A camera-ready, sweat and rain-proof beauty look is an Oscar-night necessity. And when it comes to red carpet-ready skin, no one can top Cate Blanchett‘s glow. We asked the actress’s makeup artist Jeanine Lobell just what it takes to achieve those effortlessly dewy cheeks.
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It all starts with finding a point of inspiration in the dress and accessories, Lobell told PEOPLE. Once she saw the statement Tiffany & Co. necklace that Blanchett paired with her custom silk velvet Maison Margiela gown, she knew to go with “something a little stronger” than the neutral look she had in mind.
The two discussed the all-black gown (a much tamer style choice than the shimmery Armani Privé gown she wore last year) and the turquoise necklace and landed on a smokey eye to glam up Blanchett’s look using an Armani eye palette. But “not a rock’n’roll smokey-eye,” Lobell clarified. (And yes, there’s a difference!)
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With their beauty game plan in place, the duo didn’t even need a trial makeup run before the big day. The two-time Oscar winner’s naturally smooth complexion made the skin prep clean and simple. First, the makeup guru used a SK-II Facial Treatment Mask to hydrate the skin (Blanchett is an ambassador for the skincare company). “It really plumps up the skin, so I can use less makeup,” Lobell says.
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Next up? The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Eye — a powerful moisturizing serum—around the eye area, followed by a spritz of the Facial Treatment Essence at the end before the base. And to top it off, one more mist of the exfoliating liquid spray “over the makeup,” she says.
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Mission accomplished: Blanchett was undoubtedly glowing at the podium as she announced her British buddy and Best Actor winner Eddie Redmayne.
“She just wanted to look good and kind of cool, and I think we did that,” Lobell said.
Following Lobell’s beauty tips? Make sure you can carve out a couple hours to get yourself ready. “Between nails, hair and makeup, it took about two-and-a-half to three hours,” she shared.
What do you think of Blanchett’s beauty moment? Are you loving her look?
—Jacqueline Andriakos
