24-06-2025
Makeup Maven Jillian Dempsey Reveals Exactly How She Perfected an Iconic Product
Kristen Stewart at a special screening of 'Love Me' in Los Angeles with makeup done by Jillian Dempsey. Photo by Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
When Jillian Dempsey launched her eponymous makeup line ten years ago, she knew one thing: The line had to have eyeliner. 'It ranks as a mandatory must,' says the celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur (who launched Jillian Dempsey Beauty in 2015 as well as Delux Beauty, an early aughts indie fave, with her sister Kristen Fink Mason, in 1999.)
It makes sense that eyeliner is Dempsey's favorite product. Some of the makeup artist's most iconic looks on her celeb clients — including Kristen Stewart, Kirsten Dunst and Emilia Clarke — revolve around a smoky, smudgy, high-impact eye. Courtesy of Jillian Dempsey
But what makes an eyeliner stand out? For Dempsey, that meant an intensely pigmented khol formula that would deliver major color, and malleable enough to be infinitely smudgeable for a variety of looks. A built-in smudger on one end was essential to the design. It also had to be waterproof and a clean formula, of course. Courtesy of Jillian Dempsey
To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the launch of Jillian Dempsey Clean Beauty which catapulted Khôl Eyeliner into the zeitgeist, the brand is offering The KH10L Kit, a limited-edition makeup bag with Khôl Eyeliner in Jet Black and Rich Brown (the two original shades) and a Khôl Eyeliner Sharpener at a 20% off value. And, even better, for the first time ever, Dempsey is sharing, exclusively with GRAZIA, her hand-drawn inspiration for the product.
While the launch of Khôl Eyeliner included Jet Black and Rich Brown, Dempsey quickly added Deep Burgundy and a deep navy called Black Sapphire. More recently, she added colorful options, a cool white called FTA White and Chimpy Blue, a rich robin's egg hue named for beauty BFF and fellow makeup artist Molly Stern.
In an exclusive interview, Dempsey shares more of her eyeliner gospel. GRAZIA: How have eyeliner trends changed over the past ten years?
JILLIAN DEMPSEY: Eyeliner is still used in similar ways, depending on the look you're going for. The fundamentals haven't changed much. It's still all about definition around the eyes that complements your shape. Big round-shaped eyes can wear more eyeliner while smaller-shaped eyes need a more strategic application, but whether a cat eye, a slightly blended upper or lower lid line, or a strong waterline, we continue to see these staple styles. What has changed is the range of eyeliner shades now available. GRAZIA: What is the eyeliner look of the moment?
DEMPSEY: I'm always a sucker for a softly, smudged look no matter what. It's an eyeliner look that looks great on almost everyone. GRAZIA:What do you think a 'done' eye says about the wearer?
DEMPSEY: Strength. The eyes have it. I love a bold and courageous look. If done right, eyeliners create an unbelievable look of contour and highlight – all in one. GRAZIA: How has eyeliner formula evolved since the Delux days?
DEMPSEY: When I had my Delux Beauty line, most people weren't talking about clean beauty and the ingredients in cosmetics. My goal when creating Jillian Dempsey Beauty, was to create a line eliminating any harmful ingredients and produce clean beauty products without compromising the quality. When developing the clean formula for Khôl, I was sure I would have to make some adjustments to the pigment, but who knew the pigment and quality would be equal (if not better) than what I had produced before! GRAZIA: Has your attitude or beliefs about eyeliner evolved over the 10 years of Jillian Dempsey?
DEMPSEY: Eyeliner has always been, and still is, a daily essential for me. I have pencils stashed everywhere I go, and they are usually sharpened right down to nub. I've always preferred soft, easy-to-use formulas that glide on effortlessly which is why my Khôl Eyeliners are my true 'can't-live-without' product. The formula also hasn't changed in 10 years so that's saying something.
