Makeup artist favorites are the first thing you notice in Daniel’s studio, where the Hong Kong based stylist mixes the strict order of a tool room with the travel readiness of someone who moves between Paris and Hong Kong, he said.
He has 14 years of professional experience, including roles as a brand lead makeup artist before moving to freelance work. Daniel also creates content and teaches on MasterClass, and editors at Ztylez have followed his work on runways and backstage for years.
Makeup artist favorites from his studio
Inside Daniel’s compact studio, the striking detail is not the products themselves, but how they are ordered. Tools are arranged by function and color family, a system he says helps him deliver precise color matches and the ultra hydrated skin finishes he prefers.
Below, Daniel opens his kit and shares five makeup artist favorites he says he cannot live without for on set work and client sessions.
Le Labo Santal 26 candle
Daniel calls Le Labo Santal 26 his signature scent, a woody fragrance he buys again and again even when he is in France. He says lighting the candle in the studio helps him reset creatively before a session. He keeps multiple sizes on hand, larger for the studio and smaller for travel, because the scent anchors his routine.
Wellage Blue Hyaluronic Serum
For skin prep, Daniel names the Wellage Blue Hyaluronic Serum as essential. He uses two precise layers before foundation to lock in moisture and to help makeup sit on the skin, and he told us the lightweight texture is what makes his skin appear filter like.
Chanel Les Beiges Serum Concealer
As a frequent artist on celebrity sets, Daniel prioritizes concealers that balance coverage with a skinlike finish. He said Chanel Les Beiges Serum Concealer delivers medium coverage without weight, and that he often blends multiple shades to sculpt subtle contours and shadows.
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil in Barely Blushing
Daniel’s favorite cream blush right now is Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil, in the Barely Blushing shade. He described the color as a gentle warm pink that reads like an inner glow, and he recommends it because it layers over powder without breaking or clumping.
CurrentBody LED devices for scalp neck and face
When asked for a single best pick, Daniel would not choose one device over the others, he said. He relies on a CurrentBody LED Multi Light mask for morning de puffing, a second generation chest and neck device for the delicate neck area, and a hair growth cap for scalp care. He uses the trio most nights as part of a brief tech based ritual that supports recovery and readiness.
All five of these makeup artist favorites appear across Daniel’s kit and travel bag, and editors at Ztylez confirmed he carries smaller sizes for planes and set days. He said the combination of careful tool organization and a short list of trusted products helps him move quickly without sacrificing finish.
For readers who want practical takeaways, Daniel recommends starting with a single skin prep serum and one multitasking color product, then building a system of organized storage that groups items by texture and by the step they are used in, he said.
