Lupita Nyong'o's Makeup Artist Reveals the Secret to Her Otherworldly Head-to-Toe Glow
Our take
The pursuit of that elusive, effortless glow has long been a cornerstone of beauty ideals, and the recent unveiling of Lupita Nyong'o’s secret, courtesy of her makeup artist Nick Barose, feels like a particularly resonant moment. It’s not just about three products, though those are certainly intriguing; it's about the distillation of a look that has become synonymous with modern radiance. The conversation around achieving a natural, luminous complexion has shifted significantly in recent years, moving away from heavy contouring and towards a more holistic approach that prioritizes skin health and a subtle, inner light. This aligns with a broader cultural move towards "calm luxury," where understated elegance and well-being are valued over overt displays of wealth or trend-driven maximalism – a sentiment we explore in detail with articles like Princess Kate Is in the "Early Stages" of Building a Diana-Style Gemstone Legacy, Says Jewelry Expert and My Hair Is Growing Like Crazy This Summer—And I’m 99 Percent Sure Oribe’s New Bond Builder Is Why. The emphasis isn’t on masking imperfections, but rather on enhancing what's already there – a philosophy that resonates deeply with our audience who appreciate a refined, intentional approach to beauty.
The revelation of Barose’s three-product regimen—which, notably, isn’t about groundbreaking innovation but rather a thoughtful selection of existing, high-quality formulations—underscores a powerful trend: less is often more. It’s a rejection of the constant churn of new products and fleeting trends, instead advocating for a curated collection of essentials that work harmoniously with the skin. This echoes the ethos behind Shopbop’s new in-house brand, Shopbop Unveils Madelynne, Its Newest In-House Brand — EXCLUSIVE, which signals a move towards carefully considered, versatile pieces rather than chasing every passing fad. The power of Nyong'o's glow isn't derived from a complicated ritual, but from a foundational understanding of how to nourish and illuminate the skin's natural radiance.
Beyond the specific product recommendations, the real takeaway is the shift in perspective. The focus is no longer on achieving an artificial ideal but on cultivating a healthy, luminous complexion that reflects inner well-being. This resonates with a growing desire for authenticity and self-acceptance within the beauty industry. We're seeing a move away from heavily filtered images and unrealistic expectations, towards a celebration of individuality and natural beauty. The reveal of Nyong'o's "secret" isn't meant to be a formula for replication, but rather an invitation to explore one’s own unique radiance and to embrace the beauty of imperfection. It’s about fostering a sense of confidence and self-assuredness—a quiet power that emanates from within and shines outward.
Ultimately, this development speaks to a more mature and sophisticated understanding of beauty. The "otherworldly glow" isn't about a manufactured ideal, but about harnessing the skin’s inherent ability to radiate health and vitality. It’s a subtle yet profound shift that reflects a broader cultural emphasis on self-care, intentionality, and a quiet, understated elegance. As we move forward, will we see more celebrities and beauty experts embracing this philosophy of less-is-more, prioritizing skin health and inner radiance over fleeting trends and complex routines? Perhaps the greatest beauty secret isn't a product at all, but a mindset.
As The Odyssey press tour finally wraps up (the highly-anticipated Christopher Nolan film hits theaters on July 17, 2026) we'll sadly have to bid adieu to the cast's unbelievable red carpet looks. I mean, Zendaya! Charlize! Anne! And, of course, Lupita! Take your pick from any of these leading ladies and you'll be blessed with endless hair and makeup inspiration. But the glam didn't stop at the neck, especially for the Oscar-winning actress and Black Panther alum. Lupita Nyong'o's body glow reached lens-cracking proportions by the time she hit the Paris photocall on July 8th, wearing a Chanel Resort 2027 red gown, and I, for one, was desperate to know the secret to her head-to-toe luminosity. Don't worry, fellow beauty obsessives. I uncovered the answer, and it's a totally achievable combination of skincare and makeup.
"[The glow is from] a combination of things," her makeup artist, Nick Barose, tells me, adding that he usually starts this full glam process by scrubbing down Nyong'o's arms with a warm washcloth. This provides a gentle exfoliation to remove any lingering rough or dry patches, which in turn preps the skin for hydrating and glow-boosting products. "Then I applied Hume Dry Body Oil, [which] she actually turned me on to. I love it because it adds shine and hydration minus the grease." You gotta love a Hollywood star who is just as entrenched in finding great skincare products as the regular beauty fans!
Barose reveals that to enhance the highlight on the actress's collarbones, upper shoulders, and the center of her arms even further, he added the Chanel Baune Essential Stick in Golden Light (a favorite of this editor as well, but a color that is sadly only available in Europe at the moment). For the Paris premiere, however, he took it a step further and reached for coppery glitter from Ben Nye, a true if you know, you know brand beloved by theater performers and celebrity makeup artists for its long-lasting formulas that can withstand hours of sweat and heat.
With the summer wedding season still in full swing, I know that this is one makeup-meets-skincare combo that I'll be using to enhance my seasonal radiance. If you're also in the market for Nyong'o's red carpet glow, keep scrolling to snag everything her glam team used to prep her for the Paris premiere.
Start with a bit of relaxation exfoliation, only warm water requires.
Add a few spritzes of Nyong'o's favorite body oil.
If your skin has deeper undertones, try this pinky-gold color of the editor-beloved highlighting stick.
This universal champagne shade has been a mainstay in my beauty routine for years.
In search of a bit of extra shimmer? Use a large fluffy makeup brush to dust a bit of this loose glitter on your collarbones and the high points of your shoulders.
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