When your glam credits include Kim K, Megan Fox, and Ariana Grande, you have all of our attention.
Ash K. Holm—celebrity makeup artist, beauty visionary, and co-founder of buzzy LA med spa Dripology—has spent years perfecting that signature lit-from-within glow that’s become red carpet canon. From the Met Gala to magazine covers, Ash’s artistry doesn’t just highlight cheekbones—it empowers.
We sat down with the glow queen herself to talk about timeless glam, bold beauty comebacks, and the power of turning passion into purpose.
Your glam looks are instantly recognizable—what’s your secret to creating that iconic, lit-from-within glow?
For me, it all starts with skin. I always prep the skin really well before I even think about foundation—that means hydration, massaging the products in, and creating a smooth canvas. I don’t believe glow comes from piling on highlighter; it comes from layering the right products in the right way.
I use lightweight, luminous foundations, cream blushes, and cream highlighters to mimic how light naturally reflects off the skin. The goal is always to enhance someone’s natural beauty so that when they look in the mirror, they feel like the best version of themselves.
How do you approach makeup differently when you’re prepping someone for the Met Gala vs. a high-fashion editorial shoot?
The Met Gala is really its own world—it’s one of the most photographed nights of the year, and it’s about making a statement that will stand the test of time. For that, I like to push myself creatively and try something that feels fresh and unexpected, but I also stay true to my tried-and-true skin products because I need to trust how everything will wear and photograph under those intense lights.
Both require a gut instinct, but the Met is more about longevity and legacy, while editorial is about art and exploration.
You co-founded a med spa, Dripology, with your husband—what was the vision behind it, and how do you juggle it all?
It’s always been a dream of ours to merge our worlds together. My husband comes from an ICU nursing background, and I’ve always been rooted in beauty and glam. With Dripology, we wanted to create a space that wasn’t just about IV therapy but also skin services, bringing together health, wellness, and beauty under one roof. Balancing it all is definitely a challenge, but when you’re passionate about what you do, it doesn’t feel like work—it feels like purpose.
What trends are you living for right now—and which ones need to retire?
I’m really excited to see eye makeup making a comeback for 2026. For a while, everything was about skin and minimalism, which I love, but eyes are such a powerful feature. Playing with color, shape, and dimension is inspiring again, and I think we’re going to see a lot more creativity in that space.
On the flip side, the “clean girl” makeup look is starting to feel a little tired. It’s beautiful and timeless, and there’s always a place for it, but I’m inspired by switching it up.
If someone’s trying to nail an “Ash K. Holm glow” at home, what are the three must-have products in their beauty bag?
First, you need a foundation that gives that lit-from-within radiance. I love Armani Luminous Silk for medium coverage or the Summer Fridays Skin Tint for a lighter, everyday glow. Second, cream blush is non-negotiable—it brings life back into the face. I’m obsessed with the Cheek Thrills palette
