Euphoria has been the show on everybody’s lips for the last couple of years. Revered for its nuanced characters, striking cinematography and iconic make-up looks, the show has become a worldwide cultural phenomenon. With a third season not due to release till late 2024, there was widespread excitement when it was announced that its director was bringing out a new show this year called The Idol. Starring Lily-Rose Depp and musician Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, it might be HBO’s most polarising show to date. If you’re not tuned in, the show centres around a struggling female popstar called Jocelyn (played by Depp) and attempts to portray the grit, sleaze, and emotional turbulence associated with stardom. Though it has received mixed feedback, it definitely has some redeeming qualities.
Like Euphoria, there is a huge emphasis placed on make-up, hair and wardrobe – which can only be expected given the show’s subject matter. Throughout the three episodes that have premiered thus far, we’ve seen the characters sporting some seriously cool make-up looks: from the graphic glittery liner worn by Jocelyn in episode two, to the rotation of rainbow eyeshadows worn by her assistant Leia. With each look designed by make-up department lead Kirsten Coleman (who also worked on Euphoria), you know that they’re guaranteed to be good.
Whether you’re loving the show or are an avid hate-watcher, The Idol has certainly got people talking. Should you wish to indulge your inner make-up artist, we’ve rounded up the best looks featured so far and the tools you need to recreate them yourself.
1. Jocelyn’s ’90s doe-eye
Worn by Depp during the show’s opening scene, this ’90s-style glam is intentionally messy to give the illusion that her character has been up all night partying. The look features a sultry, smoked-out winged liner, matte skin with a flushed cheek, and an overlined nude lip that is reminiscent of Pamela Anderson in her Barb Wire era.
Get the look:
To recreate this look, start by applying a matte foundation of your choice to the skin. Use a brush to diffuse a small amount of Nars Liquid Blush onto the apples of the cheeks and gently across the nose for a sun-kissed aesthetic. Set the T-zone and under eyes with Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder. Using a fine liner brush, apply Chanel Calligraphie De Chanel cream eyeliner to the outer corners of the eyes to create a sharp wing. Once the wing is in place, use a small brush to smoke it out, bringing it onto the lash line and water line. Curl the lashes and apply Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara. For added drama, add a few individual lashes by Ardell. Finally, finish the look with Mac’s Matte Lipstick in the shade ‘Honeylove’ and Mac Lip Pencil in the shade ‘Whirl’, overlining the cupid’s bow slightly to accentuate the pout.
2. Leia’s hot pink shadow
Jocelyn’s assistant and trusted confidant Leia is responsible for bringing colour to the show through her vivacious personality and endless assortment of brightly-coloured eye looks. In this one, her make-up is focused predominantly on the eyes, leaving the skin polished and rosy.
Get the look:
According to make-up designer Kirsten Coleman, the skin base for this look was created using a combination of Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. Once the base is applied, set the T-zone and under eyes using Mac Mineralise Skinfinish Powder and apply Kosas Colour & Light Palette blush to the cheeks using a brush. Using Morphe’s 9H Palette, take the top left baby pink shade on a small eyeshadow brush and apply generously to the top lid and below the bottom lash line, blending well. Using a different small brush, take the middle left hot pink shade and dab the pigment onto the top lash line, diffusing it out to the edges and under the lower lash line. Complete the look with your favourite mascara and a wash of pink gloss on the lips.
3. Jocelyn’s geometric glitter liner
This is one of the best make-up looks from the show thus far. During the scene where Jocelyn is filming her new music video she wears this striking geometric winged liner, accompanied by neon pink hair extensions and a barely-there bedazzled bodysuit. If you’ve got a glamorous event on the horizon, this is surely one to try recreating on yourself.
Get the look:
Start by creating the same skin base from Jocelyn’s ’90s doe-eye look above. Then, using a fine liner brush, tight-line both of the eyes with Chanel Calligraphie De Chanel cream eyeliner. Draw the liner out to create a wing, then bring it down below the lower lash line to create a sharp geometric shape. Wing out the inner corner slightly towards the nose, then delicately bring it up towards the eyebrow, making sure it’s above the lid crease to avoid smudging. Once dry, go over the liner with Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in ‘Daydream’. Curl the lashes and apply Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara and Mecca Max Fluttering Falsies to the lash line. Complete the look with the same lip combination from look one.
4. Destiny’s fierce wing
Sharp eyeliner is a bit of a recurring trend on this show, but we’re certainly not mad about it. Actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph stars as Jocelyn’s co-manager in the show, and between her quick wit and fierce make-up looks, she’s become one of my favourite characters to date. For this look, Destiny sports a matte glam with a bronzed cheek, a structured wing with a highlighted lid, and a berry lip.
Get the look:
Apply your skin base and set with powder. Using Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Cream Bronzer, contour the cheekbones and apply a touch of Nars Liquid Blush. Using a small eyeshadow brush, take a cool brown eyeshadow that suits your skin tone and apply generously to the entire lid, focusing the pigment on the corners of the eyes. Using your finger, take a light cream or white eyeshadow and apply directly to the centre of the lid and diffuse gently. Blend with a small brush if needed. Draw on a classic wing with Chanel Calligraphie De Chanel cream eyeliner using a liner brush, bringing the wing up towards the end of the brow. Finish the eye with Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara and a set of false lashes if desired. Finally, apply Mac Matte Lipstick in ‘Ruby Woo’ to the lips and layer with Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre Gloss in ‘Unleash Me’ for a glossy finish.
The Idol is streaming now on Neon.
