Kaia Gerber reveals a soft spot for skinny brows, even though she has grown up alongside Cindy Crawford’s iconic, fuller arches. The 24-year-old model and actress explains she wouldn’t rule out trying thinner brows, though she’s not ready to overhaul her natural look just yet. “I’d love to experiment with slim brows,” she says, then humorously warns me not to take cues from my own early-2000s mistakes. “I did a bit of thinning for a project once and kept them that way, but I naturally have very thick brows.” Instead of shaving them down, she plans to recreate the effect with makeup, using her favorite concealer, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, while she headlines the brand’s new ambassador role.
If asked which makeup brand she could rely on for life, her answer is unequivocal: NARS. She praises the thrill of collaborating with a company she genuinely admires and notes how surreal it feels to see familiar products on set during shoots.
We caught up with Gerber to talk all things makeup—from her desert-island essentials to why she embraces the ritual of getting ready and cherishes her love of “being a girl.”
Why now, and why NARS, given your long-standing connection with François Nars?
I was thrilled when NARS asked me to partner with them. I’ve known François for years—he cast me in Persona when I was about 13 or 14—so our history runs deep. Any moment to work with him would have felt meaningful, but this particular moment in my life feels especially destined.
What was your first brush with NARS products, and which one became a lifelong favorite?
For many people I’ve spoken with, NARS serves as a gateway to makeup, and I’m no exception. The Radiant Creamy Concealer was the first product I bought, and it’s still a staple in my routine. I’m proud of the 13-year-old me for picking a winner that still holds up. NARS products are straightforward, versatile, and accommodate a range of skin tones across the seasons. My routine has matured, but the core product lineup—especially the concealer—remains a trusted constant.
How has your makeup taste evolved over the years?
I’ve never been drawn to bold, overly colorful looks. I tend to favor natural hues with a hint of smoke. As I’ve grown, I’ve fallen more in love with makeup as an art and ritual. When I was younger and modeling, makeup stayed mostly at work; now I fully enjoy the process of getting ready. It’s become a daily practice I cherish, almost like meditation—especially when shared with friends. I’ve come to believe makeup isn’t solely for others’ impressions; many women wear it for themselves, including me.
Do you have a favorite getting-ready ritual?
Music is always part of the routine. Lately, I’ve had Rent as my soundtrack, which is delightfully unexpected. I like curling my hair while I apply makeup—the curlers feel somehow right for the moment. I schedule plenty of time so there’s no rush, and I enjoy chatting with someone while I get ready. A friend or even a guy friend can sit nearby and keep me company during the routine.
Where do you draw inspiration for your makeup looks?
A lot of inspiration comes from the artists who work with me. I’ve been lucky to collaborate with amazing makeup artists like Nina Park, who has been part of my look for over a decade, and Diane Kendall, who works closely with François. They’ve helped shape my sense of beauty. I’m always curious on set, asking what products are being used and why—they’re essentially teaching me as I watch.
You’ve had a long collaboration with François since Persona. What does reuniting in this ambassador role feel like?
François has elevated beauty to a celebratory, artistic space. NARS’s approach centers on enhancing rather than concealing, a philosophy I’ve always admired. His eye for color is exceptional—color payoff and pigment matter just as much as formula, which is why I keep returning to NARS blushes. Even when I explore other brands, I often circle back because the shades stay perfect.
Do you have a piece of beauty wisdom that has stuck with you?
One enduring lesson is to figure out what you feel best in. My mom always said less is more, a principle that still resonates: makeup can be an extension of who you are, rather than a mask you wear.
What product could you not live without?
There are many, but the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is near the top. I wear it constantly, almost 24/7, except when I’m sleeping. I’m also a blush devotee; I’ve loved the Orgasm shade since I was 12, and that duo of concealer and blush has shaped my desert-island lineup. I’m grateful my mom exposed me to such refined taste in makeup.
Is there a makeup trend you’d like to try—or one you’d avoid?
I’m genuinely fond of the skinny brow trend, though I’m cautious about trying it because I worry about regrowth and over-plucking. I can simulate the look with makeup, but I’m wary of tweezers—especially during certain times of the month. A magnifying mirror is my worst enemy, so I’m trying to wean myself off it. Beyond that, I’ve worn looks on set that I’d never personally wear, only to find I actually like them once I see the result. If you have a take on skinny brows or any other trend, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
