When it comes to dewy skin, there are a few people who glow quite as consistently as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find an image of her where she isn't modelling an impressively luminous complexion. Her secret? Well, she has a makeup bag bursting with radiance-boosting products—including a classic Chanel foundation and a cult concealer from Japan—but she has another beauty weapon up her sleeve: makeup artist Nikki DeRoest. Yes, founder of opulent beauty brand Róen and makeup artist to A-listers like Hailey Bieber, Emma Stone and Bella Hadid, DeRoest is the lady behind many of Rosie's best-ever beauty looks and therefore knows a thing or twenty about how to get glowy skin. In fact, DeRoest's own signature makeup look is about as radiant as it comes.
So with party season about to get into full swing, I could think of no better woman to call on for some glow-getting party makeup tips than Nikki DeRoest herself.
Ahead, we chat Róen beauty, party makeup mistakes, her favourite Rosie Huntington-Whiteley beauty looks and all things glow—including how to keep that carefully applied sheen in place all night. Keep scrolling to find out.
Firstly, let's talk about Róen…
Available exclusively at Cult Beauty in the UK, Nikki describes her makeup brand Róen as a "clean, vegan and cruelty-free luxe colour line designed by me and made for the real woman." I have to say, if you're looking for something to elevate your makeup bag for party season, then the products really are perfect. "It's effortless yet glamorous and simple, for the women who have a fear of eye shadow, but [still] exciting for the beauty junkie," explained DeRoest.
And it's definitely been popular here in the UK. A representative for Cult Beauty told me that within one week of launching Róen on the website, it had completely sold out—and an even bigger collection of products should be on their way very soon.
I'm always fascinated by what triggers professional makeup artists to turn product creators. "I've been working in the beauty industry for the last 15 years—in all areas, Nikki told me. "I started working in retail for various brands, consulted for existing brands, freelanced for editorials and advertising campaigns… I work with a lot of celebrities for press and their looks on the red carpet, and I also have been and continue to be a global artist for major beauty brands—which is something love and am always learning something new from. I guess with all of this time and experience I developed a real point of view and a passion which compelled me to share my perspective."
As for picking just one product from the collection? "You know this is a hard question to answer. I love them all so much," said DeRoest. "I would say the Disco Eye (£25) because it truly is so unique. I used varying sizes of pearl reflects, in both silver and gold, and it gives the eye the shiniest, glossy look without being wet. It's amazing by itself or on top of any other eye shadow. I think it is truly unique and head-turning."
Is there a universally flattering party makeup look?
"I love amping up the level of shine for night. In my opinion, people are attracted to shiny things and sparkle. It's eye-catching and you cannot help but look and admire," explained Nikki. "I suggest using Róen's [eye shadow palettes] or Disco, which all have the most insane texture and sparkle. Also, make sure to pop a creamy highlighter on the high points of your cheekbones. Head-turning and compliments coming your way!"
What's the most common party makeup mistake?
"I don't think you need to go to a party and completely not look like yourself with too much makeup," said Nikki. "Party makeup should be just a little turn up from your regular looks. I think sometimes we take it too far and suddenly our friends or colleagues don't recognise us."
Nikki's 10-minute party makeup routine
"If you're taking it from what you already are wearing in the daytime, then here's what I would do," explained DeRoest.
"I love the Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer to touch up underneath the eyes, around the nose and a touch on the chin and forehead. It instantly brightens and makes the skin look so creamy."
"Then I would add the Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Highlighter to the high points of the cheekbones, pressing it into the skin with fingers."
"For the eyes, I would choose your favourite shade from one of my Róen Beauty Palettes—the 52° is a popular choice for the winter months. Swipe it on with your fingers and soften the edges with a brush. I then would top a little of the Disco Eye (£25) in the corners and the crease for the ultimate eye-catching shine."
"I like wearing a long-wear lip colour for parties and then packing a tinted lip balm in my handbag for mirrorless touch-ups through the night. I love Chanel's Allure Ink and Bobbi Brown's Lip Tint—there are so many great shades to choose from."
How do you get glow to stick around all night?
Personally, I find that no matter how glowy my skin looks at the start of the night, by the end, it's either totally tired-looking or incredibly oily. Nikki's advice? "Only powder where you need it," she said. "I like to use a small blending eye shadow brush through the centre of my face and around the inner parts of my cheeks. If it's a loose translucent powder, it should grab and keep the skin in place through the night."
"I love Hourglass's loose powder," recommended Nikki. A cost-free way to combat oil? "In a pinch at a party, go to the bathroom and either use a piece of toilet paper or a tissue to use as a blotting paper to absorb and excess oil," she advised.
On Rosie's trademark glow
As a huge fan of Rosie HW's glow, and knowing that Nikki is often the lady behind her makeup, I couldn't wait to find out what tips she had up her sleeve for achieving that trademark radiance.
"We've been playing a lot lately with Chanel Les Beiges Water Fresh Tint (£48). It's lightweight coverage but major glow. Then I conceal just in the areas that need a little bit more attention," DeRoest revealed.
"Rosie has always been a major fan of my eye shadow palettes, so if it suits the look we are going for, we usually use them in one way or the other. The rest of the glow comes from her shining personality—beauty from the inside out!"
Nikki's favourite Rosie beauty look
"Oooh, it's hard to choose just one. We have so much fun creating looks together," said Nikki. Last year's Oscar's look was pretty major, but even recently we worked on her latest Rosie for Autograph campaign, and I was able to use some of the new Róen products and shades I'm creating right now on her—and the images are gorgeous. I can't wait for you guys to see the images, and also the new products I have in the works that are coming soon!"
Next up, these are the exact lashes that Meghan Markle wore on her wedding day.