In the world of high-profile events, where every detail matters, the art of makeup artistry takes center stage. As the makeup artist for Lupita Nyong'o's journey through The Odyssey's press tour, I had the privilege of crafting looks that not only complemented her stunning presence but also withstood the challenges of international travel and varying climates. From the red carpets of London, Paris, and New York, let's delve into the secrets behind each captivating look, the products used, and the inspiration drawn from iconic figures of the past and present.
Skin Prep: The Foundation of a Flawless Look
Before any makeup application, skin prep is paramount. For Lupita's journey, I relied on a few essential products to ensure her complexion was ready to glow. The first step was a gentle toner, the Kalkay Wild Rose Refreshing Toner, an Indigenous brand that Lily Gladstone introduced me to during her Oscars season. Its refreshing scent and gentle formula are perfect for waking up the senses before starting the makeup routine. Following this, I used the ZIIP Halo Microcurrent Device, a game-changer for achieving a radiant glow. Its four-minute facial feature not only gave the skin a boost but also ensured that the hairdresser, manicurist, and stylist didn't have to worry about time constraints.
For exfoliation, I turned to Lisa Eldridge's Luxuriously Gentle Cleansing and Exfoliating Cloths. Soaking them in warm water and gently scrubbing the face, neck, and lips in circular motions helped polish the skin and remove any dry patches. Lastly, I applied Chanel Sublimage Le Sérum, La Crème, La Crème Yeux, and Lip Oil to prep Lupita's skin, ensuring a smooth canvas for the upcoming makeup application.
London Premiere Look: A Vintage Vamp
For the London premiere, I drew inspiration from Hollywood's very first Vamp screen persona, Theda Bara, and later photographs of Marilyn Monroe dressed up as Theda Bara by photographer Richard Avedon from 1958. The Silver Christian Cowen dress demanded a sultry, dark, and vampy look. I created defined eyes and lips with a muted color palette, keeping the focus on the fresh, glowing skin. The standout products came from Lisa Eldridge, with the Elevated Glow Balm in High Key Light adding a golden highlighter on the top of cheeks and brow bones, as well as the shoulders, for a candlelit glow.
Paris Premiere Look: A Cat Woman's Nod
In Paris, Lupita's flaming red Chanel see-through red dress called for a makeup look that paid homage to Eartha Kitt's famous Cat Woman character. I paired the eye makeup with deep-red lipstick and gold sparkles on the skin for extra drama and theatrics. Starting with Chanel's Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint and Sublimage L'Essence De Teint Longwear Foundation, I achieved the perfect amount of glow and radiance. The Joues Contrast Cream to Powder Blush in Grenat Profond added a hint of flush to the cheeks.
New York City Premiere Look: Old Hollywood Glamour
For the New York City premiere, the regal gold lace Nicholas Oakwood Haute Couture and the Sabyasachi necklace evoked the glamorous femme fatales of the 1950s and 1960s. I created a 60s-inspired look with winged liner, a defined crease, and gold details. T-beauty eyeliners and Danessa Myricks Colorfix Pigment in Goldmine added a touch of highlight to the eyes, tying in with Lupita's gold gown. The I-ENVY The Classic Timeless Wispy False Lashes and The Cluster Palette provided drama without overwhelming the gold details.
Heatwave Survival Kit: Setting Spray and Blotting Sheets
As the press tour coincided with a summer heat wave, I had to ensure that the makeup stayed in place. Mehron's Touch Up Anti-Shine, a Theatre/Cinema backstage brand, was my go-to for shine control. A little bit goes a long way, and the shade Dark worked wonders for Lupita's deep skin tone. I also relied on Mistine's Matte Setting Spray to lock in the look, focusing more on the T-zone for a matte and polished finish while keeping the rest of the face glowy. Lastly, Payot's Absorbing Blotting Sheets were essential for touch-ups, keeping the skin fresh-looking in the heat.
In the world of high-profile events, where every detail matters, the art of makeup artistry takes center stage. As the makeup artist for Lupita Nyong'o's journey through The Odyssey's press tour, I had the privilege of crafting looks that not only complemented her stunning presence but also withstood the challenges of international travel and varying climates. From the red carpets of London, Paris, and New York, let's delve into the secrets behind each captivating look, the products used, and the inspiration drawn from iconic figures of the past and present.
