Jessie Buckley's Golden Globes Makeup: A Masterclass in Soft Glamour

A Verity Makeup Beauty Report

Irish actress Jessie Buckley stole the show at the 2026 Golden Globes, not only taking home the coveted Best Actress award for her stunning performance in Hamnet, but also turning heads with a makeup look that perfectly embodied understated elegance. The result was a radiant, polished appearance that felt effortless yet refined — exactly the kind of soft glamour that makeup enthusiasts and professionals alike can learn from.

Jessie Buckley

Soft understated glam.

By Nina Park

Jessie

Buckley

By Nina Park

The Artist Behind the Look

Celebrity makeup artist Nina Park created Buckley's winning look, partnering with Chanel Beauty to bring her vision to life. Park, known for her work with A-list clients including Lily-Rose Depp, Zoë Kravitz, and Margaret Qualley, has become renowned for her signature approach: subtly sculpted complexions, diffused cheek colours, and blurred contoured lips that define today's beauty aesthetic. Think the clean girl look but a more elevated refined take.

Grace Kelly-Inspired Elegance

The entire look drew inspiration from classic Hollywood icon Grace Kelly, with both hair and makeup designed to channel that timeless, refined glamour. Park explained her approach: "I was inspired to create a look that centred around healthy skin: sheer layers, a natural flush, and a touch of luminosity for a polished, yet effortless finish."

Grace

Kelly

This philosophy resulted in a makeup look that appeared to radiate from within, with a glowing complexion balanced by muted rose lips and a subtle wing that enhanced without overwhelming.

The Secret: Sheer, Buildable Layers

The key to soft glam lies in a layering technique. Rather than applying heavy products all at once, build dimension through sheer, buildable layers that create depth while maintaining a natural, skin-like finish. This is the technique I have used many times especially for red carpet glam looks and fashion shows where the skin needs to look flawless but radiant and like well just perfect skin but not looking like makeup

For Buckley's complexion, Park started with Chanel's N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Healthy Pink, a balmy, buildable formula in a dusty rose shade. This was applied underneath Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint in Medium to create what Park describes as a "natural, within-the-skin flush."

To add depth without losing that luminous quality, Park then layered Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Rose Bronze, followed by shimmering powder to amplify the cheek colour with a soft-focus finish. The result was multidimensional colour that looked like it came from within the skin itself.

The Complete Product Lineup

Prep:

Chanel Le Lift Flash Eye Patches were used behind the scenes to depuff, hydrate, and plump the delicate eye area — essential prep for any major event.

Base:

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint provided almost undetectable coverage while amplifying skin hydration and radiance. This skin tint is beloved for the way it slips onto skin, enhancing rather than masking.

Cheeks:

• Chanel N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Healthy Pink

• Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Rose Bronze

• Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder (for soft-focus shimmer)

Contour & Highlight:

• Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Cream Bronzer — a makeup artist favorite that adds warmth and definition beneath the cheekbones

• Chanel Baume Essentiel illuminating balm — tapped onto the cheekbones for a golden glow that catches the light beautifully

How to Recreate This Look at Home

1. Start with Skincare

The foundation of this look is healthy, glowing skin. Use hydrating eye patches and your favourite moisturizer to prep the canvas.

2. Apply Sheer Base

Choose a lightweight skin tint or tinted moisturizer that enhances rather than covers. The goal is to let your natural skin show through.

3. Layer Your Blush

Start with a cream blush applied with fingers, building colour gradually. Top with a powder blush in a complementary shade for dimension.

4. Add Subtle Definition

Use a cream bronzer to gently contour beneath the cheekbones. Remember: soft glamour means subtle application — blend thoroughly.

5. Highlight Strategically

Tap illuminating balm onto the high points of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and cupid's bow. This creates that lit-from-within radiance.

6. Keep Eyes and Lips Soft

A subtle wing and muted rose lip complete the look without competing with the glowing complexion.

Why This Look Works

What makes Jessie Buckley's Golden Globes makeup so special is its restraint. In an era where heavy contouring and bold statements often dominate the red carpet, this look proves that refined simplicity can be just as striking and will definitely will be te main trend for the up coming Oscars and the rest of the award season.

The sheer, buildable approach creates a complexion that photographs beautifully from every angle while looking natural in person. It's sophisticated without being stuffy, polished without appearing overdone — the perfect complement to Buckley's baby blue Dior gown by Jonathan Anderson.

This technique demonstrates that great makeup artistry isn't about hiding the face under layers of product, but rather enhancing natural beauty through thoughtful, strategic application. The key is understanding how to build dimension through transparent layers that work together harmoniously makeup like this is an art.

The Verity Makeup Takeaway

Whether you're preparing for a special event or simply want to elevate your everyday makeup, Jessie Buckley's Golden Globes look offers valuable lessons:

• Healthy skin is the ultimate foundation — invest in skincare first

• Build colour gradually with sheer, layered products

• Combine cream and powder formulas for natural dimension

• Strategic highlighting creates luminosity without looking glittery

• Sometimes, less truly is more

As Buckley continues her awards season journey with an Oscar nomination for the same performance, we'll be watching to see if this  elegant aesthetic is her go to look. One thing is certain: refined glamour is here to stay, and this Golden Globes moment will be remembered as one of the season's most beautiful.