Podcast Summary: Lipstick on the Rim

Episode: How Celebrity Makeup Artist Pati Dubroff Creates Red Carpet Looks
Host: Molly Sims & Emese Gormley
Guest: Pati Dubroff (Celebrity Makeup Artist, Chanel Beauty Ambassador)
Release Date: January 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode welcomes Pati Dubroff, a legendary celebrity makeup artist known for her signature red carpet looks. Molly Sims and Emese Gormley dive deep into Pati’s career journey, signature techniques, product recommendations, and the spiritual elements she brings to beauty. Pati discusses how she navigated the transition from fashion into celebrity makeup, the importance of energy and relationships in her work, skin-prep secrets, the must-haves for mature skin, and her approach to natural beauty on high-profile clients like Margot Robbie and Sophia Richie. The episode is a goldmine for beauty enthusiasts eager for both practical tips and inspiring perspective.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pati’s Career Evolution: From Fashion to Hollywood

Industry Shift: Pati shares how the late '90s and early 2000s saw a major shift from models to actresses gracing magazine covers, influencing her move from New York to LA.
- “If I’m working with them [actresses], and I like this, why aren’t I there?” — Pati Dubroff (04:40)
Breakthrough Moment: Upon landing in LA, Pati immediately booked her first Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue cover with Annie Leibovitz, an unparalleled start in LA.
- “I'm standing at the carousel. I had just moved and I'd never done a Vanity Fair cover before. I'd never worked with Annie before…” — Pati Dubroff (05:22)

2. Relationship-Driven Work & The Emotional Labor of Beauty

Celebrity Trust Circles: Pati values deeper client relationships, acting as a support system for her clients through vulnerable moments on global red carpets.
- “I just needed to make them feel like the most beautiful version of themself. And that's what I love doing.” — Pati Dubroff (06:42)
Preparation Realities: The hosts and Pati discuss the intensity and time commitment of preparing celebrities, and the importance of reading the room and adapting her energy.

3. Red Carpet Makeup Philosophy

Enhancing Natural Beauty Over Trends
- “I don't want to overdo anyone. I don't want someone to see someone and say, 'Oh, your makeup looks so good.' I want them to say, 'You're beautiful.'” — Pati Dubroff (10:14)
Layering Techniques & Skin Focus
- Pati avoids heavy contour and prioritizes glowing, real-looking skin using minimal makeup and extensive prep.

4. Detailed Skin Prep (10:59 – 14:17)

Tools & Techniques:
- Microcurrent devices (Zip, NuFace), face rollers (Refa), cold rollers (kept in ice buckets), and facial cupping.
- “I take like, a good 20 minutes of skin prep, and that’s with tools.” — Pati Dubroff (10:59)
- Infrared at Home: Essential, but not part of event prep; recommends panels like Saluma and LightStim.

5. Makeup for Mature Skin (19:23 – 20:54)

Key: Avoid powder!
- “Powder can be the devil when it comes to aging…” — Pati Dubroff (19:25)
Cream Blush & Balmy Highlighters:
- Loves Rare Beauty, Chanel Baume Essentiel, and Mayo for cream blushes.
- “You want something that's balmy… not powdery, sparkly things.” — Pati Dubroff (20:33)
Foundation Favorites:
- Japanese brand Suku, Chanel’s Vitalumière, and Sarah Creel’s “Flex” (used as both foundation and concealer with multiple shades per face).

6. Behind the Iconic Looks (Margot Robbie & Sophia Richie)

Margot Robbie/Barbie Tour:
- “For me, it’s honoring her beauty and not trying to turn her into something she’s not.” — (09:45)
Sophia Richie’s Wedding Look:
- “I couldn't believe that she wanted me to be there with her. I was so honored.” — (26:53)
- Popularized Chanel balms and the power of a pink lip; caused product sellouts.

7. Favorite Tools, Pro Tips, and Product Recommendations

Under $30 Pick: TheraTears eye drops, Upneeq (for eyelid lift, prescription) (27:33)
Favorite Lip Products: Mario lip liner in Spiced Chai, Chanel Baume Essentiel (#91-4 Natural Charm), and Rare Beauty blush (Pretty Nearly Apricot).
- “You always need a good lip pencil and a great natural lip.” — Pati Dubroff (32:43)
Mascara Tip: Use black on top lashes, brown on bottom for softness (25:08)
Blush Placement: Higher on the face, avoid apples when skin matures, “Give a little lift.” (31:41)
Touch-Ups: Blotting papers, hydrating mists (“setting sprays = hairspray on the face. I’m not a fan.”) (32:59)

8. Wellness, Energy & Spirituality in Beauty

Self-Care Rituals for Travel: Avoid alcohol, meditate, use binaural beats, and prioritize grounding before entering clients’ spaces.
Energy Protection: Recognizes the vital importance of positive energy in the high-intimacy makeup artist-client relationship.
- “I have to be a calming force… I gotta do the work before I get to the room.” — Pati Dubroff (37:14)
Crystals in Kit: Selenite wands; chosen based on client or her own needs that day (45:32)

9. Trending or Tossing? (42:36)

Heavy Contour Sticks: “Toss it.” — Pati Dubroff (42:44)
Faux Freckles: “Cute. Sometimes. Cute for a photo shoot. I don’t know about life.” (42:49)
Cream Blush Layering: “Keep it.” (43:03)
Setting Spray: “Bye. Bye.” (43:06)
Overlining Lips: “Okay if it’s done well… with the right tones. I like multiple lip pencils.” (43:18)
Lash Serums: Love vegan/natural options (Swede), and their turtle-saving ethos (44:13)
Face Masks: Only trusts a few, prefers manipulation tools over sheet masks for event prep—personal favorite is BioEffect (45:26)

10. Pati’s Must-Haves for (Bridal) & Event Kits (30:13)

Waterproof mascara, foundation/concealer, brow grooming products, creamy blush, and lip pencil.
Avoids traditional highlighters; prefers balmy products for glow.

11. Wellness & Product Discoveries

Canyon Ranch & Wellness Tech: Immortal Chamber (infrared, light, PEMF).
New Skincare Favorite: Plated Exosome Serum—faded dark spots, dermatologist/plastic surgeon favorite (46:33)
Chanel Sublimage Lip Oil: Obsession.
Travel Essentials: Eye masks, blackout shades, noise-cancelling headphones (46:03)

12. The Power of Manifestation: Full Circle with Barbie (48:03 – 49:46)

Pati recounts a meditation where she relived her childhood dream of making up her Barbie doll, realizing she’s fulfilled that vision by prepping Margot Robbie as "Barbie" for the world stage.
- “...flash of me as a 10-year-old sitting in front of those Barbie heads… wishing I could do this… and then big me and Barbie and realizing my dream came true.” — Pati Dubroff (49:08)

13. Personal Philosophies & Upcoming Projects

On Protecting Her Energy:
- “Before I understood energy and protection… I would go home and I'd be on the couch for three days… now I really know how to keep my cup full.” (37:51)
On Not Launching a Brand (but writing a book!):
- “I guess I'll hard launch it here. There is a book coming out and that feels like my mission… looking at beauty from a very deep and spiritual place.” (50:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“I live for beauty. I live for other things, honestly, spiritual things.” — Pati Dubroff (06:42)
“Powder can be the devil when it comes to aging.” — Pati Dubroff (19:25)
“Contouring does. I do not look at someone’s face and think, I need to restructure their bones.” — Pati Dubroff (10:36)
“I want stimulation and not, like, paralyzation... I don't want it to look paralyzed. I want it to look worked out and alive.” — Pati Dubroff on Microcurrents (11:26)
“My dream came true.” — Pati Dubroff, reflecting on the Barbie tour (49:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

03:32 – 06:25: Pati’s transition from NY fashion to LA celebrity makeup; booking first Vanity Fair cover with Annie Leibovitz
10:59 – 14:17: In-depth skin prep routine, tools, and favorite devices
19:23 – 22:54: Approaching makeup for mature skin; powder pitfalls and favorite products
24:52 – 25:15: Mascara hack—using brown on bottom, black on top
30:13 – 32:43: Pati’s must-haves for an event or bridal makeup kit
42:36 – 45:26: Trends: keep or toss
48:03 – 49:46: The Barbie full-circle story, dreams coming true
50:55 – 52:31: Pati’s upcoming book and her philosophy on deep beauty

Product Highlights & Recommendations

Skin Prep: Microcurrent (NuFace, Zip), Refa rollers, ice rollers, facial cupping, infrared at-home panels (Saluma, LightStim)
Foundation: Suku “The Foundation,” Chanel Vitalumière, Sarah Creel Flex
Blush: Rare Beauty, Chanel Baume Essentiel, Mayo
Concealer: Sarah Creel Flex, use 2–3 shades for dimension
Mascara: Dips (double-ended black/brown), Swede (vegan, turtle-friendly)
Eye Drops: TheraTears, Upneeq (prescription)
Highlighter: Chanel Baume Essentiel (balmy, transparent)
Finishing: Blotting papers for touch-ups, Tatcha Dewy Mist or G Beauty Prime Skin for refresh
Serum: Plated Exosome Serum (skin transformation)

Pati’s Core Message

Pati is committed to celebrating and enhancing each client’s natural beauty, connecting beauty to emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and using her platform for deep, inspiring impact. Expect more wisdom from her with her upcoming book.

For Listeners

This is a must-listen for beauty fans who want both expert, actionable trade secrets and a heartfelt perspective on what it means to pursue and amplify beauty—inside and out.

Podcast Summary: Lipstick on the Rim

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pati’s Career Evolution: From Fashion to Hollywood

Industry Shift: Pati shares how the late '90s and early 2000s saw a major shift from models to actresses gracing magazine covers, influencing her move from New York to LA.
- “If I’m working with them [actresses], and I like this, why aren’t I there?” — Pati Dubroff (04:40)
Breakthrough Moment: Upon landing in LA, Pati immediately booked her first Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue cover with Annie Leibovitz, an unparalleled start in LA.
- “I'm standing at the carousel. I had just moved and I'd never done a Vanity Fair cover before. I'd never worked with Annie before…” — Pati Dubroff (05:22)

2. Relationship-Driven Work & The Emotional Labor of Beauty

Celebrity Trust Circles: Pati values deeper client relationships, acting as a support system for her clients through vulnerable moments on global red carpets.
- “I just needed to make them feel like the most beautiful version of themself. And that's what I love doing.” — Pati Dubroff (06:42)
Preparation Realities: The hosts and Pati discuss the intensity and time commitment of preparing celebrities, and the importance of reading the room and adapting her energy.

3. Red Carpet Makeup Philosophy

Enhancing Natural Beauty Over Trends
- “I don't want to overdo anyone. I don't want someone to see someone and say, 'Oh, your makeup looks so good.' I want them to say, 'You're beautiful.'” — Pati Dubroff (10:14)
Layering Techniques & Skin Focus
- Pati avoids heavy contour and prioritizes glowing, real-looking skin using minimal makeup and extensive prep.

4. Detailed Skin Prep (10:59 – 14:17)

Tools & Techniques:
- Microcurrent devices (Zip, NuFace), face rollers (Refa), cold rollers (kept in ice buckets), and facial cupping.
- “I take like, a good 20 minutes of skin prep, and that’s with tools.” — Pati Dubroff (10:59)
- Infrared at Home: Essential, but not part of event prep; recommends panels like Saluma and LightStim.

5. Makeup for Mature Skin (19:23 – 20:54)

Key: Avoid powder!
- “Powder can be the devil when it comes to aging…” — Pati Dubroff (19:25)
Cream Blush & Balmy Highlighters:
- Loves Rare Beauty, Chanel Baume Essentiel, and Mayo for cream blushes.
- “You want something that's balmy… not powdery, sparkly things.” — Pati Dubroff (20:33)
Foundation Favorites:
- Japanese brand Suku, Chanel’s Vitalumière, and Sarah Creel’s “Flex” (used as both foundation and concealer with multiple shades per face).

6. Behind the Iconic Looks (Margot Robbie & Sophia Richie)

Margot Robbie/Barbie Tour:
- “For me, it’s honoring her beauty and not trying to turn her into something she’s not.” — (09:45)
Sophia Richie’s Wedding Look:
- “I couldn't believe that she wanted me to be there with her. I was so honored.” — (26:53)
- Popularized Chanel balms and the power of a pink lip; caused product sellouts.

7. Favorite Tools, Pro Tips, and Product Recommendations

Under $30 Pick: TheraTears eye drops, Upneeq (for eyelid lift, prescription) (27:33)
Favorite Lip Products: Mario lip liner in Spiced Chai, Chanel Baume Essentiel (#91-4 Natural Charm), and Rare Beauty blush (Pretty Nearly Apricot).
- “You always need a good lip pencil and a great natural lip.” — Pati Dubroff (32:43)
Mascara Tip: Use black on top lashes, brown on bottom for softness (25:08)
Blush Placement: Higher on the face, avoid apples when skin matures, “Give a little lift.” (31:41)
Touch-Ups: Blotting papers, hydrating mists (“setting sprays = hairspray on the face. I’m not a fan.”) (32:59)

8. Wellness, Energy & Spirituality in Beauty

Self-Care Rituals for Travel: Avoid alcohol, meditate, use binaural beats, and prioritize grounding before entering clients’ spaces.
Energy Protection: Recognizes the vital importance of positive energy in the high-intimacy makeup artist-client relationship.
- “I have to be a calming force… I gotta do the work before I get to the room.” — Pati Dubroff (37:14)
Crystals in Kit: Selenite wands; chosen based on client or her own needs that day (45:32)

9. Trending or Tossing? (42:36)

Heavy Contour Sticks: “Toss it.” — Pati Dubroff (42:44)
Faux Freckles: “Cute. Sometimes. Cute for a photo shoot. I don’t know about life.” (42:49)
Cream Blush Layering: “Keep it.” (43:03)
Setting Spray: “Bye. Bye.” (43:06)
Overlining Lips: “Okay if it’s done well… with the right tones. I like multiple lip pencils.” (43:18)
Lash Serums: Love vegan/natural options (Swede), and their turtle-saving ethos (44:13)
Face Masks: Only trusts a few, prefers manipulation tools over sheet masks for event prep—personal favorite is BioEffect (45:26)

10. Pati’s Must-Haves for (Bridal) & Event Kits (30:13)

Waterproof mascara, foundation/concealer, brow grooming products, creamy blush, and lip pencil.
Avoids traditional highlighters; prefers balmy products for glow.

11. Wellness & Product Discoveries

Canyon Ranch & Wellness Tech: Immortal Chamber (infrared, light, PEMF).
New Skincare Favorite: Plated Exosome Serum—faded dark spots, dermatologist/plastic surgeon favorite (46:33)
Chanel Sublimage Lip Oil: Obsession.
Travel Essentials: Eye masks, blackout shades, noise-cancelling headphones (46:03)

12. The Power of Manifestation: Full Circle with Barbie (48:03 – 49:46)

Pati recounts a meditation where she relived her childhood dream of making up her Barbie doll, realizing she’s fulfilled that vision by prepping Margot Robbie as "Barbie" for the world stage.
- “...flash of me as a 10-year-old sitting in front of those Barbie heads… wishing I could do this… and then big me and Barbie and realizing my dream came true.” — Pati Dubroff (49:08)

13. Personal Philosophies & Upcoming Projects

On Protecting Her Energy:
- “Before I understood energy and protection… I would go home and I'd be on the couch for three days… now I really know how to keep my cup full.” (37:51)
On Not Launching a Brand (but writing a book!):
- “I guess I'll hard launch it here. There is a book coming out and that feels like my mission… looking at beauty from a very deep and spiritual place.” (50:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“I live for beauty. I live for other things, honestly, spiritual things.” — Pati Dubroff (06:42)
“Powder can be the devil when it comes to aging.” — Pati Dubroff (19:25)
“Contouring does. I do not look at someone’s face and think, I need to restructure their bones.” — Pati Dubroff (10:36)
“I want stimulation and not, like, paralyzation... I don't want it to look paralyzed. I want it to look worked out and alive.” — Pati Dubroff on Microcurrents (11:26)
“My dream came true.” — Pati Dubroff, reflecting on the Barbie tour (49:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

03:32 – 06:25: Pati’s transition from NY fashion to LA celebrity makeup; booking first Vanity Fair cover with Annie Leibovitz
10:59 – 14:17: In-depth skin prep routine, tools, and favorite devices
19:23 – 22:54: Approaching makeup for mature skin; powder pitfalls and favorite products
24:52 – 25:15: Mascara hack—using brown on bottom, black on top
30:13 – 32:43: Pati’s must-haves for an event or bridal makeup kit
42:36 – 45:26: Trends: keep or toss
48:03 – 49:46: The Barbie full-circle story, dreams coming true
50:55 – 52:31: Pati’s upcoming book and her philosophy on deep beauty

Product Highlights & Recommendations

Skin Prep: Microcurrent (NuFace, Zip), Refa rollers, ice rollers, facial cupping, infrared at-home panels (Saluma, LightStim)
Foundation: Suku “The Foundation,” Chanel Vitalumière, Sarah Creel Flex
Blush: Rare Beauty, Chanel Baume Essentiel, Mayo
Concealer: Sarah Creel Flex, use 2–3 shades for dimension
Mascara: Dips (double-ended black/brown), Swede (vegan, turtle-friendly)
Eye Drops: TheraTears, Upneeq (prescription)
Highlighter: Chanel Baume Essentiel (balmy, transparent)
Finishing: Blotting papers for touch-ups, Tatcha Dewy Mist or G Beauty Prime Skin for refresh
Serum: Plated Exosome Serum (skin transformation)

Pati’s Core Message

For Listeners

This is a must-listen for beauty fans who want both expert, actionable trade secrets and a heartfelt perspective on what it means to pursue and amplify beauty—inside and out.

How Celebrity Makeup Artist Pati Dubroff Creates Red Carpet Looks

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

Podcast Summary: Lipstick on the Rim

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pati’s Career Evolution: From Fashion to Hollywood

2. Relationship-Driven Work & The Emotional Labor of Beauty

3. Red Carpet Makeup Philosophy

4. Detailed Skin Prep (10:59 – 14:17)

5. Makeup for Mature Skin (19:23 – 20:54)

6. Behind the Iconic Looks (Margot Robbie & Sophia Richie)

7. Favorite Tools, Pro Tips, and Product Recommendations

8. Wellness, Energy & Spirituality in Beauty

9. Trending or Tossing? (42:36)

10. Pati’s Must-Haves for (Bridal) & Event Kits (30:13)

11. Wellness & Product Discoveries

12. The Power of Manifestation: Full Circle with Barbie (48:03 – 49:46)

13. Personal Philosophies & Upcoming Projects

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Product Highlights & Recommendations

Pati’s Core Message

For Listeners

Summary

Podcast Summary: Lipstick on the Rim

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pati’s Career Evolution: From Fashion to Hollywood

2. Relationship-Driven Work & The Emotional Labor of Beauty

3. Red Carpet Makeup Philosophy

4. Detailed Skin Prep (10:59 – 14:17)

5. Makeup for Mature Skin (19:23 – 20:54)

6. Behind the Iconic Looks (Margot Robbie & Sophia Richie)

7. Favorite Tools, Pro Tips, and Product Recommendations

8. Wellness, Energy & Spirituality in Beauty

9. Trending or Tossing? (42:36)

10. Pati’s Must-Haves for (Bridal) & Event Kits (30:13)

11. Wellness & Product Discoveries

12. The Power of Manifestation: Full Circle with Barbie (48:03 – 49:46)

13. Personal Philosophies & Upcoming Projects

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Product Highlights & Recommendations

Pati’s Core Message

For Listeners