How Olivia Rodrigo perfected the Gen Z vampy makeup look
Over a year since Olivia Rodrigo released her acclaimed album Sour, she returns with her new song vampire, showcasing even more teen angst and a magnificent vampy makeup look.
In the video, Olivia wears a sharp-lined deep cherry lip, her signature black eyeliner, dispersed silver glitter on the lids, and a spidery lash.
For hair, she is sporting her classic long brown locks, parted down the middle with soft waves. Let’s also not forget her two puncture wounds — or specifically, vampire bite marks on her neck.
Olivia’s Team Details
A lot of this is NOT confirmed. I just found a lot of people using Instagram lol
In the video, directed by the legendary Petra Collins, Olivia is seen lying in a field (spoiler: it is not actually a field) shrouded by a night time mist only to be chased by crowds of people and the police.
Makeup was (maybe) done by 2023 Variety Beauty Innovator recipient Kathy Jeung, and hair was done by Olivia’s long-time hair stylist Clayton Hawkins. I could not find confirmation, but based on her music video BTS, I believe she has a separate SFX makeup artist.
Her matching cherry-colored manicure was done by Yoko Sakakura, who has been doing fellow Gen Z singer and actress Halle Bailey for The Little Mermaid press tour.
Also, Olivia was styled by Homme Girls Fashion Director Stella Greenspan.
Another note: the video is beautifully done, and I wanted to spotlight (video) colorist Dante Pasquinelli, cinematographer Russ Fraser, and editor Sofia Kerpan.
My Take And Product Recommendations
If there is an * next to a product name/link, which means it is an affiliate link. I get a little bit of commission if you purchase via the link.
Now let’s talk product recommendations! While I cannot confirm the exact products used, I can recommend some just based off the video and photos.
Please note that due to the cameras, lighting, and coloring — how the makeup looks in reality will probably not reflect what you see in the music video.
Also, there is a music video BTS, which really shows how the makeup looks in reality. I did not realize this UNTILL after I wrote the draft.
Face
It looks to me like Olivia has a pretty natural skin base.
I cannot really tell what finish it is from the video. I want to say matte because of how the highlight is placed, but the shine reflecting on the side of her nose is making me think it is satin or even radiant.
I cannot determine whether or not if it is a satin finish or matte, but a good rule of thumb is to stick to a matte finish if you are oily and stick to a satin (sometimes called natural) if you are normal to dry.
Now I actually think highlight is super important. It is subtle in the music video, but it is strategically placed.
I would stick to a neutral-cool highlighter. If your undertone is cool, you can probably get away with silver. But I would actually recommend a taupe color. I love the Armani Beauty A-Highlight in 21*, and I think it is perfect for this look.
For powder highlight, tbh idk but definitely look for something taupe, single-colored (see note), and super finely milled. I like the Hourglass Ambient Highlighting Powders*.
NOTE: what I mean by single-colored highlight is that they don’t have strips of different colors. They give a more subtle glow rather than highlighter-seen-from-space effect. You feel me?
Judging by the photos, I think she did a bronzer-blush hybrid. I feel like the MUA used something like Amaretto by Becca (discontinued) — something that looks brown-ish in the pan but pulls deep blush pink on the skin. I would recommend baked blushed because they tend to go for this vibe.
I would then set with light powder and spray down.
Eyes
In true LiviRod fashion, she doesn’t have complicated eye makeup, BUT it is a little more than she usually wears.
I would first apply a skin-colored base over the lids — it can be whatever you want. I would do a VERY THIN layer of a MAC Paint Pot*, either in “Painterly” or “Soft Orche,” depending on your skintone/undertone. They tend to be dry (so great for oily lids), but if you over apply it, it can get super thick and rough.
Then for the crease and bottom lash line, I would use a taupe/cool-toned bronzer or blush. Color-wise, something similar to the Fenty Match Stix in “Amber”*. I like MAC’s blush in “Taupe” (I think it is discontinued or out of stock, but I usually buy the refill for my pro pan).
For glitter, you can’t just use any glitter. Many liquid eye glitters are suspended in a liquid that will breakdown your eye makeup (and burn your eyes). Another thing is that you can use loose glitter because it will go everywhere. One I will recommend, and I think is perfect for this look, is the About Face Fractal Glitter Eye Paint in Refract*.
Apply directly to eyelid at the lash line and right before the crease. Then tap in the product on the eyelid, spread it out onto the crease, and then whatever is left on your finger randomly disperse on the brow bone/under the brow area.
Eyeliner is very simple and subtle. I would take a pencil or gel and start at the outer corner of the eye, make a baby wing and then fill in the outer corner a little. Then go in with a flat pencil or eyeliner brush and diffuse the line towards the inner corner. Stay close to the lash-line, or else you will actually be giving vampire.
Lashes have a spidery look, and I actually really like it. I would recommend the Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara*. Cover your lid with something to stop the mascara from getting on your eyelid!!! I use my mascara guard* from YesStyle.
Lips
Now for lips, which is my favorite part!
First, Olivia’s lips look like they are a deep blood red lipstick and gloss. I think they they only look like that because of the video coloring.
When looking at bts video, she is wearing more of a deep blue-toned red with a gloss on top.
I believe this was done by first lining the lips with a deep red lip liner and slightly filling them in but leaving the center bare. Then going in with a more blood red satin lipstick focused on the center of the lips. Then applying a clear gloss on top. DO NOT MIX IT! Just use a brush or your finger to TAP ON the gloss, or it will ruin the lip look.
I will film a TikTok video of the makeup sometime this week. For some reason, I am leaning towards using either Mac’s Ruby Woo* or PM’s Elson*. However, I just looked, and the MAC Matte Lipsticks are on sale at Ulta. I would actually suggest Russian Red instead of Ruby Woo.
Gloss can be whatever you want! I like the Givenchy Gloss Interdit in 01 Rose Révélateur* (discontinued). This gloss is my favorite because it has jelly texture and doesn’t move around much.
Just by looking at the video, I can tell the edges of the lips were cleaned up by concealer to give a perfect rim to the lips.
Then done :)
Finishing Thoughts
I’m a big fan of a Halloween in summer makeup LMAO.
I know it is strange, but I actually love how the crew went for something more autumnal in the middle of summer. It is different from the bronze, glowy makeup looks popular right now.
When it comes to bolder makeup looks, I know a lot of people are hesitant to try them since they are not used to them. However, I think this look is a great entry look into trying bold lips and sparkly eyes.
At some point this week, I will film a makeup tutorial of this look, so look out for that.
I uploaded a podcast episode yesterday. It is just a girl chat about cycle syncing, future podcast episodes, and more :) Listen here!
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Anyways, I am looking forward to Olivia’s new album GUTS releasing in September.
Till we meet again ❤
Best,
Laila
