Over a year after Bridgerton first debuted on Netflix to immense popularity and critical praise, the series’s long-awaited second season has finally arrived. And while the reviews are already rushing in for the smouldering plot line and fresh characters, there is the undisputed highlight that fans would have longed for since its first season: the beautifully crafted beauty moments on display.
Beyond the intricate costumes that have fuelled the fire for Regencycore as a reigning trend, the hair and make-up department has held its own alongside. Lead hair and make-up designer Erika Ökvist worked exclusively with Pat McGrath Labs products on each of the series’ actors. As rightfully expected from Bridgerton, the characters’ miens align accordingly to their own storylines. Case in point: we see Daphne Basset-Bridgerton, fully settled as a nuturing mother and wife, sporting bolder shades on her lids, in contrast to her virginal self as diamond of the first water back in season one. Of course, this had to be achieved in a more subtle fashion than is typical of today’s bold Y2K beauty trends, given the Regency era setting of the show. Ökvist therefore relied on tiny details to create looks that are historically realistic yet still contemporarily attractive. Think barely there hints of vivid colour and gradually deepening beauty looks throughout the season.
Below, Vogue Singapore breaks down the most noteworthy beauty moments from this season.
1 / 10
Angelic doe eyes
Newcomer to Mayfair society, Edwina Sharma, makes a stunning debut with a pinkish glow. Ökvist expresses the contentment and romance of Edwina’s expectations as she arrives in town, including her sparkling doe eyes that project long-lashed innocence.
2 / 10
Natural yet defined
Meanwhile, older Sharma sister Kate is seen in a visibly more understated look (well, by Bridgerton standards). Slicked back hair; a matte lip (in contrast to the kissable glosses adorning other characters); and strong, defined brows. Perfectly fitting for the independent, no-nonsense spirit that is apparent in Kate from the get-go.
3 / 10
Evening shimmer
Of course, once night falls, a moonlight-matching glow emerges even for the least romantic of arrivals. We see Kate entering her first society event in Mayfair with an emphasis on her lids and cheekbones. From Featheringtons to Bridgertons, glamour is dialled up for evening balls with added layers of highlights and shimmer, down to the collar bones.
4 / 10
Vivacious curls
Penelope Featherington, now unveiled as Lady Whistledown, appears with her signature vibrant copper curls (yes, she was a step ahead of the current trend for the striking hue). Keen viewers will note that they’re worn more loose and flowing this time around, in a reflection of her newfound confidence and subtle rebellion from her mother.
5 / 10
Wispy bangs
Eloise Bridgerton holds on to her crown as the most modern-tressed woman in Mayfair. While she still sports her iconic bangs, her fringe has grown out this season as has the rest of her hair. Her locks are not only longer but also fuller, worn in contemporary-looking layers that stand out among her fellow society girls’ ‘dos.
6 / 10
Sunset hues
Daphne Basset returns this season as mother to a newborn. While her make-up remains the pinnacle of soft, sheer beauty as seen in the ‘Regencycore’ look made popular by Bridgerton, we can’t help but notice an intentional use of colour on her looks—with a captivating coral applied on her lids. For her base: Ökvist used Pat McGrath Labs’ Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation in sheer layers, gradually built up for more coverage.
7 / 10
Rosy romance
Penelope’s sweet rosiness is the perfect fit for her gown and gloves. The beauty staples used to create this look include Pat McGrath Labs’ Skin Fetish: Divine Powder Blush—in shades Nude Venus and Divine Rose—and Lip Fetish Divinyl Lip Shine in Boudoir Rose. Penelope also adds interest to her intricate updo with brightly coloured hair jewellery in matching pink and contrasting emerald.
8 / 10
Intricate braiding
Unlike the other ladies hoping to score in the marriage market, Kate Sharma’s tough exterior and stance is echoed in her updo. Often in the form of neatly coiffed braids that are pinned together with a striking hairpiece to match.
9 / 10
More is more hair
Of course, no Bridgerton beauty round-up would be complete without mention of Queen Charlotte. The most adventurous character where hair and make-up is concerned, the Queen doesn’t disappoint as she returns with even more eye-catching looks in season two. Here, she wears a bouffant silver mane of immense proportions, complete with curls and encrusted jewellery wound through. Layers of lavender on her eyes and lips match her silky gown.
10 / 10
Pops of berry
In another set of perfect Regency curls, Queen Charlotte also pops in coordinating berry, from the frills of her clothing to her brilliant gems (that’s for ears and hair) and to a bold pout.
