How to Recreate Nicola Coughlan’s Best Hair and Makeup Looks From Bridgerton

Dearest reader, let it be known that there is a scandal—Bridgerton hair and makeup styles are taking over the internet. 

If you’re as obsessed with Bridgerton as we are, chances are you’ve been eyeing Nicola Coughlan—a.k.a. Penelope—and her impeccable style this season. From long, luscious waves to peachy lips, her looks are absolutely to die for—not to mention perfect for summer. 

“I find they’re using more makeup than normal in the new season. Usually we see the cast in little to no makeup as the show is supposed to be dated in the 1800s,” says celebrity MUA Dani Parkes. “However, because they wanted Nicola’s character to have such a big transformation we see them put more makeup on her character. The style is less of what we have seen in the past and resembles more present day makeup.” 

Read on to learn more about how to achieve the full Bridgerton look, according to experts. 

The Makeup

Nicolas' character wore a peach-toned lip a lot throughout the season, which worked great with her fair complexion and vibrant hair color. How do you mimic this look, you ask? Parkes recommends going for a clean makeup look with a peachy lip. 

We also saw a lot more eyeshadow in this season—which makes sense since in modern times we’re in the middle of an eyeshadow revival, says Parkes. “The shadow was very cat-eye like and really lifted her face and brought out her natural features.” 

To mimic the look, start by adding a glow to your face as a base—e.l.f Halo Glow Liquid Filter is a great choice for a soft-focus social filter effect on the skin. Then, add concealer to the areas that need it, such as the under eyes and blemish patches. We love Haus Labs concealer as it’s light coverage but still targets necessary blemishes. 

Parkes says to skip the contour this time around to help achieve that old-timey style—but if you’re keen for a bit of bronze, “go in with a light powder on the borders of the face just to add a little bit of dimension.” 

Now for the blush! Take a peachy blush such as Nudestix Nudies Cream Blush in shade Nude Peach or MCoBeauty Cheek and Lip Tint in Rose Glow. Parkes says to apply on the high points of the cheeks and even the eyes, chin and a little bit on the nose for that iconic Penelope hue.

Last but not least, apply a peachy lipstick—like Mirabella Sealed With a Kiss in shade Coral Crush—to the lips. For a modern touch, you can add a light layer of SheGlam Hot Goss Plumping Lip Gloss in shade Oh Em Gee to achieve a dewy, kissable look.

The Hair

In the show, Coughlan’s hair is typically in a Victorian inspired updo or let down in soft romantic curls—but this can be easily modernized to mimic at-home. “When I think of putting a modern flair on her whimsical styles, I think of shaggy layers, loose curls that create waves and soft hair color tones such as Strawberry Blonde and Gingerbread Red,” says stylist Oliver Adams.To create effortless loose waves, Adams recommends prepping the hair with a curl cream, like Wella Professionals Leave-In Curl Balm, for a soft hold and extra definition in the curls. Then, using a large barrel curling iron and starting with the bangs, alternating curling away the face and towards the face every other section. For an even more vintage-inspired look, Adams says to “pin curly sections up with bobby pins and let set for at least 20 minutes” after curling the hair. Brush it out and voilà! 

For her iconic updo, small curls are crucial for a modernized regency look. Celebrity stylist Laura Polko recommends putting your hair into a high pony, leaving out a few chunks at the front of your crown. Then begin curling small sections of the hair that’s in your ponytail, using the tightest curl setting of the InfinitiPRO by Conair Curl Secret or the smallest curl barrel you have. 

“Add another hair tie over your ponytail, creating a big bun with strands that fall to the sides of your head,” says Polko. For the bangs and front pieces still hanging at the front, utilize the curling wand attachment of the InfinitiPRO by Conair DigitalAIRE Styling System to create a soft face framing curls.

Embrace the style by adding a bow—we love the Ceremonia Bow Clip—to your ‘do as the pièce de résistance.