When someone’s selfie makes you scroll back, you want to know the beauty products responsible for the double take. Inquiring minds get answers with TZR’s The High/Low series, where we ask our favorite tastemakers to reveal both the splurge-worthy and wildly affordable staples in their routines.
For musician and visual artist Kilo Kish, music isn’t just about a melody, and art isn’t just about the optics, her focus is on the story. These mediums hold so much power in how they can uncover or display someone’s relationship with themself and the outside world. And, she takes this to heart in her 2022 album American Girl. In this body of work, the innovator explores themes of the American dream and how the concept of Americana impacted parts of her identity like community and beauty. And, the album cover reflects these ideals. Dressed in a reflective silver dress with matching eyeshadow, she appears glitzy and glamorous. But, for her next project, an EP, Kish says the vision goes in the opposite direction with a very pared down and plain mood board.
“[It’s] quite minimal and not at all glam,” Kish tells TZR. “I am quite inspired by bare face, Helmut Lang, Jil Sander, and Calvin Klein in the ‘90s.”
While the details are under wraps for now, the collection of songs is sure to inspire fans and listeners in many ways, but Kish herself says that working on this venture has influenced her current beauty routine. “My new music or the projects I’m working on always inspire where I am going next,” she says. “I prefer to keep [my routine] simple and am always looking to simplify my process.”
As for what she actually uses, makeup centers on multi-function, her go-to hair products target easy maintenance, skin care is very gentle, and her fragrance choices lean towards earthy notes. Plus, she’s not partial to either drugstore or prestige options, combining the two price points to create a well-rounded regimen.
To find out exactly what’s in her downsized routine, TZR spoke to Kish to share her holy grail products that are both above and below $25. Find all the details on her favorite picks below.
Kilo Kish’s Favorites Over $25
Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
With medium coverage and a natural finish, this oil-free foundation brings a subtle, radiant glow to your face while offering the right amount of coverage. “[It’s] light and easy [for] when you want a super even skin tone,” says Kish.
Armani Beauty –
LES BEIGES Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid
Craving luminosity? The pearlescent luster of the Chanel Highlighting Fluid gives you a healthy shine without being too glittery. “I love [adding] this on the eyes and cheeks to look alive,” Kish shares.
Chanel –
Mini Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
Infused with argan and jasmine oils, Oribe’s Nourishing Hair Oil will reduce frizz and soften your strands while also protecting your hair from UV Rays. “[This is] amazing for doing a blow dry at home,” says Kish.
Oribe –
Monocle Edition Scent One: Hinoki Eau de Toilette
Notes of cypress, cedarwood, and treemoss make this androgynous Comme des Garçons fragrance perfect for those who gravitate towards earthy scents. “[It] smells like the forest,” says Kish.
Comme des Garçons Parfums –
Undaria Algae Body Oil
For deep hydration and skin firming, try Osea’s fast-absorbing & non-greasy Algae Body Oil. “[I use] this when getting out of the shower,” says Kish. It visibly improves the skin’s elasticity while simultaneously restoring the moisture barrier.
Osea –Kilo Kish’s Favorites Under $25
Big Poppa Define Gel
“Day to day, I’ve been doing twists in a bob, which get more textural and fuzzy as the weeks go on,” says Kish. “I love [using this] after I wash my hair to define my curls.”
The Doux –
Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream
This plant extract face cream provides ideal face hydration without feeling too heavy or clogging your pores. “[I use this face cream] on the plane or when my skin is stressed,” she says.
Weleda –
Velvet Cleansing Milk
The Stratia Velvet Cleansing Milk is a dry skin girl’s best friend. This non-foaming formula rids the skin of impurities without sacrificing moisture. “This my favorite face wash. It gets all my makeup off without stripping my skin,” says Kish.
Stratia –
Stretch Balm Concealer
Glossier’s Stretch Balm Concealer supplies light coverage that looks natural, and glowy. It looks like your skin, just slightly more even. “[This concealer is] light and buildable for when I need a refresh under my eyes,” Kish shares.
Glossier –
Lip Shimmer Fig
“I tend to not wear any [makeup] day to day, and lean more on moisturizer and a tinted lip gloss, which I also brush onto my cheeks,” says Kish. “[This is a] good lip and cheek [tint] when in a pinch.”
Burt’s Bees –
