Sabrina Bedrani: French Makeup Artist to the Stars

ARTIST PROFILE: SABRINA BEDRANI

Meet the French makeup artist behind some of Hollywood’s most famous faces.

Written By EVELYN CROWLEY

On a chance visit to New York in her early 20s, Sabrina Bedrani’s future was sealed after stepping onto the set of her first fashion shoot. “I took one look at the makeup artist and thought to myself, ‘Wait, this is a job?!’”, she says in her distinctively girlish French accent. At the time, Bedrani was on track to obtain a degree in English from the Sorbonne in Paris. However, once she realized her greatest passion — makeup—was a viable career option, she promptly dropped out of school and flung herself into learning everything there was to know about the art of maquillage.

Today, Bedrani is among the most sought after makeup artists in the industry. She’s painted longtime client, Vanessa Paradis’, lips numerous shades of crimson (including here for Violet Grey). She has applied sultry, smoky shadows to Julianne Moore’s eyes many times over and was appointed Sandra Bullock’s on-set artist for the star’s fifth Vogue cover. “I want my clients to feel beautiful and confident, rather than trying to make a ‘makeup statement’,” explains Bedrani. It’s this sensibility and skilled artistry that has her frequently on set for Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Vanity Fair, and collaborating with the likes of photographers Norman Jean Roy and Peter Lindberg.

Earlier this year, Bedrani added Dior brand ambassador to her job title. “It makes sense,” she says of the role, which recently brought her to VIOLET GREY’s Melrose Place flagship store as an artist-in-residence.“I really do love all of their products. And the company is French, just like me.”

When not on set with a client or traveling the world with Dior, Bedrani can be found in L.A.’s Echo Park neighborhood, where she lives with her partner, three children and dog, Depot. “We found him in the parking lot of a Home Depot,” she explains of the name choice.

VIOLET INQUIRES

Sabrina Bedrani shares her all-time-favorite looks along with her must-have products, drugstore beauty finds and anti-aging strategy.

Bedrani executed an iridescent smoky eye on Felicity Jones for the actress’s VIOLET GREY shoot in January. (Photo by Guy Aroch)

NECESSARY INDULGENCE

Massage, sushi, yoga and a glass of rosé Champagne once in a while. 

ANTI-AGING STRATEGY
There’s no secret here, I drink lots of water all day and have a healthy diet. For my skin, I exfoliate once a week with Dr. Lancer Polish, use moisturizing masks by SK-II and Sisley and wear sunscreen everyday (Sisley Sunleÿa SPF 50 or Dior Diorsnow White Reveal SPF 50). I also try to get enough sleep, which is not always easy with three kids and a career.

MIRACLE-WORKER
My facialist Mila at European Secret Skin Care is a wizard. I’ve been going to her for 15 years and I recommend her to all my clients. She’s just the best. She can actually do extractions without leaving any redness. I let her do whatever is necessary (simple facial, oxygen mask, etc.).

DRUGSTORE DISCOVERY
Ardell Individual Lashes (knot-free). 

DREAM APPOINTMENT
Jane Birkin in the 60s and 70s. I would enhance her beautiful skin to let her freckles shine through and play up her beautiful doe eyes.

For Sandra Bullock’s red carpet look at the Gravity premiere in London, Bedrani paired a glossy red lip with a rosy-cheeked glow. (Photo by Max Mumby / Getty Images)

NIP/TUCK OR GROW OLD GRACEFULLY
I’m opting to age gracefully, but ask me again in 10 years… 

SPA
Tomoko in Beverly Hills.

FLORIST
Clementine in Silver Lake. They make the most eclectic, unusual bouquets.

MANTRA
Just do it! Don’t be afraid to try new things, be open and excited for what’s next without forgetting to enjoy and appreciate what you have now. Work hard but take time to enjoy life as well. 

CAN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT…
Dior Diorshow Black Out mascara.  

PLAN B
No idea, thank god this is working for me…

BEST NIGHT EVER
From the countless amazing destinations that my work has taken me to the birth of my children to simple evenings among friends and family around a fireplace, there are just too many to pick just one.

Felicity Jones arrived at the 2015 Golden Globes with a flawless complexion and a soft smudged eye, courtesy of Bedrani (photo by Jason Merritt / Getty Images)

GO-TO GIFT
Diptyque Large Candle Indoor & Outdoor.

MASSEUSE
April at Pho Siam in Echo Park.

GYM/WORKOUT
Body by Simone and YogaWorks.

VACTION DESTINATION
Casa Xixim in Tulum, Mexico, Costa Rica, the South of France, and, of course, there’s always Paris.

FIRST THING YOU NOTICE WHEN MEETING SOMEONE
Their eyes and then, right away, their eyebrows.

MENTOR
[Makeup artist] Pat McGrath has always been such an inspiration to me, her creativity never ceased to amaze me.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE: “BEAUTY IS…”
Happiness. No makeup can give you the glow you exude when you’re happy.

Get to know Sabrina Bedrani & more at VIOLETGREY.com