From using red blush to skipping highlighter, experts like Charlotte Tilbury herself and Rose-Marie Swift reveal how to achieve the VS bombshell makeup look
It’s one thing to walk like a Victoria’s Secret Angel and another thing to look like one. The former may demand that you see a coach and some serious practice unless you’re Adriana Lima, in which case you likely were born earthside in a pair of heels, but the latter requires a lot less—just a handful of the right products and techniques to get the job done right. Lucky for us, the pros who’ve done makeup on Victoria’s Secret models such as Charlotte Tilbury herself and Rose-Marie Swift from RMS Beauty are generous with their secrets. Here, MEGA dishes out additional tips and products—all available locally—for those looking to recreate the iconic look in the comfort of their own vanities.
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Complexion of an Angel
It all starts with the base. For the 2018 show, makeup artist-turned-entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury started every look with a generous layer of face cream. But there’s no need to stick to her brand—just get a deeply hydrating option like Sunnies Face’s Dream Cream for a dewy, all-day glow the camera can pick up.
When we think of glow, we often think highlighter. Interestingly, for the 2018 show, Charlotte Tilbury skipped highlighter altogether. To achieve that coveted VS model glow, she instead opted for a complexion booster, the BeautyTok favorite Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Foundation, and added a touch to the high points of their face for extra radiance without the chunky glitters.
In terms of coverage, they quite frankly don’t need much. It’s more about evening out the skin tone than packing on products that can end up looking cakey. A light foundation works wonders, while a touch of concealer at the high points of the face brightens the under eyes and cover up any spots. Finish with an ultra-fine setting powder that doesn’t add coverage but blurs out the pores and reduces unwanted shine.
How to Get the Perfect Flush
It may be time to put away your pink blushes. Former Victoria’s Secret makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift revealed that she actually used red blush on the models—particularly RMS Beauty’s Lip2Cheek cream blush in shade “Beloved”—for natural, just-pinched cheeks. It may sound counterintuitive, but that pop of red mimics the natural warmth of your skin.
Supermodel Lips
Apart from their almost superhumanly toned figures, OG models like Candice Swanepoel and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are known for their signature smize, which often hinges on the perfect pout. If you look closely, VS models rarely go for bright pinks; instead, they opt for shades that enhance their natural lip color.
For a fuller look, line your lips with a slightly darker shade then swipe on a pinky nude lipstick. Finish off with a glossy lip gloss.
The Signature Model Gaze
It’s intriguing how, by the time the models strut to the end of the runway, they appear to be conversing with the camera without saying a word. We conclude that it’s all in the eyes. To complete the bombshell look, Charlotte Tilbury reveals using dark brown eyeliner instead of the usual black to keep things soft yet striking.
For added allure, deepen the crease with a dark brown and extend the pigment to the lower lash line. Brush up the brows for a natural lifted effect, then finish off with a few coats of volumizing mascara.
Featured Image: 21 MET GALA (via X)
