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What’s the opposite of gatekeeping? Welcome to “Payment Processing,“ in which we ask stylish, generally cool people who’ve tried it all about their favorite fashion and beauty buys.
For those who have also spent hours wondering how Hailey Bieber’s glam looks like an IRL Instagram filter, let us introduce you to Mary Phillips. The makeup artist-turned-brand founder is behind some of Bieber’s best beauty moments, including her bronzed glow for this year’s Met Gala. She also counts Kendall Jenner, Megan Fox, Zoë Kravitz, Kaia Gerber and Bella Hadid among her A-list clientele.
As the mastermind behind these stars’ glow-from-within looks, Phillips is known for her signature “underpainting” technique (a method of contouring and highlighting beneath foundation for a sculpted, but natural, look). In 2025, Phillips brought this technique to the masses with her Sephora-exclusive beauty brand M.ph, which launched with the Underpainting Face Palette as its its hero SKU, alongside a cream blush, lipstick and lip liner. She even stars in a new Sephora campaign spotlighting MUAs-turned-founders: Danessa Myricks, Patrick Starrr (One/Size), Violette Serrat (Violette_FR), Nikki DeRoest (Ciele Cosmetics) and Natasha Denona are among those featured as well.
Photo: Courtesy of Sephora
With more than two decades of makeup artistry experience, Phillips is particularly well versed in the beauty industry’s best products. Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream stands out as one of her favorite luxury skin-care staples, while Lancôme’s mascaras regularly top her restock list. Phillips’ taste for luxury also extends beyond the beauty world: Right now, she’s eyeing Chloé’s lavender jeans, Bottega Veneta earrings and The Row T-shirts.
Ahead, Phillips shares the affordable fashion staple she’s “obsessed with,” her best beauty advice, the lip product Bieber influenced her to buy and more.
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What’s a luxury beauty item you’re into right now?
The Lyma Laser. It’s a red light laser and it’s amazing. I’ve seen such a change in my skin. I know it’s pretty expensive. I was luckily given it. Or my Augustinus Bader Rich Cream. It is so luxurious. Morning and night with a couple drops of their facial oil is heaven.
What’s a budget beauty product at Sephora that you’re loving?
I’m obsessed with the Sephora brand waterproof eyeliners. They’re incredible.
What’s a beauty staple you love so much you’ve bought multiples?
Probably Lancôme mascaras. I’m such a fan of mascaras in general. I go through them really fast because I feel like they get gross when you have them for a little too long. Dior, the lash curl Diorshow mascara.
Photo: Katie Jones/WWD via Getty Images
What’s a fashion accessory you’re eyeing right now?
Oh my gosh. What am I not eyeing? I’m really into the Chloé lavender jeans. Love a Bottega [Veneta] earring, love everything from The Row. I live across the street from it and it’s so dangerous.
What’s an affordable fashion item on your wishlist?
I’m obsessed with the Re/Done white and black plain tank tops, like the ribbed ones. They’re the best for summer, just with a pair of vintage jeans or a cute tight pair of jeans with some heels. They’re just great. Fit super well.
Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for MARA
What’s a wardrobe staple you love so much you’ve bought multiples?
I tend to buy in bulk when I love something. It’s probably a [The] Row T-shirt, honestly. They’re so crazy expensive for just a T-shirt, but they fit so well. And if I love them, I’ll buy three of them just to have because it’s a good white tee and I’m always scared I’m going to drop something on it and I won’t have it anymore. So while it’s in season, I need a few.
Mary Phillips (left) and Kendall Jenner (right)Photo: TheStewartofNY/GC Images
What’s one piece of beauty advice we could all use?
A good foundation is so important… good skin care. Your skin is the base of everything. So investing in good skin care and a good foundation, I feel like you can’t go wrong.
What’s the last product that one of your clients influenced you to buy?
Hailey Bieber got me to buy the Violette_FR Bisou Balm, and I’m obsessed. It’s a great product.
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