Ariana DeBose’s “Elegant” Oscars Makeup Was Inspired by Josephine Baker

“It’s giving '30s Hollywood, art deco vibes, and an element of modern woman warrior.”

Ariana DeBase at the Oscars
(Image credit: Getty)

Last year, Ariana DeBose made history as the first queer woman of color to take home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in West Side Story. This year, the actress, who was tapped as a presenter, hit the 95th annual Academy Awards yet again—this time paying homage to another history-making woman, French performer Josephine Baker. 

“The gown is so detailed and structured that I wanted to keep her makeup elegant, putting the focus on Ari's gorgeous skin and eyes,” makeup artist Andrea Tiller, who used exclusive Iconic London makeup products to create the look, tells Marie Claire. “For direction, I looked into the iconic Hollywood trailblazer Josephine Baker, but did my modern take on her almond shape and elongated, cool-toned smokey eyes.” 

josephine baker

(Image credit: Andrea Tiller)

The stunning look, which was hallmarked by gorgeous, glowing skin and a “wet” effect, wasn’t a spur of the moment decision—it’s been days in the making. Tiller got a glimpse of DeBose’s Versace gown, which has been in the works for months, two weeks ago. That’s when she took to the drawing board. 

“My inspiration for this makeup started with the gown. It's giving 30's Hollywood, art deco vibes, and has an element of modern woman warrior. It exudes confidence and strength and I also wanted to translate that through the makeup,” says Tiller. The beauty of it all however came via a bit of a juxtaposition. “In this instance, since the gown is so structured and detailed, I wanted to keep the makeup elegant, sexy, and timeless.” 

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(Image credit: Andrea Tiller)

To achieve such an end, Iconic London makeup products were at the ready. The layers were plentiful and the artistry was at an all-time high, but there are a *few* products you simply cannot go without if you’re on a mission to recreate this vibe. One of the most important just so happens to be the first that went on DeBose’s face (and body)—the Underglow Blurring Primer. “Not only does it create a natural radiance as a face primer, but I can also use it on the collar bones and body as a gorgeous body highlighter and it gives a smooth blurring effect as well,” says Tiller. 

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(Image credit: Andrea Tiller)

When actual coverage came into play, Tiller opted for one of my personal favorite products, the Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint. “It's such a beautiful lightweight hydrating formula that also has effective coverage and photographs well,” she adds. Fast forward through a little concealer and some contour, and it was time to whip out the MVP: Silk Glow Duo in Rose Glow, which is largely responsible for the dewy, shimmery finish. “I love both colors of the blush and highlighter—it just adds the perfect amount of radiance that looks like you are glowing from within.”

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(Image credit: Andrea Tiller)

A “wet” eye makeup look followed before Tiller sent DeBose on her way with a little makeup goody bag for last minute touch ups on the carpet. “I just left her with the essentials that include the Fuller Pout "T.T.Y.N" lip liner, Lip Plumping Gloss in "Nearly Nude" and "Not your Baby,” along with some blotting papers for her T-zone.” 

To shop DeBose’s entire look, scroll ahead. 

Samantha Holender
Senior Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.