Spend vs Save: Recreate Anya Taylor-Joy’s red carpet makeup look – without the price tag

By Rebecca Redford

Lockdown is drawing to a close and that means, for the most part, we’ll be out and about again once more soon. After all, we’ve missed more brunches, catch-ups over drinks and dinner dates than we’d care to mention!

But if your makeup bag (like ours) has been seriously neglected over the last 12 months, it might be time to invest in some new products.

With new beginnings ahead – and on the back of this week’s exciting Oscar nomination reveals – we’ve been thinking about our future make-up looks and one we are desperate to recreate is Anya Taylor-Joy’s from the Golden Globes 2021.

A couple of weeks ago, the Golden Globes commenced semi-virtually, with nominees accepting their awards from home. But The Queen’s Gambit actress Anya still dressed as though she was to be walking the red carpet; wearing a custom-made, emerald gown by DIOR, she looked flawless – and her makeup look was no exception.

Makeup artist Georgie Eisdell has since revealed all the products she used to create the look on Anya. But if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to buy an entire new makeup bag full of DIOR goodies (we hear you, sister!), we’ve also put together the best budget options which will help you re-create the look, without the price tag.

BASE LAYER – SKINCARE

Eisdell began with DIOR Capture Totale Super Potent Face Serum to provide a healthy glow to the skin and help smooth out any fine lines – the key ingredient being hyaluronic acid. This product retails at an eye-watering £83.50, but LA Roche- Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a fantastic, cheaper alternative.

This serum still hydrates while having been proven to have also re-plumped skin within one day. Designed to treat fine lines and aging, it’s been dermatologically tested to make sure it’s suitable for even the most sensitive of skin. And at a third of the price, you really can’t go wrong!

And finally, to finish off that perfect base layer, was DIOR Capture Totale Super Potent Rich Crème. This product is used for intense nourishment for the skin, without leaving behind an oily finish. But at £79.00 a pop, you’d definitely feel as though you had to use it sparingly.

Instead, why not reach for CeraVe Moisturising Cream? This cheaper alternative won the Beauty Awards in 2018 and, as well as providing your complexion with deep moisture, also brings the added benefit of repairing the skins natural barrier.

For extra under-eye coverage, DIOR DIORSKIN Forever Skin Correct Concealer was used to brighten and illuminate. This multi-purpose concealer has a creamy formula which makes it incredibly easy to blend.

But if you’re after an absolute steal, e.l.f’s Hydrating Satin Camo Concealer is for you. Retailing at only a fiver, it has a lightweight formula with a luminous finish, all while providing you with full coverage. An excellent addition to any makeup bag!

Eisdell then used a long-wear blush to the apples of Anya’s cheeks, blending backwards. The ultra-pigmented DIOR Rouge Blush Couture Colour Long-Wear Powder Blush is a buildable product which gives you control over giving your cheeks just the right colour that lasts.

But £36 is still pretty steep for such a small product. Pop My Cherry Blusher by Revolution, however, still gives the desired affect for only £4! This sheer velvet powder is perfect for anyone looking for a pop of colour that’s going to turn heads (whether on the red carpet or off it).

EYES

To create Anya’s eye glam, Eisdell used the DIOR Diorshow 5 Couleurs Couture Eyeshadow Palette, which is perfect for a golden, smoky eye with its mixture of shades and textures.

But we don’t necessarily think you have to splash out on a brand new anything to achieve similar results here. Even if you don’t have a brown eyeshadow, you can sweep your bronzer through the crease of your lid and add your highlighter and there you have it – a brown smoky eye, at no extra cost!

Now onto mascara – it’s important, right? This DIOR Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara lasts for 24 hours, fanning out and lengthening your lashes to open up your eyes. If, like Anya, you want your eyes bold, why not add some additional individual lashes like she did to emphasise the look?

We all know there are a lot of amazing drug store mascaras, but one that takes the biscuit for us is Maybelline’s Lash Sensational. We’ve tried and tested it many times before and it always always shows optimal lash extension and volume.

LIPS

To finish off your red carpet-ready look: LIPS. Eisdell used the perfect nude to compliment Anya’s style. After all, when you’ve gone bold on the eyes, it’s always best to keep the lip simple. The Rouge DIOR lipstick is available in Matt, Satin and velvet and really is a gorgeous colour.

Another gorgeous colour is the Too Faced lipstick in ‘girl code’ shade. Infused with hydrating coconut butter it glides onto the lips and is richly pigmented to provide you with the ultimate coverage.