Sarah Tanno spills the inside details
Last night the Metropolitan Museum of Art was transformed into a campy extravaganza for the annual Met Gala fundraiser. Amongst the fever dream of tulle, glitter, and feathers was Lady Gaga, co-host and camp queen. In a 20-minute entrance cum performance piece involving an entourage of umbrella-toting men and four outfit changes, Gaga stripped to her underwear and writhed around on the stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art – a true embodiment of camp’s rejection high art and revelry in the tawdry.
Of course, no camp look can be complete without the beauty to match and Gaga was no exception. Hot pink Barbie lips, a blonde bob decorated with mini blonde bows, and, the star of the show, fluttering supersized, metallic gold lashes, and gem tear-drops under her eyes.
The brains behind the look was Gaga’s longtime make-up artist Sarah Tanno, who has been with the singer full-time since 2014, at her side through tours, Oscar ceremonies and, of course, A Star is Born. We caught up with Tanno to find out more about what inspired the look and how you can recreate it at home.
What’s it like working with Lady Gaga?
Sarah Tanno: Gaga is my muse, my inspiration and one of my best friends. The best part of working on A Star Is Born was watching her become a movie star. A dream she’s had since she was a theatre kid.
What were some of your initial thoughts when you heard the Met Gala theme this year?
Sarah Tanno: I couldn't be more excited. This is my wheelhouse. I'm really proud of what Gaga, the team and I put together.
What were your inspirations?
Sarah Tanno: I started out doing my homework reading Notes on "Camp" by Susan Sontag. "The way of Camp is not in terms of beauty but in the terms of the degree of artifice of stylization." Her notes really helped with my direction. For make-up, the first references that came to mind were early 2000's Dior by Galliano shows. I have always loved that make-up. I was influenced by the exaggeration and textures in the make-up.
What products did you use?
Sarah Tanno: Prepping the skin is always the most important step in any make-up no matter how clean or how intense. I started with the first ever Marc Jacobs Beauty skincare called "Youthquake" moisturizer. It’s the perfect start to add hydration and plump the skin before make-up. I used the Accomplice concealers instead of a foundation and topped with the Accomplice powder for a soft focus natural glow. Because the eye make-up was so intense I needed to make sure the skin was balanced and beautiful. I used Highliner Gel Crayons on her eyes. Shade "Pink of me" in the waterline to exaggerate. I defined and lined the eyes with Blaquer and then went over with Magic Marc'er in Blaquer. Velvet Noir to coat the lashes before I apply the hand made lashes. Lips were Liquid Lip Crayon in Flaming-Oh! and topped with Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss Stick in Sweet Escape!
What product could you not live without?
Sarah Tanno: Velvet Noir mascara.
What would you say is the highlight of your career so far?
Sarah Tanno: The highlight of my was this past February when I stood side stage when Gaga won her first Oscar. I will never forget the look on her face after she won and that was the most rewarding thing for me.
And finally, If you could do anyone’s make-up who would you do?
Sarah Tanno: I already do!