It’s the modern regency romp for the ages. The further into the future we go, the more we can’t help but feel nostalgic for an era bygone—especially when it’s got some flavourful bits of contemporary energy to it. In recent years, a big slice of popular television has consisted of some juicy historical fiction, and The Buccaneers is no stranger to the avid period drama audience. Especially since the Apple TV+ regency drama—created by Katherine Jakeaways and loosely based on the novel by Edith Wharton—has brought its own feminist flair to the classic period flick ever since it first released in 2023. As much as it’s a searing romance, The Buccaneers is also one written for the girls; informed by its female friendships, maternal figures and the telling strength of sisterhood. So there’s only joy to be had, with the arrival of its second season this June.
Right off the bat, Season 2 picks up right where the first season left us off: Nan’s wedding day. Nan (Kristine Froseth) has chosen to walk down the aisle and marry the Duke of Tintagel, Theo (Guy Remmers), despite knowing that her heart really belongs to Guy (Matthew Broome)—but she’ll do it all over again if it means saving her sister Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse). The first episode alone is chockfull of dramatic revelations, from Theo’s mother, the Dowager Duchess’s involvement to truth bombs surrounding the identity of Nell, played by hotly-anticipated newcomer Leighton Meester. To enact these moments to full effect, a theatrical array of hair and make-up looks command the screen; each one carefully conceived to perfection by hair and make-up designer Jenny Rhodes Mclean, be it to signal a fresh season for a character or send a powerful message out into the world. Out of the first episode’s breathtaking beauty looks, we simply must discuss Nan’s pièce de résistance: where she paints the town red with a crimson train, bold buns, and a final smear of scarlet on her lips.
As Conchita says it best, it’s a look that’s ‘changing the conversation’—and we can only expect more from Nan and the rest of the show’s radiant cast as the show builds in anticipation. Peruse the most striking beauty looks from The Buccaneers Season 2 so far.
1 / 7
The mask of a blushing bride
Tiara adorned, Nan is crowned the Duchess of Tintagel. Despite the reality of the situation, Nan carries on with poise. Luminous skin, cheeks flushed in pink and a wispy updo that keeps her wits about her—the latter a stark contrast to when she freely wore her hair down throughout most of the first season.
2 / 7
The black swan
If there’s one character with a growth arc on the way, it’s Aubri Ibrag’s Lizzy. Compared to the beachy, nonchalant waves she wears in Season 1, Lizzy is a picture of womanly elegance—as if the girl in the first season has been shed. With hair swept back, glowing skin and a glittering black tiara in tow, she wears her trauma and secrets with newfound sophistication; embracing them, instead of rejecting her shame.
3 / 7
Spiral attraction
This moment feels all the more poignant, as Nan sends her mother, Patti St. George, off on her first day as the new duchess. With eyes of adoration, she looks at her mother, who wears her striking auburn hair in a head of cascading spiral curls.
4 / 7
Feathered honour
The second season also welcomes the progression of its most prominent queer relationship between Mabel Elmsworth (Josie Totah) and Honoria Marable (Mia Threapleton). Whilst they may have left their days of girlhood behind them, the former continues to reject the traditional updo and wears her curls neat but swept up in a more contemporary fashion—accented with a black feathered hairpiece for the sake of an occasion.
5 / 7
The higher we go
Alisha Boe’s Conchita too, must evolve amid trying times for her and her husband, Lord Richard Marable. To keep up appearances, she sculpts her mane upwards, whilst her lips are painted with a sheen of plum.
6 / 7
Hatted poise
Newcomer Leighton Meester is introduced as Nell, Patti’s long-estranged sister. And she’s an absolute gem on screen—long, fluttering lashes, a softly-pinked pout and matted curls kept underneath a jewel-toned hat.
7 / 7
Paint the town red
She’s the Duchess—and she’s not letting anyone write the narrative for her. To make the headlines and steer the conversation away from the real whereabouts of her sister, Nan decides to step out in a regal scarlet gown and dramatic space buns worn low—whilst her royal tiara is crushed and worn in reverse. But it’s the divine match of her scarlet lip that takes the cake (courtesy of Mac Cosmetics, according to Mclean) and births Nan anew.
