Ariana Debose’s Emmys Makeup Is Inspired by Florals and Watercolor

You can tell Ariana Debose enjoys experimenting with beauty looks. Whenever the West Side Story star gets ready for a red carpet, she finds a new way to approach her hair and makeup. For the 2022 Emmys, Debose decided to go for violet-inspired glam. Her makeup artist Andrea Tiller drew inspiration from Debose’s custom lavender Prabal Gurung dress, creating a complementary glossy lip and shimmery eye. “I wanted her makeup to feel light and ethereal,” Tiller says. “I was very inspired by this watercolor picture of a flower, where the center is darker, and the rest is a delicate light wash of this violet color.”

Tiller says collaborating with Debose on makeup looks is always a fun experience. “Having worked together for over a year on many projects and milestone events, I know what her preferences are,” she says. “I use that as a tool to navigate her makeup and keep things exciting and fresh.”

Debose’s glam certainly checks both boxes. For the look, Tiller relied on a range of Lancôme products. And lucky for us, she filled us in on everything she used. Ahead, Tiller breaks down how she created Debose’s look for the 2022 Emmy Awards.

Skincare

Skin prep is always important, but it’s incredibly crucial for an event like the Emmys as it helps the look last all night. Before applying any makeup, Tiller treated Debose’s skin with a cocktail of products. She applied the Advanced Génifique Face Serum and Hydrogel Sheet Mask to boost radiance. Then, she dabbed the Advanced Génifique Eye Cream around Debose’s under-eye area. To lock in all of the moisture, she finished with the Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Soft Cream.

Makeup

Complexion

Tiller wanted Debose’s makeup to have a glowy finish, so she used the Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation (she wears the shade 405W). She then dabbed the Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer in 310 under the eyes and shades 415 and 420 around the nose to conceal redness.

Next up? Contour. Tiller used a deeper shade of the concealer (550, to be exact) around the perimeter of Debose’s face, cheekbones, and nose to add warmth. To ensure everything stayed in place, she applied the Dual Finish Foundation Powder in 430 and 370 all over her face. Before moving to her eyes, she dusted Star Bronzer in Sunswept under her cheekbones. She also swept a bit of Blush Subtil in Shimmer Mocha Havana across the apples of the cheeks. As a finishing touch, Tiller used the Fix It Forget It Setting Spray. “To add extra longevity and security, I recommend doing two sets of spraying; one mid-way and after your makeup is done,” Tiller adds.

Brows

Tiller used one product to fill her brows—the Brow Define Pencil. “I love using a thin-tipped pencil and doing hair-like strokes to mimic the brow hairs,” Tiller says. “As I do this, I constantly brush up with the spoolie to distribute and soften the product. Once I’m happy with how it looks, I use a brow gel to brush the hairs in place to add to the effortless fluffy effect I’ve created.”

Eyes 

When looking at Debose’s makeup, you’re immediately drawn to her violet eyes. Tiller started with the Ombre Hypnôse Stylo Shadow Stick in Or Rose as a base. She then applied the violet tones from Hypnôse 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Reflet D’Amethyste, using darker shades around the edges and lighter shades in the middle.

To give the eye an additional touch of drama, she swiped the Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner in Prune Radicale across Debose’s top lash line. She added the Drama Liqui-Pencil in Purple Cabaret to her waterline for extra smokiness. Tiller rounded things out with three coats of the Lash Idôle Mascara, which gave Debose’s lashes an instant lift and noticeable volume.

Lips 

Debose’s high-shine lip completes the look. “The lip color compliments her eyes beautifully with just enough hint of a violet to tie everything together in a chic way,” Tiller adds. She only used two products to create her glossy lip—the Le Lip Liner in Bronzelle and L’Absolu Lacquer in 308 Let Me Shine.