Celebrity MUA Sir John Shares His Favorite Under $15 Body Care Products

There are makeup artists, and then there’s Sir John. The Harlem-born beauty professional’s impeccable artistry and endearing energy have placed him in a league of his own. His career has taken him to nearly every corner of the globe to glam the faces of Hollywood’s biggest names—from Beyoncé to Naomi Campbell to Gabrielle Union. 

Beyond his next-level skills in the makeup chair, Sir John has also established himself as a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry. As his influence and reach have grown, Sir John has intentionally partnered with makeup and skincare brands to ensure they craft products and marketing that make every consumer feel seen and celebrated. His lengthy resume includes impactful titles such as L’Oréal Paris’ first Black US creative director, CTZN Cosmetics’ chief creative officer, Kilian’s makeup creative director, and most recently, brand partner for Gold Bond. 

The accomplished MUA is particularly excited about the latter opportunity, as Gold Bond became Sports Illustrated’s first official body skin sponsor this year. To celebrate, Sir John starred in a special social series alongside iconic models Christie Brinkley, Jasmine Sanders, and Chanel Iman. “With Gold Bond, I love that there’s something for everyone in the portfolio, whether you’re eight or 88,” he says. “On set, I could tell the brand cares about the ingredients; it’s more than just a moisturizer.”

Ahead, Sir John shares more about his Gold Bond must-haves, favorite beauty products, and the self-care practices that keep him grounded.

The One Product He Loves to Use on His Body

“I’m pro-aging and love that I’m becoming more mature. But I like to use the Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Body Lotion on my neck and body. Sometimes, I’ll add a body illuminator on top of it. The Ultimate Healing Hand Cream is bomb as well. I wash my hands a lot, so they’re always dry.” 

The One Beauty Tip He Loves to Share

“I like to ensure I also have a holistic approach to my diet. I juice kale because it can help with circulation and make a detoxifying watermelon fresca. Sometimes, we all need a little concealer, too. I use Saie Beauty’s Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer.”

The One Thing He Always Keeps in His Bag 

“Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a clear lip balm. U Beauty’s The Plasma Lip Compound in Universal is my favorite.”

The One Beauty Philosophy He’s Embracing

“I’ve always been anti-trend and encouraged people to take their gaze away from the red carpets because it can be damaging to your mental health. I coined the term ‘dopamine glam’ to describe the era we’re in now. It’s about finding what speaks to you, even if it isn’t popular.”

The One Career Highlight He’s Grateful for This Year

“I’m working on a huge project that I can’t share yet, but it’s life-changing. But, one highlight that has happened so far is doing the CR Fashion Book covers with Beyoncé. I love seeing her, and she gets me into such a creative space. Working with Sports Illustrated and getting to art direct the makeup was also fun. I’m also doing podcasts, like Brooke Devard’s Naked Beauty Podcast.”

The One Thing He Does for Self-Care

“When I think about self-care, mental health is the first thing that comes to mind. I want to look good and feel sexy for a long time, but it’s more about checking in with myself to make sure I’m processing things and leaving them behind. I want to make sure I’m not accumulating trauma. I ask myself daily questions like, ‘What am I feeling?’ or ‘What do I need to let go of?'”