Sephora x Glow Up

The world’s biggest makeup television show has finally returned for a hotly anticipated 5th season with new superstar host, Leomie Anderson - and Sephora is along for the ride. Joining Glow Up for their second episode, we set the aspiring MUAs the ultimate artistic task. More than just an Industry Challenge, we asked them to get to know our models in the chair, and create a look inspired by the way they express their unique selves. The goal? To empower. The day? One of the best we’ve ever had the pleasure of working on.

Bringing our very own Brand Director, Arieta Mujay to judge alongside veteran Glow Up judges Val Garland, Dominic Skinner, plus guest judge Patrick Ta, we’d be playing coy if we said we weren’t on cloud nine.

And although we loved every look, there was one winner who stood out the most. Winning the chance to makeup model Victoria for our Express All Of You campaign, it’s your turn to meet Saphron. We have a *little* feeling you might be seeing a lot more of her in the beauty world, and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with her just as much as we have.

Meet the artist: Saphron (She/Her)

We dare you to find an MUA as multi-talented as Saphron. Winner of our Express All Of You Industry Challenge, she proves that beauty is in the human beneath with her winning look. And while Glow Up couldn’t feel further from the bright lights of Essex, Saphron brought her boundless creativity from the outset, right onto our campaign shoot. Pizza Delivery Driver by day, expressive artist by night, she’s just getting started - and we can’t wait to see what she does next.

Meet the model: Victoria (She/Her)

Born, raised and thriving in East London, Victoria is nothing short of a powerhouse in the Sephora UK team. Queen at capturing content, creating social captions that make us smile, and lifting us all up with her boundless humour, she knows how to bring the main character energy to every occasion. And as someone with at least three glosses in her bag at any given time, she wanted a look that opened up a newer side to her, drawing on the playful, bold energy we all know and love.

Saphron’s burgundy lip moment? Signed, sealed, and more than delivered for our Express All Of You Campaign. Speaking on the winning look, Brand Director, Arieta, said "When I saw Saphron and Victoria talking about skin, it was like two friends sat together over a cup of tea. They’ve both experienced Acne, and Saphron’s idea to let the skin shine through was really magical." And there’s no denying how much we agree.

If, like us, you want to recreate this makeup look at home, here’s your sign to try it out - and the makeup products you need to help.

Get the look: step by step

Step one: After cleansing and prepping the skin with Weleda’s Skin Food, mix some more with a cream foundation like Sephora Collection’s Best Skin Ever for sheer coverage that doesn’t look cakey.

Step two: For a little extra coverage and to offset discolouration, apply a skin-matched concealer like Tarte’s Shape Tape with a fluffy brush for a lighter touch - then tap a makeup sponge over the skin for a smoother finish.

Step three: Blend a darker foundation with a cooler toned shade and blend into the skin with a dense foundation brush.

Step four: Then, take a soft, berry blush like Rose Inc’s cream blush in Hibiscus and tap onto the cheeks, using what’s left on the bronzer brush across the nose, chin and forehead for some warmth.

Step five: Lightly powder the face using a fluffy brush and Huda’s Easy Bake, removing any excess product by lightly rubbing makeup remover on a cotton bud over key areas.

Step six: For the brows, take a Sephora Collection Brow Pencil and draw light hairline strokes, before brushing through with a brow gel like this one from Kosas.

Step seven: Then use a pink-neutral eyeshadow from this Color Shifter Palette over the lid and lower lash line, deepening the dimension with a mid-toned brown. To finish, add a sheen of Glossed Lip Gloss to catch the light.

Step eight: Curl the lashes and add one coat of ILIA’s Limitless Mascara to the top and bottom, making sure each lash is separated.

Step nine: For the lips, outline with Sephora Collection’s Lip Liner in Deep Aubergine and fill in the lip with the same one. Then, take Danessa Myricks’ multichrome eyeshadow shade in Trippy and apply with a finger in a swiping motion to fuller parts of your lip, and a small dense lip brush for the outline and corners. Then go back in again with the lip liner to define the edges.

Step ten: As a finishing touch, take a small amount of foundation or concealer on an angled brush to clear up the lip edges, and lightly powder the face again.

Three’s not a crowd

Love Saphron’s winning look? This wasn’t the only one making waves. Alongside her statement lip, she created three unique looks for our Express All Of You campaign, featuring our very own Victoria. From green sparkly liner to a soft brown, natural look that’s perfect for everyday, we’re expressing every side of us. If you’re feeling inspired, here are all the products we’re crushing on - then, now and always.

Shop the looks