Image Source: Getty
As Raye won her sixth Brit award of the night and grabbed her grandmother’s hand I felt the tears tumble down my face. I’d spent the evening backing Raye, not just because I’m a fan of her music, but because her honest, humble, and raw emotions spoke to me and every woman who has been told she can’t, only to go on and prove she can. As the tears welled in her eyes, I couldn’t help but wonder how … How has her makeup stayed put? She had sobbed freely for a good two hours, sung her heart out on stage, and in her words ‘ugly’ cried, yet it hadn’t budged at all. No panda eyes, no foundation streaks, no eye bags making an appearance. I made it my mission to track down her makeup artist and ask her the all important question. How did you make Raye’s makeup waterproof?
The maestro behind the look was Raye’s go-to MUA, who has been working with the artist since 2017, author and guest judge on BBC1’s Glow Up series one, Lan Nguyen-Grealis. Known for her glowing skin and creative looks this isn’t the first time Lan’s makeup has stood up against the Brit’s water test – remember Paloma Faith’s iconic rainfall performance in 2015, Lan was behind that look too – so what is this witchery? As someone whose mascara runs at the slightest dot of moisture I needed to know.
Image Source: Getty
“There was few reasons why the makeup didn’t run,” Ngyuen-Grealis tells POPSUGAR UK exclusively. “Before we committed to the look I made her understand that it would take longer than normal and she would need to sit still so I could spend that extra time to use a eye primer.” According the Nguyen-Grealis the hero behind the staying power and lack of creasing was down to Pat McGrath Labs Intensify Eyes Longwear Primer (£28). She went on to use a combination of cream and shimmer eyeshadows, setting the entire look with a powder for extra setting power. The look was inspired by Hollywood glam with a modern 90s twist and nod to Elizabeth Taylor, which all came together with Raye’s trademark exaggerated liner look. “I used Pat McGrath PermaGel Ultra Eye Pencil (£28), because of its gel-like consistency I drew the dramatic wing and smudged this into the corners instead of using a powder eyeshadow to add definition. This was in anticipation of any tears as the gel is much more durable than a powder which would have likely worn off.”
Image Source: Lan Nguyen-Grealis
One of the key steps to prevent panda eyes was to use false lashes, as this acted like a barrier and ensured minimal smudging. Nguyen-Grealis went for cult favourite Ardell The Original Wispies (£5.99) – also worn by Brit 2024 Global Icon Winner Kylie Minogue on the night too. “I added Trish McEvoy Liquid Liner Pen (£38) over the gel liner for the extreme black finish and set under the eyes with the gel liner in waterline and smudged into the lash line. The key is to allow the look to set and dry completely, before using a cotton bud and concealer to clean and blend away the edges.”
Nguyen-Grealis also assured Raye she didn’t need to worry if she felt like she was about to cry, as she was confident the makeup would be ok. However, if she felt like the tears were starting to run down her face she should look up and blink lots. “I made her promise to only dab and not rub too, if she felt like any of the makeup had moved and luckily she took my advice.”
So remember next time you feel the tears are about to fall, or you’re on the verge of ugly crying in public, don’t feel ashamed of the overwhelming emotions and be more like Raye. Just remember to look up, blink lots, and for the love of god do not rub.
