Beyond the fact that I am a super fan, it’s widely agreed upon and pretty inarguable that Chappell Roan will go down in history as one of the most iconic and revolutionary performers of the 2020s. From her record-breaking crowds at festivals like Coachella and Austin City Limits to her chart-topping singles and her out-of-this-world drag for her on-stage performances, Roan is changing the game for pop singers everywhere.
This past Saturday, the Missouri-born singer/songwriter fulfilled a lifelong dream of performing on Saturday Night Live, debuting not one but two legendary drag looks. We don’t always get such an in-depth look at Roan’s getting ready routine, but thanks to her partnership with MAC Cosmetics, fans got the inside scoop on the 12-hour makeup prep, which we’re breaking down ahead.
Chappell Roan’s ‘SNL’ Makeup Routine, Revealed
Before getting into the details of the looks, Roan revealed that they began her makeup process 12 hours before the show, demonstrating how intricate her on-stage looks are. For both of Roan’s songs, she rocked a somewhat spooky, Frankenstein-inspired look, of which the dramatic eyes were the focus. Makeup artist Andrew Dahling walked viewers through how he created the glam, which started with an exaggerated wing courtesy of MAC’s Pro Longwear Paint Pot Cream Eyeshadow ($28) in the shade Black Mirror. Dahling also extended the liner into Roan’s inner corners and below her lash lines for a more cartoonish appearance.
Dahling then buffed in some of MAC’s Matte Eyeshadow ($25) in Darkroom across Roan’s lids to create a subtle wash of cool purple. Dahling then added some of the brand’s sold-out Glitter ($25) in Reflects Pearl for an ultra-iridescent finish. In addition to her signature all-white base, Roan’s SNL look also featured statement blush that extended from the apples of her cheeks up to her forehead and was thanks to a blend of MAC’s Extra Dimension Blush ($34) in the shades Rosy Cheeks and Into the Pink. To finish out the look, Dahling applied the brand’s Macstack Mascara ($29) before adding lengthy lashes and some subtle rhinestones, followed by a combination of MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick ($25) in Popstar Pink and Rebel for a dimensional, dark-to-light lip moment.
