Singer Olivia Dean Shares Her Beauty Philosophy and Makeup Essentials
The 26-year-old British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean maintains her authentic self both on and off stage. “I remain true to who I am,” the London-based artist explains. “When performing, I enhance my natural self rather than transform into someone else, and I try to bring that sense of elegance into my everyday life.”
Dean’s career continues to flourish following her recent Grammy win for Best New Artist, recognizing her soulful, vintage-inspired romantic ballads. The rising star has now partnered with luxury beauty brand Hourglass Cosmetics as their newest global ambassador, a collaboration that perfectly aligns with her signature effortless yet polished aesthetic centered around luminous, healthy-looking skin.
Through this partnership, Dean will develop curated makeup collections called “The Olivia Edit,” featuring her preferred products. The inaugural collection showcases Hourglass’s Veil Hydrating Skin Tint, Vanish Airbrush Concealer, and the newly launched Unreal Liquid Highlighter, all formulated with skincare benefits to create a radiant, smooth, and plump complexion.
Early Beauty Memories and Current Essentials
Dean recalls her introduction to cosmetics through childhood exploration of her mother’s makeup collection. Her first personal beauty purchase was the popular Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation. “Everyone needed that product, and we’d apply it heavily,” she remembers. “Now I prefer glowing, dewy finishes, but experimenting is part of growing up.”
Currently, lip products dominate her beauty routine. “I carry five different shades to match any occasion,” Dean explains. She particularly favors the Hourglass Glossy Balm for its sophisticated touch, describing it as lightweight yet glossy with beautiful color payoff that pairs well with lip liner.
For lip combinations, Dean varies her approach based on timing: evening looks feature dark brown liner with pink-toned centers, while daytime calls for mauve liner with lighter shades.
Brow Care and Foundation Philosophy
Eyebrow grooming remains non-negotiable in Dean’s routine. “I won’t leave home without brow gel,” she states. “Well-groomed brows make you feel put-together.” After testing numerous products, she settled on Refy brow gel for its lasting hold and effectiveness.
Her foundation approach emphasizes enhancement over coverage. “I prefer lightweight skin tints that allow my natural skin to show through,” Dean explains. “The Hourglass Skin Tint provides that polished but not overdone appearance I’m seeking.”
Tour-Ready Routine and Beauty Philosophy
When touring, Dean streamlines her routine due to time constraints and frequent travel. Her condensed version includes brow gel, Hourglass concealer, blush, and lip color applied on-the-go.
Dean considers herself a beauty enthusiast, though in a relaxed manner. “While others may know more technical details and specialized techniques, I love feeling beautiful and enjoy the ritual of getting ready,” she reflects. “Coordinating your look with your outfit or hairstyle and experimenting with presentation significantly impacts how you feel.”
Beauty Inspirations and Learning Curve
Dean draws inspiration from timeless icons, particularly Diana Ross and Audrey Hepburn. “I’m drawn to classic, simple elegance,” she says. “Diana Ross experimented boldly with makeup, especially dramatic eyelashes and distinctive eye looks, which inspires me to be more adventurous.”
Her beauty education accelerated after entering the music industry and working with professional makeup artists. “The experience has been incredibly educational,” Dean notes. “The key lesson is ‘less is more.’ Proper skincare creates the perfect base for everything else.”
She emphasizes both application and removal routines, considering makeup removal an art form equal to application. Among her current skincare favorites, Dean praises the trending Medicube face masks, confirming the hype around their glass-skin effects.
Hair Care and Beauty Wisdom
Dean credits her mother with the best beauty advice she’s received: treating her hair as her greatest beauty asset. “My mother always emphasized caring for my hair properly,” she shares. “I’ve never colored or drastically altered it, following her guidance that it’s my defining feature.”
Initially self-conscious about her hair’s volume and texture, Dean now embraces its uniqueness. “I used to worry it was too big or wild, but I’ve moved past that mindset. My hair makes me distinctive.”
Beauty Trends and Getting-Ready Rituals
While staying current with beauty trends, Dean firmly rejects the thin eyebrow movement. “I’m working to thicken my brows and keeping things classic,” she declares.
Music plays a crucial role in her preparation routine. “I always play music while getting ready – it sets the entire mood,” she explains. “I gravitate toward romantic soundtracks, particularly French or Italian films from the 1960s, to really embody the character.”
Dean’s commitment to glamour extends beyond work obligations. “After becoming accustomed to feeling glamorous professionally, it’s difficult not wanting that feeling constantly,” she admits. “I’m definitely someone who applies lip liner and gloss even on airplanes.”