a flawless, balanced base for makeup.”
The serum, in particular, holds a special place in the MUA’s heart: “Growing up in Australia and now living in Los Angeles, I’ve spent my whole life in sunny places,” she says. “Managing sun exposure is a constant reality both for me and for the talent I work with. That’s why I’m incredibly intentional about the skin care I use, especially before red-carpet appearances.”
Eisdell also considers herself “selective” about what goes on her clients’ skin. “Dr. Althea’s Vitamin C Boosting Serum has become a staple in my kit. It brightens the skin in a way that looks instantly fresh, and it continues working long-term to fade hyperpigmentation and strengthen the skin against environmental stress. The texture is beautiful, light, fast-absorbing and not sticky at all. It leaves the skin smooth and luminous, which is exactly what I need under makeup.”
Besides ringing in at $23 and providing an arsenal of antioxidant protection, Eisdell also likes the serum for giving “a clean, even canvas and natural glow, while also supporting the skin with the kind of protection that truly matters.”
And Her Full Makeup Breakdown, Too
To create Johnson’s luminous and toasty makeup, Eisdell turned exclusively to MERIT Beauty. For Johnson’s complexion, Eisdell chose The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen in Shade 24 ($38) over foundation, followed by The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick in Linen ($38) to even out tone. For some warmth and a pop of color, Eisdell used the Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer in Seine ($30) and a mix of Flush Balms: Archival, a cool mauve, and Postmodern, a deep pink brown ($30 each).
Eisdell used MERIT’s newest launch, Solo Shadow Sheen, in shades Iris, a soft plum, and Palladium, a warm silver ($26 each), plus a wash of Solo Shadow Matte in Nelson ($24) to bring out Johnson’s stunning icy blue eyes. Bringing the whole look together was Brow 1990 Sheer Gel Pencil in Light Brown ($24) and Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade in Taupe ($24).
Johnson’s nude lips were lined in a soft brown with the Signature Lip Liner Sheer Liner (a top beauty product of the year) in Tabac ($24), filled in with Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick in Slip ($26) and finished with Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil in Twin Set ($24).
