There’s something captivating about Nicola Coughlan both on and off the screen: in Channel 4’s comedy series Derry Girls, she quickly won our hearts as headband-wearing teacher’s pet Clare Devlin, and in Netflix’s Bridgerton, she stood out from the rest of the ton for her earnest enthusiasm and tumbling copper curls (not to mention her shocking double-life as Lady Whistledown).
Off-screen, she’s known for her bright and bold red carpet beauty choices (case in point, her electric blue smokey eye at the 2021 BAFTAs), her down-to-earth yet excitable energy and her commendable boundaries when it comes to trolls (she recently shut down body-shamers in a heartfelt Tweet, stating, “If you have an opinion about my body please, please don’t share it with me”).
Today, she joins me on Zoom from New York, where she is eagerly exploring makeup mogul Pat McGrath’s warehouse (“it’s absolutely chock full of makeup – it’s a dangerous place for me”), wearing many of the products already, including Pat McGrath Labs Lust Gloss in Peach Perversion (“it’s the perfect nude lip for me – once you find that you hold on forever”).
She’s just been announced as the Pat McGrath Labs’ new ambassador – a fitting match given her undisputed love of makeup as well as the brand’s collaboration with Bridgerton for season two of the hit show, which includes a second makeup collection as well as exclusive use of products on set.
In GLAMOUR’s exclusive interview, Nicola shares how her relationship with beauty has evolved from being a mask to being a source of joy, as well as her biggest beauty blunders and the secret skincare tips she’s picked up from the pros on set.
When I was younger, I used to be terrified to step out without makeup. It was like it was the worst thing in the world. Then I went to drama school, where you’re not allowed to wear makeup so you can adapt to any character necessary. I was horrified. But eventually, it taught me to accept myself in my own skin and made room for makeup to become a fun thing, not a defensive thing. Now, I love makeup, and I love being able to celebrate it, but I can totally go without it.
I think sometimes people can look down on beauty and think that people generally poo-poo things that are geared towards women, but beauty is so important. It’s an expression of who we are. That’s what I love about Bridgerton and the Regency era. Women were able to use beauty to express themselves creatively and build a sense of identity. It could be so elaborate or soft and feminine, and that’s really inspiring.
I’ve always loved getting dressed up doing my hair and makeup, but when I was young, I was afraid to have any eyes on me and was worried I’d be judged. It was through being on the set of Bridgerton that actually really helped me discover confidence and joy in getting dressed up. I had these amazing gowns and amazing wigs made for me, and I thought, ‘why can I not bring that joy into my own life’?
We learn a lot about Penelope this year and sort of see her glow up throughout the season. Her mum’s focus has moved off her, so she starts to get a little bit more say in what she looks like. It was so nice to be a part of developing the look, and we used a lot of the Pat McGrath Labs eye shadows and the new Velvet Kohl Eyeliner from the Bridgerton collection on set. I mean, Penelope’s not a full glamour puss, but she definitely progresses from a young girl to a young woman with more confidence. Watch out for episode eight because there’s a huge jump in her look.
Drinking lots of water has always been really important for glowing skin, but often on set, you don’t get to drink enough because you’re in a corset all day or away from a bathroom. I had to always be really cognisant of hydrating my skin in other ways, so I used a lot of the hydrating products from Barbara Sturm, like this amazing hydrating mist. Then in the evenings, I use an oil-based makeup remover from Lush (I used to work in their stores and have always had a passion for their products), followed by a plumping hyaluronic acid serum and a nice moisturising cream.
Oh, and I always use eye and neck cream.
Speaking of hydration, I love a hydrating facial. I usually go to Shane Cooper, who is fantastic and does this aqua facial that’s amazing for my skin. I also love skincare specialist Jasmina Vico, who sees everyone from Phoebe Waller-Bridge to Jodie Comer, and is like a skin wizard. She has this wonderful microneedling treatment that really helps to even out skin tone. I love a skincare gadget, and I love a proper facial where they’re like, absolutely sucking stuff out of your face.
Looking back over my years experimenting with beauty, I’ve definitely had a few blunders. I had insanely over-plucked eyebrows at one point. They literally like one hair thick all along the way along. When I was about 15, I used to have I used to wear thick pan-stick, like a really thick, thick foundation that would be almost itchy. Then at night, I would use really strong spot fighting products that would be burning my skin off. So, so bad.
Glamour UK
Written by Lottie Winter
Published on March 14, 2022
