The 35 Most High-Maintenance Celebs Per Makeup Artists’ Tales

Behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, makeup artists and stylists often manage more than just brushes and palettes. Many high-profile celebrities have gained reputations for their extensive riders and specific demands during the preparation process. These requirements range from lighting adjustments to strict rules regarding communication and product selection. Understanding these anecdotes provides insight into the meticulous nature of celebrity image-making.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is widely recognized in the industry for her specific requirements during public appearances and music video shoots. Makeup artists have reported that she prefers to be filmed from her “good side” and often requires specific lighting to minimize shadows. During her time on ‘American Idol’ (2002–), reports surfaced regarding her need for constant touch-ups and specific fan placements to keep her hair in motion. She has also been known to request that someone hold her drink while she undergoes glam sessions to avoid smudging her lipstick. Her dedication to her image ensures that every public appearance meets her exacting standards.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is frequently cited by industry professionals for her extensive requirements during professional appearances and tours. Reports from stylists indicate she often requests all-white dressing rooms decorated with white roses and lilies. Makeup artists have noted her preference for specific lighting setups to ensure her signature glow is captured perfectly. She also reportedly insists on a specific temperature being maintained in any room where she is getting ready. This attention to detail extends to the specific brands of luxury candles that must be burning during her preparation.

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell is known for her disciplined approach to her public image and has several strict rules for her beauty team. Makeup artists have shared stories about her insistence on complete cleanliness, often requiring surfaces to be sanitized before she sits down. She is also known for having a specific sequence in which products must be applied to her skin. Industry professionals have noted that she possesses an immense knowledge of lighting and photography, often directing the technical aspects of a shoot herself. Her high standards have been a hallmark of her decades-long career in the fashion industry.

Madonna

Madonna has maintained a reputation for being incredibly meticulous about her appearance during her long career in music and film. Makeup artists who have worked on her tours, such as those documented in ‘Madonna: Truth or Dare’ (1991), mention her requirement for new toilet seats at every venue. Regarding her makeup, she often demands specific, rare skincare products and intense lighting to ensure her complexion looks flawless. She is also known to have a “no-talk” rule during certain parts of her application process to maintain focus. These protocols are designed to ensure she is physically and mentally prepared for her high-energy performances.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande has a well-documented preference for being photographed and filmed from the left side of her face. Makeup artists and photographers must adjust their entire setups to accommodate this specific requirement during shoots. There have been reports of her team requesting that professional photographers delete any photos that do not meet her approval regarding this angle. Her signature ponytail also requires significant upkeep and specific products to maintain its sleek appearance throughout long events. These requirements have become a consistent part of her professional reputation in the music industry.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian is known for her lengthy glam sessions, which can reportedly last several hours depending on the event. Makeup artists have shared that she is very involved in the process, often providing specific feedback on contouring and highlighting techniques. During her time on ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ (2007–2021), her commitment to her aesthetic became a central part of her public persona. She often travels with a full “glam squad” to ensure she looks camera-ready at all times. This level of maintenance is part of her strategy for maintaining a consistent brand image across social media and television.

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl gained a reputation for being difficult on sets like ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–) due to her specific demands regarding scripts and wardrobe. Makeup artists have also reported that she can be very vocal about her dissatisfaction with certain looks or products. Industry stories suggest she has walked away from chairs if the environment does not meet her expectations. This behavior reportedly extended to her time on film sets, where she was known to question the creative choices of the crew. Her reputation for high maintenance has been a topic of discussion among industry insiders for many years.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele faced public scrutiny following reports from former colleagues on ‘Glee’ (2009–2015) about her behavior on set. Makeup artists and crew members have described her as having a demanding presence that could make the work environment tense. She reportedly had specific rules about who could speak to her during her morning preparation. Some stories suggest she would show frustration if the process took longer than she anticipated. These anecdotes contributed to a narrative about her being one of the more challenging personalities to work with in television.

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera is known for her love of dramatic makeup looks, which often require extensive time and precision. Makeup artists have noted that she is very specific about the shades of red used for her lips and the intensity of her eye makeup. During her tenure on ‘The Voice’ (2011–), her glam team reportedly had to be available for constant adjustments between takes. She has also been described as having a strong personality that requires a makeup artist who can handle direct and firm feedback. Her commitment to a bold aesthetic necessitates a high level of maintenance from her staff.

Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand is legendary for her attention to detail, particularly regarding how she is lit on stage and in film. She famously requires that she be filmed from her preferred side to ensure her features are captured as she desires. Makeup artists have noted that she has a deep understanding of color theory and will often correct the placement of shadows or highlights herself. Stories from sets like ‘The Way We Were’ (1973) highlight her insistence on perfection in every frame. This level of control has helped her maintain a consistent and iconic image throughout her career.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is known for her transformative and often avant-garde looks that require hours of preparation. Makeup artists working on her tours or for films like ‘A Star Is Born’ (2018) must deal with complex prosthetics and heavy stage makeup. She reportedly has a very high pain threshold for uncomfortable costumes but expects her glam team to work with extreme speed and precision. During her preparation, she often stays in character, which can make the environment more intense for those working around her. Her high-maintenance reputation stems from the sheer complexity of her visual presentations.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé is known for her professionalism, but her riders often include very specific requests for her dressing room and glam area. Reports indicate she requires the room to be set to a specific temperature and furnished with specific types of seating. Makeup artists have shared that she prefers a calm environment with minimal distractions while she is being prepared for a show. She is also known for having a “no-camera” policy during her private prep time to ensure total privacy. Her team must adhere to a strict schedule to ensure her performances, like those in ‘Homecoming’ (2019), go off without a hitch.

Rihanna

Rihanna is often reported to be late for appointments, which can create a high-pressure environment for makeup artists. Once she arrives, she is known to be very involved in the creative process, often experimenting with bold colors and textures. As the founder of ‘Fenty Beauty’, she has an expert-level knowledge of products and expects her artists to be equally informed. She reportedly enjoys a lively atmosphere during her glam sessions, which can sometimes delay the process further. Despite the time challenges, her artists often praise her for her creative vision and final results.

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham is known for her polished and sophisticated look, which requires a very disciplined approach from her beauty team. Makeup artists have noted that she prefers a quiet and professional environment while she is getting ready. She reportedly has a list of approved products and rarely deviates from her signature neutral palette. Her transition from ‘Spice Girls’ (1994–2000) star to a fashion mogul has only increased her focus on a perfect aesthetic. She is said to be very punctual and expects the same level of professionalism from everyone on her staff.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj is known for her vibrant and ever-changing looks, which require a team that can handle rapid transitions. Makeup artists have reported that she is very specific about the application of her lashes and the precision of her lip liner. She also reportedly requires assistance with small tasks, like inserting contact lenses, during her glam sessions. Her riders often include specific requests for snacks and beverages that must be available at all times. The high-energy nature of her brand means her beauty team must be prepared for long hours and frequent changes.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow has a reputation for being very specific about the ingredients in the products used on her skin. Makeup artists have shared that she often brings her own products from her brand ‘Goop’ to ensure they meet her clean beauty standards. She reportedly insists on specific types of alkaline water being available during her preparation. Her focus on wellness extends to the atmosphere of the room, which she prefers to be scent-free and quiet. While she is described as polite, her exacting standards for health and purity make her a high-maintenance client.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry is known for her colorful and whimsical stage personas, which require significant work from her beauty team. Her riders reportedly include specific instructions for floral arrangements, explicitly stating that carnations are not allowed. Makeup artists must be prepared for elaborate costume changes that involve quick-change makeup and hair adjustments. During her time on ‘American Idol’ (2002–), her team had to manage the logistical challenge of her often bulky and complex outfits. She is known to be very particular about the organization of her dressing room and makeup kits.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber has had various reports regarding his behavior toward staff during his younger years on tour. Makeup artists and stylists have shared that he would sometimes refuse to sit still or follow the planned schedule for the day. His riders have included requests for specific snacks, such as Ritz Bitz and Swedish Fish, to be available at all times. There were also reports that he preferred a “no-talking” rule during certain parts of his grooming process. As he has matured, some of these demands have reportedly softened, but his early reputation remains a topic of industry lore.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is known for her highly curated image and her dedication to her “signature” looks, such as her classic red lip. Makeup artists have reported that she is very private and maintains a small, trusted circle of professionals who work on her. During tours like ‘The Eras Tour’ (2023–2024), her team must ensure her makeup is completely waterproof and sweatproof to last through three-hour sets. She is also reported to be very specific about the lighting in her dressing areas to ensure her appearance is consistent for filming. Her level of preparation is a key component of her massive touring operations.

Cher

Cher is an icon of transformation, and her makeup artists must be experts in both traditional and theatrical techniques. She is known for having an extensive collection of wigs that require their own specialized maintenance and styling. Makeup artists have shared that she is very knowledgeable about how to highlight her features for television versus live performance. She has a reputation for being very firm about what works for her face and what does not. Her decades of experience in ‘The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour’ (1971–1974) and on film sets have made her an expert in the craft of beauty.

Céline Dion

Celine Dion is incredibly protective of her voice and her physical health, which influences her makeup sessions. She reportedly requires strict humidity controls in any room where she is preparing to ensure her vocal cords remain hydrated. Makeup artists have noted that she prefers to remain relatively still and quiet to save her energy for her performances. She is very particular about the products used near her eyes and throat to avoid any potential irritants. Her professionalism is legendary, but the environment must be perfectly calibrated to her needs.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway has a reputation for being very specific about the temperature and quality of the food provided on set. This attention to detail reportedly extends to her makeup chair, where she expects a high level of technical proficiency. During the filming of ‘Les Misérables’ (2012), she had to undergo significant physical transformations that required close coordination with her glam team. Some industry stories suggest she is very vocal if she feels a look is not progressing according to the established vision. Her focus is always on the final product and how it serves her performance.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively is known for her iconic hair and often works closely with her stylists to achieve a specific “undone” but perfect look. Makeup artists have shared that she is very involved in choosing the color palettes for her red carpet appearances. She reportedly prefers a very natural-looking base and is specific about the texture of the skin products used. During her time on ‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012), she was known for having a strong sense of personal style that she brought to the character. Her high maintenance comes from her desire for perfection in every detail of her aesthetic.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox is known for her striking features, and her makeup artists are often tasked with creating high-glamour looks. She reportedly has a very specific routine for skin preparation that must be followed before any makeup is applied. Industry professionals have noted that she is very aware of how she appears on camera and will request adjustments to her eyeliner or contour. She is also said to be very particular about the lighting in her trailers. Her focused approach ensures that her public image remains consistent with her brand.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is known for her minimalist but highly calculated approach to beauty. Makeup artists have shared that she often prefers to use a very limited range of products that she knows work for her skin. She is reported to be very punctual and expects her team to work with a high level of efficiency and quiet professionalism. Despite her minimalist aesthetic, the precision required to achieve her “no-makeup” look for films like ‘Maleficent’ (2014) is significant. She is said to have a very calm but commanding presence in the makeup chair.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is famous for his intense work ethic and his involvement in every aspect of his film productions. Makeup artists working on the ‘Mission: Impossible’ (1996–) franchise have noted that he follows strict protocols for grooming and sun protection. He reportedly requires that his team be available at all hours to accommodate his rigorous filming schedules. His focus on maintaining a consistent look for his characters means that even minor adjustments are carefully scrutinized. This dedication to his craft makes him a demanding but highly professional client.

George Clooney

George Clooney is generally known for being charismatic, but he is also reported to be very specific about his logistical needs. Makeup artists have shared that he expects his trailers to be outfitted with specific amenities to ensure comfort during long days. He is also very particular about the time spent in the makeup chair, preferring a quick and efficient grooming process. During the filming of ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ (2001), he was known for maintaining a professional but high-standard environment for his crew. His maintenance is more about efficiency and respect for his time than elaborate beauty requests.

Shania Twain

Shania Twain is reported to have specific requirements for the scents used in her dressing rooms and trailers. Makeup artists have noted that she prefers a completely fragrance-free environment to avoid any issues with her voice or allergies. She also reportedly requests that certain types of flowers be present in her workspace, but they must not have a strong odor. Her beauty routine is focused on longevity, especially for her high-energy residency shows in Las Vegas. These requirements are essential for her comfort and performance quality.

Adele

Adele is known for her signature winged eyeliner, a look that requires a high degree of skill and precision from her makeup artists. She reportedly enjoys a relaxed atmosphere during her glam sessions, often including tea and light conversation. However, she is very firm about the quality of the products used, especially regarding their staying power during emotional performances. During her ‘Adele Live’ (2016) tour, her team had to be ready for quick touch-ups to maintain her polished appearance. Her maintenance is centered on achieving a classic, unchanging aesthetic.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey has maintained a consistent and professional image for decades, which requires a very loyal and skilled beauty team. She reportedly insists on consistency and often works with the same individuals for years to ensure her look never falters. Makeup artists have shared that she is very specific about the lighting in her studios to ensure she looks her best on camera. During the run of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ (1986–2011), her glam sessions were carefully scheduled to fit her busy production timeline. She values reliability and technical excellence above all else.

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart is known for her perfectionism in all areas of her life, including her personal grooming. Makeup artists have reported that she is very knowledgeable about the chemistry of products and will question the ingredients used. She reportedly prefers a very specific texture for her foundations to ensure they look natural under harsh studio lights. Her experience on ‘Martha’ (2005–2012) and other programs has made her an expert on her own angles and lighting needs. She expects her beauty team to be as prepared and professional as she is.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock is known for being very detail-oriented regarding her appearance in films and on the red carpet. Makeup artists have noted that she is particularly concerned with how shadows fall on her face and will work with the lighting crew to adjust. She reportedly prefers a collaborative environment where she can provide input on the final look. During the filming of ‘Gravity’ (2013), her makeup had to be carefully managed to look realistic under unique lighting conditions. Her high maintenance is a reflection of her dedication to the visual integrity of her films.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore has a reputation for being very focused on maintaining a youthful and vibrant appearance. Makeup artists have shared stories about her interest in the latest skincare technologies and high-end products. She reportedly spends a significant amount of time on skin preparation before any actual makeup application begins. Her red carpet looks are often the result of hours of careful planning and execution by a large team. This commitment to her aesthetic has been a constant throughout her career in films like ‘Ghost’ (1990).

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone is known for her strong personality and her specific demands regarding lighting and wardrobe. Makeup artists have reported that she can be very vocal if she feels a look does not capture the “star” quality she desires. She reportedly insists on being consulted on every detail of her hair and makeup for public events. During the production of ‘Basic Instinct’ (1992), her image was a central part of her character’s power, and she has maintained that focus ever since. She expects a high level of deference and expertise from her glam squad.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan gained a reputation early in her career for being difficult to schedule due to frequent tardiness. Makeup artists have shared that this often resulted in having to complete complex looks in a very short amount of time. Reports from the set of ‘Liz & Dick’ (2012) indicated that her preparation time could be unpredictable, leading to stress for the crew. She was also known to be very specific about her tanning and makeup products, often requesting specific brands. Her high-maintenance reputation is largely tied to the logistical challenges of working with her.

Please share your thoughts on these celebrity stories in the comments.