Tonight, the “Femininomenon” herself, one Chappell Roan, blesses the 2024 Video Music Awards with not only her presence, but also a major performance. It caps off what has undoubtedly been the summer of Roan—and her genius glam trifecta of Dom Forletta on hair, Andrew Dahling on makeup, and nail artist Juan Alvear were on the ground at the UBS Arena to get her powdered, teased, and painted for the evening.
“The inspiration came from Chappell and [stylist] Genisis’s medieval royal fantasy visions!” Dahling says. “The tones in her hair and dress really inspired the tones of the makeup. And the character really inspires every aspect.” The night’s glam was all M.A.C., starting with the singer’s iconic painted base. Dahling took a porcelain shade of Studio Fix Fluid 24hr Matte Foundation (not far off from Roan’s natural complexion, honestly) and the MAC Paint Stick in white, buffing it across her face. From there, pencil-thin brows were painted on to create a sharp expression, while the application of colored contacts created an almost vampire-like effect. (Hello, Victoria from Twilight.) On her lips was a deep wine-red stain (a combination of Velvet Teddy and Sin) concentrated at the center of her mouth, which faded a bit as it bled out. “I wanted to create an ambiance of period makeup without being too costume, so matte finishes were better,” Dahling says. “I added highlights to the face to create an ethereal element to the makeup.”
For Roan’s signature red mane, Forletta transformed her Renaissance curls into a “medieval soft wave with intricate braids in the front and back of her hair,” he says. Bumble and bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil collection was key to getting the look: Forletta used both the Primer and Long Last Styling Cream, as well as the Spray de Mode Hairspray, along with tool from Olivia Garden. “These products were crucial for reducing frizz and providing extra hold for the red carpet,” he notes.
The steel-colored nails, shaped into sharp, dagger-like points by Alvear, perfectly accessorized Roan’s fall 2024 Y/Project sheer black dress with silver cuffs (and a sword).
