Sabrina Carpenter’s Coachella Look: Makeup Artist Reveals ‘Modern Nostalgia’ Inspiration

Sabrina Carpenter didn’t take any shortcuts when preparing for her debut headline performance at Coachella.

The pop sensation pulled out all the stops, including a meticulously crafted, doll-like makeup look created by her trusted makeup artist, Carolina Gonzalez.

Describing Carpenter as “incredibly sharp, witty, and creative,” Gonzalez shared with Page Six Style that the singer’s festival makeup represented a more mature rendition of her usual “Short n’ Sweet” style.

Having worked with Carpenter since her early days at Disney, Gonzalez has witnessed her personal and artistic growth firsthand.

“Growing up, you begin to figure out who you really are,” Gonzalez explained. “For Sabrina, that realization has come about naturally through her continuous work in the industry.”

With this growth in mind, they crafted a “modern nostalgia”-inspired look for Coachella, a concept Carpenter was deeply involved in from the beginning to the end.

“She brings her inspirations, her mood board,” Gonzalez noted. “It’s not about creating an image—she’s very clear about how she wants to present herself.”

And while you might not have access to Carpenter’s personal mood board, Gonzalez was open to sharing the secrets behind the look, providing a peek into her professional makeup kit.

Highlighting her cheeks

At Coachella, Carpenter’s playful lyrics weren’t the only highlight; her cheeks were adorned with a gradient of Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tints, specifically shades 12 and 50.5.

Despite limited opportunities for touch-ups during the performance, Gonzalez was ready during costume changes to enhance the blush.

“I keep the cheek tint on my hand, a good amount of it, along with a brush, ready for quick application,” shared Gonzalez, likening the backstage atmosphere to a high-speed pit stop in Formula 1 racing.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint

Perfecting her pout

This time around, Gonzalez and Carpenter opted for a less “mauvy berry” lip, choosing instead a mix of blush shade 13, a brick red, paired with a matching Lip Power Lipstick.

“A matte finish is preferable for performances, especially in windy conditions — gloss would cause her hair to stick,” Gonzalez explained.

Armani Beauty Lip Power Long-Lasting Lipstick in Shade 207

Foundation fundamentals

The makeup process always begins with the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, which Gonzalez uses to achieve a natural, timeless look reminiscent of iconic beauties like Jane Birkin and Catherine Deneuve.

“Their look was more raw and natural. That’s the aesthetic we aim for with Armani — beautifully polished,” Gonzalez remarked.

“It’s a far cry from the heavy makeup trends of 2020. It’s more of a classic European look,” she added.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Natural Glow Blurring Foundation

Captivating eyes

Carpenter’s eyes sparkled with a combination of four Armani Beauty Eye Tint shades. Gonzalez used 25M and 30M on the eyelids, 67S on the inner corners, and 99M as an eyeliner substitute.

“With Sabrina, I aim to accentuate her big, doll-like eyes, giving her that kitten look. She naturally has those feline features,” Gonzalez noted.

Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long-Lasting Eyeshadow

Ensuring durability

Considering the physical demands of Carpenter’s performance, which included intense dance routines and a functioning water feature, Gonzalez relied heavily on Luminous Glow Setting Powder to maintain the makeup’s integrity.

“The products are exceptionally luxurious and perform incredibly well under pressure,” she explained, noting that Carpenter looked even more radiant post-performance.

Armani Beauty Luminous Glow Setting Powder

In the end, it might have been Gonzalez who needed the waterproof makeup the most.

“Seeing the stage—even unfinished during rehearsals—moved me to tears,” she confessed.

“I always tell her how proud I am of her hard work and dedication. I’m constantly in awe of her,” Gonzalez said.

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This article was penned by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Associate Editor for Page Six. Hannah focuses on finding affordable celebrity styles, testing celebrity brands, and uncovering the beauty secrets of the red carpet. She consults with stylists and industry experts, including celebrities themselves, to bring firsthand product recommendations, trend insights, and more. In addition to her work with Page Six since 2020, her articles have appeared in USA Today and Parade.