A career milestone, a little makeup magic, and plenty of beauty talk.

It’s officially Emmy season, and this year we have someone extra special to root for. Celebrity makeup artist and WIB founder Leah Rial has earned her first Emmy nomination for her work as Sharon Stone’s personal makeup artist on Euphoria. We caught up with Leah to talk about creating the look for Stone’s character, Patty Lance, the lessons she’s picked up throughout her incredible career, and—because we know Leah loves her products—the three beauty must-haves she’s currently obsessed with.

First things first — your first Emmy nomination! Where were you when you found out, and what was going through your head?
I was driving looking for succulents to prune in the hills to plant at my rental house, when Aaron, who was the first team AD on Euphoria, texted me.

You’ve built such an incredible career as a makeup artist. Looking back, are there any moments or jobs that really stand out as shaping your journey?
Moments that stand out to me as working Makeup Artist would include getting to work with Ben Affleck before Good Will Hunting, Olivia de Havilland at age 95, the cover of Jagged Little Pill album with Alanis Morrisette, and Donald Sutherland for his honorary Oscar.

How did you approach creating Sharon Stone’s makeup look for her Euphoria character, Patty Lance? What went into developing the look?
Developing the look for Euphoria was a collaboration with Sharon, who had definite ideas about what she wanted for each character.

We both adore Dior Beauty products, so we leaned heavily on them for Patty’s look. We used Dior Forever Glow Star Filter Foundation and Forever Skin Contour Stick. She likes a matte eye, so we used the Dior 5 Couleurs palette in Rosa Mutabilis 823, HUDA Beauty Matte Obsessions, and Diorshow Stylo in 176 Matte Purple. For brows, we used Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer and Brow Freeze Wax, along with Sharon’s personal favorite, Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Sculpt Mascara.

I began my career working at a Dior cosmetics counter in a department store, so I was excited to be able to use so many of their products on her. I love their range of colors. Dior Beauty encapsulates that ultimate, aspirational beauty aesthetic—from Dior’s personal story to his creation of the New Look. Dior Beauty has always had the most elegantly curated colors, and their eyeshadow palettes are blended to create such interesting combinations for application.

And Dior lips are simply the most beautiful when it comes to that creamy, dreamy pillow lip. Nothing compares to Rouge Dior702 Icone and that was one of the colors we featured on Sharon’s character, Patty.

As for me, I think I’m going to wear Rouge Dior 818 Be Loved on Sunday for the Creative Emmys!

How do you think you’ve evolved as an artist throughout your career? Is there anything you know now that you wish you’d known when you were starting out? Please divulge any advice.
If I could turn back time, I would tell younger artist Leah to lean into her artistry, her industry, her spirit, and her values. We all suffer from insecurity, imposter syndrome…and the “what ifs”! This industry brings together people who are creative, industrious, caring, and—most of the time—professional.

Words of advice: you can’t control the stress of THEIR day, but you can control the stress of YOURS. On time is 15 minutes early. That’s the easiest way to simplify your day. Don’t be the person rushing in the door complaining about Los Angeles traffic!

A couple of years ago, rather than thinking of washing my brushes as a task, I started thinking of it as a privilege and thanking them. I honestly think to myself—and sometimes say it aloud—“Thank you, brushes, for helping me with my work. When you look good, I look good.”

When you’re working on a show/film/red carpet/shoot, connect with the Wardrobe Stylist or Costume Designer who has been on the job most likely longer than you have. Collaborating with them will feel good to everyone. If they show up with a mood board that doesn’t work for your client’s skin tone, age, or your aesthetic, then that collaboration becomes even more important.

And I wish I had understood that being big-hearted wasn’t my weakness, but my superpower. I just had to learn how to channel it properly.

Okay we know you love your products so we have to ask - what are the three products you’re obsessed with right now and always have in your kit?
These are my kit must-haves: Chantecaille Bio Lifting Concealer because it almost feels like a serum eye cream and concealer combined. It does not go into the fine lines and it rides on the skin beautifully, Half Magic VELVET FLIK Longwear Wing + Waterline Eyeliner Pencil is somehow like a liquid in a very fine crayon, and the Clarins Water Lip Stain Matte is a tint that appears natural and lasts without looking or feeling dry.