Chappell Roan’s makeup artistry is anything but ordinary. For her, beauty is about pushing limits—creating looks that are “always glam to the max, slightly haunting, a little weird, and gorgeous.” She thrives on the surreal, blending striking visuals with her sparkling pop anthems, evoking what she calls “David Lynch vibes.” There’s no such thing as overdoing it in Roan’s world. Instead, she constantly asks herself: “Is this bold enough for someone to make a Halloween costume out of it? Is this special enough for people to remember?”
At just 27, Chappell Roan has carved out a unique space in music and fashion, known for her unforgettable stage presence. Her collaborations with MAC Cosmetics have produced some of her most iconic looks, from the Grammys to Saturday Night Live, and even a living Renaissance painting at the VMAs. Now, as MAC’s new global ambassador, she’s deepening that creative bond.
Credit: Courtesy of MAC
For Roan, this partnership feels like destiny. “MAC has always made space for people like me; since day one, they’ve embraced art, queerness, drag, and self-expression,” she shares. Over the years, she’s developed a close relationship with the MAC team, praising their thoughtful, collaborative approach. She’s eager to unveil what they’ve created together, promising fans something truly extraordinary.
Her debut MAC campaign, lensed by Inez & Vinoodh, showcases Roan in a dramatic, otherworldly look: a cloud-white complexion, razor-thin brows, and frosted glitter lashes, all crafted by her longtime makeup artist Andrew Dahling. Dahling describes the aesthetic as “film-noir meets high glamour,” using MAC staples like Cool Teddy lipstick, Full Coverage Foundation in White, and an array of Paint Pots.
MAC’s creative director, Nicola Formichetti, hails Roan as “one of the most exciting and powerful artists of this generation, a true creative force who uses beauty as a form of bold, emotional storytelling.” While Roan’s vision drives each transformation, she relies on the expertise of her trusted team—Dahling, Dee Carrion, and Ali Scharf. “With the complexity of the looks I wear on stage now, it’s best led by the makeup artists I work with. They know way more than I do, obviously, and I trust them with everything,” she admits.
Inspiration comes from everywhere. “Pinterest is our best friend,” Roan explains. “We each have a folder of photos—runway shots, fashion editorials, oil paintings, films, drag—and we compare ideas. Sometimes they’ll sketch or test the makeup on themselves first, so I can see it in real life. That’s how we build the look.”
When it comes to her MAC essentials, Roan sticks to a reliable routine. “I powder like crazy!” she laughs. “We use glitter glue for eyes and cheeks. Brows are usually blocked out, but I recently shaved mine off, so that’s one less step. I always go for a long-wear liquid lipstick—sometimes it’s not even lipstick, just an eye or cheek pigment. And we line with MAC lip liners!” For extreme conditions, like sweltering tour dates, her team takes extra precautions: “Sometimes we waterproof set my face. It’s layers upon layers, and my skin is always clogged after tour. But… anything for the look.”
As Chappell Roan steps into her new role at MAC, her transformative glam is poised to reach even greater heights. In short: Get ready for the unexpected.
Based on an article from InStyle
