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Beauty Look to try: Saoirse Ronan’s lilac wings Oscars look

Feb. 12, 2020
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When it comes to makeup looks, the Oscars tend to be rather boring compared to other award ceremonies. They’re the most coveted and highly regarded of the bunch, so most people tend to err on the tasteful side with their makeup—which tends to also mean veering away from fun. One exception this year was Saoirse Ronan. The Irish powerhouse rocked a super pretty lilac winged eye that’s just playful enough to elevate it—while still being undeniably classy. Here’s how to recreate it at home.

Unlike most makeup looks I love, this one features a rather matte skin. Still, matte should never look dry or flat, so start with a hydrating primer like the Smashbox Primerizer. This gives skin a drink but also leaves a smooth and grippy finish to ensure makeup lasts longer.

Full coverage seems to be the way here, and the Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer is an absolutely ingenious product to achieve it. Having a concealer and foundation which are perfectly shade-matched takes out all the guesswork—plus, it streamlines the makeup bag! I favor a sponge to apply something heavier like this, and the Juno & Co Microfibre Velvet Sponge is ideal. The weirdly fluffy texture gives an airbrushed finish, and it’s also an absolute bargain. Put the foundation everywhere, and then the concealer only where you need it—but you already knew that, right?

Saoirse went for more of a filled-in, structured brow, so I’d recommend the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo and a small angled brush. Use the lighter shade in the front section, and the darker shade in the tails. Set in place using the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel, which helps ensure they stay put while also redefining the hairs for a more natural finish.

For your eyes, you’re going to want to start with a primer. The NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is great for those with oily lids because it’s so light-feeling. A range of purple tones is how Saoirse achieved her ethereal look, and the NYX Professional Makeup Mystic Petal Eyeshadow Palette in Midnight Orchid has all you need.

Start by working the matte violet shade (center bottom) into the crease with a fluffy brush. Once this is blended to your satisfaction, intensify with the shimmery pewter (second-right top), focusing primarily on the outer corners. Then, using a flat detailer brush, take the glittery pale pink (right top) over the mobile lid. Go back in with your first matte shade to blend the edges—and don’t be afraid to take it right into the inner portion of the eye socket. This means you’ll be able to see it even when the eyes are open.

Next, you want to go for a small, subtle wing. The Glossier Pro Tip Eyeliner makes this basically foolproof. You want your line to start halfway down your upper lid—around where the pupil is. Avoid the inner corner, where you want the purple to shine. The wing shape is flat, rather than curvy, so just draw out toward your ears.

A strip lash might be a little OTT, but the Ardell Duralash Individuals are ideal to add volume. Dip them in the Duo Non-Latex Lash Adhesive in “White / Clear” (the best lash glue on the market) and drop into place using the Tweezer Mini Slant Tweezer. The Tarte Little Lash Helper is an absolute godsend for those who find lashes a total pain. Once the glue is basically dry, press over your lashes to ensure the falsies are facing the right way. Finally, blend with your natural lashes using the Glossier Lash Slick Mascara—which adds length and definition but never, ever clumps. Finish the eyes by lining the waterline with a white kohl pencil—the MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in “Pure White” is a classic for a reason.

Cheeks are kept fairly simple, but a hint of the Glossier Cloud Paint in “Dusk” always adds a bit of definition and subtle flush. The Hourglass Ambient Bronzer in “Nude Bronze Light” can also give a hint of sculpting, while giving a soft, camera-friendly, glitter-free glow.

I’d say this look is probably matte enough, but if you want to be authentic to Saorise, you’ll also want to power. The MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural has a hint of dimension, which allows the skin to look powdered without looking powder-y.

Lips are matte, too. The NYX Slide On Lip Pencil in “Nude Suede Shoes” is a great warm-toned nude that looks great on everyone, so use it to line and fill in. Apply the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in “Super Model” on top for a hint more brown.

FInish with setting spray—the NYX Setting Spray in “Matte Finish” is perfect if you don’t want to disrupt the matte finish of the look. But if you’re a rebel like me, the Dewy Finish offers all the longevity but gives that sweaty glow I crave. The choice is yours.