It’s so f*!%ing cool to watch someone you know and love create something that checks all the boxes: something that feels authentic, well-designed, and genius. This week, we’re celebrating my longtime makeup artist and close friend, Mary Phillips, and the release of her makeup brand, m.ph!
Mary has done my makeup countless times over the years for award shows, photoshoots, and most recently, my wedding (which we reminisce about below <3)! No one knows how to work a makeup brush like Mary. She’s an artist, and her approach is precise and entirely her own. Though I’ve tried to replicate her underpainting technique so many times on my own (and I should, in theory, have it down), I’ve never gotten close…until I got her m.ph Unpainting Palette. Let me tell you: This is Mary’s technique built into a single makeup product. It’s so perfectly her.
Inside this issue: Mary and I chat about the first time we met, how she got her start in makeup, the exact products she used on my wedding day (an mph lip liner may or may not have touched my lips…), the last thing she bought, a makeup movie everyone should watch, and exactly how to underpaint like the pro.
I want to start at the beginning because we’ve known each other for so many years. I have such a specific memory of how we first met. Do you remember?
Of course I do! It was at Rob and Mariel’s office when we were getting you ready for the 2017 Oscars. I’ll never forget it because I had been such a huge fan of yours for so long — I actually remember asking my agent to reach out to your team over and over again, so finally having the chance to work with you felt surreal. And what a moment it turned out to be — such an iconic night for you, and I felt so lucky to be a small part of it!
We both grew up in LA. What was that like for you? Where did you first learn about makeup?
I grew up watching my mom do her makeup, and I was always fascinated by the transformation, not just in how she looked, but in how her confidence would completely change once she was finished. When I got a little older, I would spend hours looking over magazines and studying every detail of the makeup. I remember getting my hands on Kevyn Aucoin’s books, where I first learned underpainting. Those books were the first makeup tutorials because we didn’t have any social media back then. Then I started assisting artists in the industry, and I was able to learn from them firsthand.
What do you consider your ‘big break’ as a makeup artist?
I don’t know if I’d call it one big break. It’s felt more like a series of moments that built on each other. I’ve been really fortunate to work with incredible clients who have trusted me early on, and that opened doors I never imagined. Every client has taught me something new, and I think those experiences collectively led me to where I am today, working with amazing people and now creating my own brand. I still feel like I’m just getting started.
Let’s talk about my wedding! I was so beyond grateful to have you part of what I knew would be the most magical weekend of my life. The minute you (and Gregory) were on board, I knew I wouldn't have a single stressful thought about glam. I trust you and your technique immensely! But I'm curious, did you do anything differently to prepare for my wedding compared to a red carpet or photoshoot we've done together?
Honestly, Hailee, you were one of the most beautiful brides I’ve ever done. You made my job so easy that day because you were so calm and trusting, and you were literally glowing and radiating; it was incredible to watch!
If you can remember, can you break down exactly what skincare and makeup you used?
Augustinus Bader The Serum, The Rich Cream, and The Eye Cream
Pat McGrath blush in ‘Divine Rose’ and Gucci blush in 01 & 03
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a bride who’s working with a makeup artist for their wedding? What do you think helps that relationship work well?
I think doing a trial before the wedding is always a good idea. Especially if the makeup artist hasn’t worked with the client before. That way, they can test out different looks to see what the bride feels best in. This makes the glam a little less stressful the day of the wedding.
As someone who has attempted (and epically failed) the MP underpainting technique with the products that already live in my makeup bag, I couldn’t be more excited about mph! The Underpainting Palette, the Overliner lip liner pencil, Lip Ciggy, and just the brand as a whole. It feels so perfectly you. How did the idea first come to you?
Thank you so much! The creation of the brand look as a whole was just as fun as developing the products. I’ve always had it in the back of my mind, and when the underpainting technique went viral on TikTok, I knew it was the right time. It was kind of now or never for me.
You’ve traveled all over the world for work. I mean, we’ve traveled so many places together! Is there a specific city or place where you get your best beauty inspiration?
I definitely get inspiration when I’m in France. There’s an effortless sensuality in the way the French carry themselves. It’s sexy without being overdone, it’s confidence, natural, and chic.
One of my favorite things about you is your energy. You’re always so warm and calming. What are your wellness habits to maintain balance and stay grounded?
I’ve found that starting my mornings with meditation really helps me feel centered and grounded, especially when I know the day will get hectic. Also, moving my body is just as important for keeping my mind calm. I love hot yoga, hiking, and really any kind of workout.
I’m also obsessed with your sense of style. What was the last thing you bought and can recommend?
I just bought the Arwen Coat in Nylon from The Row, and I’m obsessed and can’t wait for fall just to wear it!
When you’re not working, what does your perfect day look like?
My perfect day would probably be starting my morning with a workout like hot yoga to wake my body up. I’ve been really into tennis recently, so I’d probably go to tennis after. Take a matcha break. And head home to relax with my dog Alfie.
What’s something you recently read, watched, or listened to that resonated with you?
I recently watched the François Nars documentary, and there was this one scene of him on set that made me really nostalgic. It made me miss the time before phones and being on set, when everyone was fully present in the moment. In the scene, everyone was immersed in the moment, coming together with one purpose: to create something beautiful. We still create now, of course, but it doesn’t always feel the same. With so many distractions, there’s less excitement.
Okay, done, I will be watching! I’m already counting down the days until the next time we’re together! In the meantime, I’m going to be using this Underpainting Palette every day! Any pro tips on how to use it to get the best results?
I think it’s easiest to use it in layers! Start with a light wash of contour and highlight, and build until you feel snatched. Add foundation, and if you want more sculpt, go over the foundation with the highlight and contour again.
I’m so proud of Mary, and I already know mph is going to be a massive success. I’m planning a trip to Sephora to stock up on her entire mph collection — multiples of the Overliner in Sizzle. Also, as if we couldn’t love her anymore, she’s been a Beau Society girl since day one :)
TO MAKE: This chicken and rice soup. I can always tell we’re heading into fall when I start saving crockpot meals.
TO READ: What former talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael can’t live without. A relatable queen.
TO TRY: A 30-day happiness challenge.
TO UNPLUG: Do I need to get a Brick? People say it’s life-changing.
TO BUY: These jeans. The cut, the rise, the wash - perfect.
TO KNOW ABOUT: A new 4-hour flight from NY to Paris!
TO REMEMBER: “You’re handling things better than you used to.”
Sadly, no BS shoutout today. Our inbox hit max capacity last week, so I apologize if you got a bounce back (embarrassing!). Good news: We cleaned it up, so hit reply if you have thoughts on this issue or last week’s. As always, I’d love to hear from you!
Love,
Hailee (Beau)
