The hotly anticipated show The Idol has finally premiered on HBO Go. Co-created by Sam Levinson (the creator of Euphoria) and Abel Tesfaye (formerly known as The Weeknd), The Idol follows the “nasty, bad pop girl” Jocelyn (played by Lily-Rose Depp)’s tumultuous quest for fame. With Levinson at the helm, the series is almost Euphoria-coded—sealed with distinct colour treatment, enthralling hair and make-up in the beauty department and a wardrobe is bound to fuel fashion commentary. To add to the buzz, Depp stars alongside real-life musicians Abel Tesfaye, Troye Sivan, and Jennie Kim. Filled with sex and drugs and shadowed by controversy, the indie-sleaze drama debuted to mixed reviews and begs the question: at what point does Hollywood’s exposing and exploring of exploitation in the industry become a self-indulgent revelry in it?
The first episode introduces us to Jocelyn, ready to make a triumphant return to the stage and claim her place as America’s biggest and sexiest pop diva after suffering the loss of her mother and a mental breakdown that wrecked her last tour. She meets Tedros (Abel Tesfaye), the rat tail-sporting nightclub impresario with a sordid past, and is seduced by his enigmatic aura as he promises to revive her music career. We also meet Dyanne (played by the Blackpink member), as Jocelyn’s backup dancer and a potential antagonist in the show. She shows off her dance moves and catches the eye of Jocelyn’s record label executive, positioning her as a threat to Jocelyn’s comeback. What will become of Jocelyn’s popstar fantasy has yet to be unveiled in upcoming episodes.
Thus far, the cast has donned eye-catching ensembles, complemented with captivating beauty looks—and there’s undoubtedly more to come. As the events unfold, we’ve got our eyes on the stars’ fabulous get-ups as Jocelyn traverses her way to stardom. Below, see Vogue Singapore’s roundup of the most alluring beauty moments from Jocelyn and her posse in The Idol.
1 / 10
Simple and sharp
Dyanne’s offstage make-up takes a small step-up from austere and natural in episode four after she is offered a career-changing deal. Here, in a fireside conversation with Jocelyn, she dons white eyeliner that shines in the low light.
2 / 10
Muted shades
During an emotionally charged confrontation with Xander (Troye Sivan), Jocelyn’s make-up is far more subdued than her stage make-up, as she is forced to be vulnerable and confront her past trauma.
3 / 10
Blood red
Ramsey is a true temptress in this striking make-up look: sharp, thin brows and vivacious red eyeshadow that contrasts her pale foundation.
4 / 10
Fierce graphic liner
Jocelyn’s stage make-up is a reflection of her popstar persona: strong, powerful, and wild. To match her bright pink costume, she sports a vibrant manicure and dyed ends.
5 / 10
Doe eyes
Jocelyn proves herself to be a versatile performer in the opening scene—she shuffles through expressions in a blink of an eye, from laughing to crying to pouting, her doe eyes accentuated with smokey eyeshadow and heavy blush.
6 / 10
Soft glam
Jocelyn catches Tedros’s eye in the club with this simple yet alluring look—red lip liner, subtle blush, and a classic cat eye. Her hair falls in effortless waves to complement her soft glam make-up look.
7 / 10
Half-up, half-down
Dyanne’s beauty looks are simple and natural in the first two episodes of The Idol. During an intimate conversation with Tedros, she wears her hair in a casual half-up, half-down bun with long, face-framing bangs.
8 / 10
Pencil thin brows
Songstress Ramsey makes an appearance in The Idol as herself—her signature jet-black hair is slicked back, and her make-up look is complete with thin brows and a red lip.
9 / 10
French tips with a twist
Destiny (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) is a firm and supportive co-manager. She rocks curly hair and a classic glam make-up look that is complemented by an elegant black French tip manicure.
10 / 10
Slicked back
Hari Nef stars as a journalist, Talia; her defining coif is a bright ginger bob with bangs that she combs back for a sleek look.
