How To Recreate Margot Robbie's Barbie Premiere Makeup On A Budget
Are you eagerly waiting for the release of the upcoming "Barbie" movie starring Margot Robbie, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Ryan Gosling? Whether you're a film buff, doll collector, or fashion fanatic, there's something for almost everyone in Greta Gerwig's Barbie flick. Although the movie's release date –- July 21 – is still days away, fans were treated to a glimpse of life-in-plastic glamour at the film's Los Angeles premiere on July 9. Margot Robbie's looks have included various shades of pink and retro silhouettes over the past few months, and her "Barbie" premiere night outfit borrowed inspiration from another legendary era.
Eagle-eyed Barbie doll collectors may have recognized the sultry aesthetic right away, but Robbie's makeup artist wasn't shy about discussing her muse for the evening. "For the Barbie World Premiere, Margot's makeup look was inspired by the original 'Solo in the Spotlight' Barbie doll," Chanel makeup artist Pati Dubroff told Who What Wear. The retro Barbie doll, originally released in 1960, wore smoldering eye makeup, a bold lip, and rosy cheeks to accent its stunning black gown.
Dreaming of rocking this vintage Barbie style? You're in luck. Robbie's Barbie makeup look may have used a bevy of pricey Chanel beauty products, but we've devised a budget-friendly way for you to channel your own "Solo in the Spotlight" moment. So come on, Barbie –- let's give you the red carpet treatment you deserve.
Face
When crafting any Barbie doll look, a fresh complexion is always a great start. Before applying foundation, fully cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin to prepare your base layer. Even dolls with oily skin need a little hydration from time to time, so don't skimp on this step!
Once you've let your moisturizer fully soak in, it's time to dive into your cosmetic collection. "Solo in the Spotlight" Barbie has a healthy glow to her plastic visage, and Dubroff was quick to replicate this on Robbie. The celebrity makeup artist used Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, which retails for $65 a bottle. Fortunately, we've uncovered a dupe for the pricey product that can help you achieve an equally dewy sheen for far less.
L'Oréal's Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation, at $15.99 per bottle, offers an attractive, lightweight finish similar to Chanel without breaking the bank. You can apply it directly to your skin for full coverage, or combine it with a skin tint for a sheer, natural effect, as Dubroff did. In lieu of using DuBroff's pick, Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint ($70), try K-beauty brand Romand's Bare Water Cushion ($20) or L'Oréal Lumi Cushion Foundation ($17).
Cheeks
From baby dolls to Barbie dolls, no dolly makeup routine is complete without a bit of cheek tint. To emulate her glittering Barbie muse, Margot Robbie wore a dab of Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream on the apples of her cheeks. The luxurious cheek glow costs $50, but you can get the same effect with ColourPop's SOL Face & Body Bronzing Balm. It will set you back only $15, and get this: some reviewers say it's even better than Chanel's bronzing cream. "In the past, I have used [a] similar product from Chanel -– and honestly, I would pick this over it any time," wrote one fan.
After adding some sun-kissed sparkle to your cheeks, don't forget to incorporate "Solo in the Spotlight" Barbie's demure, rosy blush. Makeup artist DuBroff opted for a blend of two Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blushes, though it's easy to find a budget-friendly pick that can work just as well. We like NYX's Professional Makeup HD Blush ($9.50) in Summer, a pinky-coral shade that's a good dupe for DuBroff's Chanel blush pick, Malice. While Chanel's Contraste Blush costs $47 per compact, you can save a cool $38 by swapping it out for NYX.
Eyes
The eyes have it, and "Solo in the Spotlight" Barbie isn't afraid to show them off. DuBroff's interpretation was subtler than the original doll's design –- a bright blue eyeshadow and falsie combination — but it works perfectly with the rest of this colorful makeup look.
On Robbie, DuBroff chose to go au naturel instead of using an electric blue eyeshadow. She began by swiping Chanel Stylo Ombre et Contour in Nude Éclat on Robbie's lids to prime them. The creamy eyeshadow stick retails for $36, yet it can be easily replaced by a good drugstore dupe. As an economical alternative, try Milani's Gilded Eyeshadow Stick in Blossom, Rose, or Sand — all good options to stand in for Chanel's rose gold-colored crayon.
Now that your bright eyes are primed, you can have fun with some color. Chanel is renowned for its buttery eyeshadow palettes, and DuBroff didn't hesitate to use Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in Tender for Robbie's big night. Instead of spending $70 on the Chanel kit, do yourself a favor and pick up ColourPop's By the Rosé Shadow Palette. At $14, the shimmering, blush-colored collection of shadows is an excellent alternative to its high-priced counterpart.
Lips
To top off your picture-perfect Barbie look, you'll need the right lip shade. Before applying Robbie's Barbie doll lipstick, DuBroff made sure to coat her pout with a layer of emollient balm. You could splurge on the $45 No 1 de Chanel Lip & Cheek Balm in Red Camellia used on Robbie, or you could opt for Dr. Pawpaw's Ultimate Red Balm, an absolute steal at only $5.25.
For Robbie's Barbie lipstick, DuBroff went with Chanel's Rouge Allure L'Extrait High-Intensity Lip Colour in 854. The vivid red lip color served as a striking complement to Robbie's complexion with a slightly warm undertone and long-lasting color payoff. Of course, a luxury lip color like Rouge Allure carries a rather steep price at $55 per golden tube. As an affordable dupe, we suggest trying Sephora's Satin Hydrating Lipstick in the shade More is More. Its bold, coral red hue is a nearly identical match for the Chanel color, and its emollient formula will keep you smiling all night at $15 a pop. You can finish the look with a matching red lip liner like Juvia's Place Luxe Lip Liner in Ruby, which retails for $10. With your Barbie-inspired makeover complete, you'll be ready to party in style on the film's opening day.