Even though Lily Collins’ playful looks in Emily in Paris have dominated the fashion world, the actress’ makeup still deserves a closer look. From her everyday thick brows and natural glow to her bolder red carpet looks, the Mank star’s beauty secrets are a blast to try. Thankfully, her longtime makeup artist Fiona Styles has the answers.
Styles is a celebrity and magazine makeup artist who has worked closely with stars like Gabrielle Union, Natalie Dyer, and Katherine Langford. Her skills and vision are a perfect match for Collins’ versatility. Not only did the makeup artist create some bold looks for the star, she also nailed her classic, retro Hollywood-inspired red lips.
Here, we chat with Styles about how to emulate Collins’ classic beauty approach and some of her personal favorite looks.
Lily’s eyebrows are one of her most notable features – how do you keep them looking their best?
Fiona Stiles: Well, I do want to take some credit for Lily’s brows, but that’s all she deserves. They’re just gorgeous! I rarely tweeze them, sometimes not at all. I usually use a brush to comb them through and use a brow gel or brow cream to set them. Occasionally I touch them up, but like I said, her brows are naturally beautiful.
For those of us who are less fortunate, how can we fake it?
FS: I think less is more. I definitely prefer to use a light brow pencil to fill in my brows rather than using a heavy, opaque product. There should be some “airy” spaces in the brows, like gaps where you can see the skin through the brows, otherwise it can look too clogged and heavy. I like to use a thin-tipped spoolie pencil to fill in my brows.
Use the same color as your hair so that the color matches perfectly and add light lines where needed. Using a brow gel or wax can usually make your brows look fuller when you brush them up, adding a little extra volume. Lancome Brow Pencil in Dark Brown and Lancome Clear Brow Pencil are my go-tos.
What are the other key steps to Lily’s classic look?
FS: I always prime her with a light moisturizer and lip balm. Then I lightly apply foundation, concealer, and powder. I usually like to use only one eyeshadow on my eyes, so I lightly apply one layer on my lids and one or two coats of mascara for a more natural look. I like to use a subtle rosy tint on my lips, and a lot of times I’ll use a lip liner instead of lipstick. Lancome has my favorite rosy lipstick, so I usually reach for Lancome’s lipstick.
Lily has had many bold beauty moments – are there any specific features you like to highlight and how do you use them?
FS: She has delicate features and can pull off any look, so the combinations are endless. She can have a strong eye and a strong lip at the same time, or go for a bold, geometric look, or even go for no makeup. Not many people can do that.
You’ve been working with Lily for a few years now, how have you seen her vision of beauty evolve?
FS: Lily is very open to trying new things. She’s always open to trying new things and allows me to be more creative. We have a great relationship.