Actress Ruth Negga really nailed down her red carpet status at the Oscars. In red Valentino lace and a ruby tiara, she look things to a very witchy, royal place.
Her makeup, created by Mélanie Inglessis, was equally gorgeous – she told PopSugar she was inspired by the idea of a “fierce pagan goddess, or the lady in red.”
We got the word from L’Oreal Paris’ New Zealand makeup director Lisa Matson on how to recreate it at home.
With perfected skin, soft burgundy eye shadow and a red lip, Negga’s makeup was directional but flattering. It’s on our list of looks to try.
SKIN
To achieve the same soft matte finish as the Loving actress, Matson recommends L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation ($37.99). With a long night and a million photos ahead of you, you’d be wanting a decent level of coverage.
Matson also notes that Negga has a bit of highlight through the bridge of her nose and under her eyes. Use a foundation or concealer two to three shades lighter than your base.
It is a slightly sculpted look, Matson says, so you’ll be after a complementary bronzer and blush.
“Contour along the base of the cheekbone with L’Oréal Paris Glam Bronze La Terra in 04 ($37.99), then apply a light dusting of L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush in Golden Amber ($27.99) along the cheekbone.”
With a strong lip and a non-neutral eye, you don’t want your brows competing.
“To achieve this subtle natural look brow, use an angle brush and the soft powder formula in the L’Oréal Paris Brow Artist Genius Kit,” Matson says. That’ll set you back $24.99, but there’s every chance you already have a matte eyeshadow in the right colour. See how you get on.
“Ruth is also keeping up with trends by wearing a soft wash of red eye shadow over the lids and under the bottom lash line,” Matson says.
“However, this is not a shade everyone would feel confident wearing so instead opt for a coral, bronze or rose coloured wash.”
She recommends L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette in Rose ($35.99), but if you’re keen to take things to another level, Inglessis used Chanel shadows in various rusty shades.
The real workhorse for Negga’s eye look is the Chanel Les Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow in Candeur et Experience. Like Matson points out, that might be a bit much for you, but if you like a bold look it’s worth a go.
Finish with curled lashes and mascara.
LIPS
You’ll have a red lipstick that suits you best, but Matson recommends L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner ($19.99) and L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick ($23.99), both in Perfect Red.
Matson has a hell of a tip for getting bold lip colours symmetrical: start with your mouth closed.
“First line the top lip starting with side of mouth that is the fullest then pencil the other side to match, even if it means going over your natural lip line,” she says.
“For your bottom lip draw a straight line just along the middle edge then, as with your top lip, line to the corner of the mouth, fullest side first.”
Excuse us while we practise that in the work bathroom.
-Stuff
