There’s not a single thing that Jennifer Coolidge can’t make iconic, and that includes appearing on the red carpet for the new Minecraft movie. (Yes, even that.) Posing up a storm in front of the pixels, the actress looked picture perfect with her signature blonde blowdry plus a classic 60s makeup look: the Bardot eye.
As you’d expect, the beauty look was brought bang up to date and made ageless for 63-year-old Jennifer: goodbye Swinging Sixties sex kitten, hello cougar chic.
“London with the legendary @jennifercoolidge 🖤 Soft pinky blush and Bardot eyes,” her makeup artist James Molloy posted. GH caught up with James afterwards to find out all about the look, and how to make it cool like Coolidge, whatever your age.
“The Bardot eye is a classic, glamorous look that can flatter any age,” James tells us. “It’s a beautifully defined eyeliner flick along the upper lash, softer, smoky definition on the lower lashline, and lashes with lots of length and volume at the outer corners of the eyes for a lifting effect.”
How to make the Bardot eye ageless
Rule 1: Prep the lids
Prepping the lids is a non-negotiable step for a smooth look. “For Jennifer, I used NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer to prep and neutralise the lid for a smooth base and to help the makeup last,” says James.
Rule 2: Respect the eye shape
After using NARS Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick as a base colour (“I used Don’t Touch, a great neutral colour and a foolproof texture”), James moved onto defining Jennifer’s crease in a medium brown shade.
“I applied this just above the crease line with a tapered brush, the MYKITCO 1.20 is great as it’s a smaller brush that gives you control, especially good for hooded eyes,” says James.
Rule 3: Pick the right pencil
A Bardot eye is a statement look and can be a bit overpowering unless you take a gentle touch.
The answer? The right eye pencil. “Brown eyeshadow pencil is the key to keeping this look soft,” says James. “I used BareMinerals Mineralist eyeliner in Topaz, a rich warm brown that’s easy to smoke and blend. Then I added a darker brown to the outer corners and along the lash line, blending it softly into the crease.”
Rule 4: Keep the flick soft
While a thick black flick is great on a 20-something, older eyes need a more discerning approach. “I tight lined the waterline using gel liner, this is a great tip to open your eyes but not overpower your eyelids,” says James. Tightlining involves working colour into the roots of the eyelashes, creating the look of gorgeously thickened lashes rather than harsh line. “The MYKITCO My Flat Definer brush which is made especially for this technique,” says James.
Rule 5: Flutter those lashes
Using cluster lashes allowed James to created a bespoke lash look for Jennifer and really focus on the outer corners. “I used the Secret Lashes by Dark Swan of Denmark, these are my go to cluster lashes for red carpet, they are easy to apply and you can customise your look. Much easier to apply than individuals,” he says.
“Bombshell glamour,” is the verdict from James’ fellow glam squad member Scott King - and we couldn’t have put it better.
