Spend last weekend getting lost in Bridgerton's wisteria-decked world of regency-glamour, drama and romance? Us too. And if you've been inspired by all the gorgeous Bridgerton makeup and costumes, we've got the insider intel on recreating the beauty looks at home, straight from the show's Bafta-award winning lead makeup designer, Erika Ökvist.
In fact, beauty plays an even larger role this time around, thanks to a whole new glam team and products exclusively developed by Pat McGrath Labs.
When GH met Erika over tea on the eve of Bridgerton’s premiere, the seasoned makeup artist (you’ll have seen her work on Downton Abbey and Mr Selfridge) is busy planning a viewing party with her team (who's also in charge of the Bridgerton Secret Cinema cast) and is positively giddy with excitement.
She shares tips on achieving a flawless regency face, her favourite character to work on and the one Pat McGrath Labs product the cast clamoured for, long after filming had wrapped.
What to expect in Bridgerton season 2, beauty-wise
“The members of the Ton are essentially the celebrities of that era. They’re trendsetters who won’t be caught doing what they did last season, and would have had their maids find out the current trends in Paris,” says Erika. That translates into a touch more colour across the eyes and cheeks, all set against a base of glowing skin.
Queen Charlotte has the most fun – as always!
While the rest of the cast have a consistent hair colour, Queen Charlotte (played by Golda Rosheuvel) rocks fantastical wigs in a spectrum of sorbet hues. “The shade of her wig and dress will reflect onto her skin, so the makeup will change accordingly,” says Erika, who cites Queen Charlotte as her favourite character to work on.
On set, she often uses an apricot-pink blush for Golda and pairs it with a bold lip. "I think I've tried every Pat McGrath Labs shade on her!'
On Lady Danbury’s kohl-rimmed eyes
Adjoa Andoh’s power gaze and graceful strength made her an instant icon in the series.
According to Erika, there’s intention behind every beauty decision on-set – from the arch of the brows to the flush of the cheeks – and Lady Danbury’s eyeliner look is no different, signifying her no-nonsense attitude while embracing Adjoa's own love of punk rock.
Aristocratic ancient Egyptians fashioned eyeliners from charred frankincense. “Somebody like Lady Danbury would’ve sent her people to source fine kohl directly from Egypt!”
On achieving a seamless, glowing base
To achieve the perfected skin you see on screen, Erika preps every complexion with a moisturising mask, hydrating serums and a circulation-boosting massage. She also incorporates a gua sha to gently drain away puffiness.
Next, a good primer is key for when you’re filming for hours on end. Erika applies a thin layer, avoiding the under-eyes. Using less products on the under-eye area makes it easier for concealer touch-ups throughout the day.
On all complexions, but especially mature ones, Erika’s stresses that foundation needs to be applied in “very, very, very sheer layers.” She starts with the tiniest amount of product, feathering it on gently with a buffing brush, a Beauty Blender or on occasion, a small eyeshadow brush if the skin doesn’t require much coverage.
The same gently-does-it principle applies to powder. Lightly dust on with a soft brush wherever there’s excess shine, but skip the cheekbones, in order to maintain radiance. “I’d rather reapply throughout the day than start with a heavy face,” she explains.
How to get the ‘Bridgerton blush'
Again, the secret is in gossamer-fine layers. Placement depends on the shape of your face, says Erika, but no matter the colour, she always spends extra time tapping off the excess powder as “pigments with red or pink is difficult to remove”.
The most surprising thing in her kit
“A toothbrush! You can use it for a lot of different things, but I usually use it for the hair edges”, says Erika.
The one Pat McGrath Labs product the cast is obsessed with
“Skin Fetish Highlighter + Balm Duo! It just makes you look good, even when you don’t have any makeup on.” GH also rates Chanel Baume Essentiel and Tower 28 Superdew Highlighting Balm.
What's in the new Pat McGrath Labs x Bridgerton collection
The irresistibly pretty second collection features a blush palette with baked formulas for an ethereal glow, an 6-shade eye palette, two shimmer body powders and a range of seven bow-encrusted lipsticks in a new Satin Allure finish.
Our favourite products to recreate the Bridgerton look
Pat McGrath Labs x Bridgerton Mthrship: Belle of the Ball, £50
Pat McGrath Labs x Bridgerton Blushing Delights, £47
Pat McGrath Labs x Bridgerton Skintillating Diamond Body Shimmer, £40
Pat McGrath Labs x Bridgerton SatinAllure Lipstick, £22
Pat McGrath Labs x Bridgerton Legendary Wear Velvet Kohl Eyeliner, £22
