Get ready to be dazzled as Glow Up returns, hosted by the fabulous Leomie Anderson. Each week, eight of the most talented aspiring make-up artists will be judged on their creativity and ability to thrive under pressure, in intense Professional Assignments, from pop star led social campaigns to global gaming body painting, West End theatre looks to mastering gory TV special effects. The stakes have never been higher in the world of make-up artistry. Glow Up is back as the MUAs compete to be crowned Britian’s Next Make-Up Star, and for a career changing prize – assisting some of the best MUAs in the world.
At Glow Up Studios, the talented artists will push the boundaries of their creativity and technical prowess, aiming to captivate the esteemed judges: the renowned Val Garland and Dominic Skinner. Those who fall short, face off against each other in a nail-biting showdown, battling to avoid elimination. Over the course of six intense weeks, the ultimate make-up artist (MUA) will emerge victorious, securing a contract to assist the world’s leading make-up artists and earning the coveted title of Britain’s Next Make-Up Star. Prepare for a gripping, high-stakes competition that promises to keep you riveted from beginning to end.
Series six will take the ultimate make-up challenge to the next level with professional assignments which will provide the MUAs with incredible opportunities to work with Lady Gaga’s make-up brand Haus Labs, work on the set of the long standing BBC drama Casualty, create looks within the world of Roblox, work with footwear giant Foot Locker, assist on the set of London West End’s Six The Musical and present to industry professionals at Harvey Nichols.
Alongside Leomie, Val and Dominic, they will be joined by an array of guest judges including:
- Sarah Tanno, Global Artistry Director, Haus Labs & Lady Gaga’s MUA
- Mitchell Halliday, Creative Director, Made By Mitchell
- Isamaya Ffrench, International renowned Make-up Artist and owner of Isamaya Beauty
- Aimie Aitkinson, Actor, singer and original cast member of ‘Six The Musical’
- Slavka Jancikova, Vice President of Marketing for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Foot Locker
- Alexis Stone, Drag artist and transformative Make-Up Artist
- NikkieTutorials, Make-Up Artist and founder of Nimya
- Kirstie Stanway, Casualty Make-Up Designer
- Sherlina Nym, Social Media influencer and content creator
- Talia Mar, Singer and songwriter
- Yammy, Gamer and YouTuber
- Hung Vanngo, Celebrity Make-Up artist
Glow Up Series 6 airs on 10 April on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three.
Watch all previous series of Glow Up on BBC iPlayer now.
JA3
Interview with Leomie Anderson
We’re back! How does it feel to be returning for another series as host?
It’s so exciting to be back. I really missed being on set and having the pleasure of getting to know these amazing artists and watch them grow in the show. And of course I’m excited to pull out more looks of my own!
What differences did you find this time around from your first series?
I’m a lot more comfortable and know what to expect which feels good. I also feel better prepared to support the MUAs as their sort of friend on the show.
Were there any standout moments that you can share without revealing any major spoilers?
One of the artists created a look you needed a phone filter to see in all its glory, that was pretty epic! You’ll have to watch and see how it turned out…
What do you love the most about hosting the show?
I love getting to surprise the MUAs with my own looks each day. They’d take bets on what colours I’d be wearing. My favourite part was watching the make-up transformations in real time because it’s where you truly see the MUAs passion for make-up come out – it’s a really interesting process.
Do you have any favourite guest judges that joined yourself, Val and Dominic this series?
I loved meeting Alexis Stone as I’m a huge fan of his work and transformations! I also loved meeting Mitchell (Creative Director of Made By Mitchell) as we’ve followed each other for a while and it was our first time meeting face to face.
What would be your desert island make-up product and why?
Lip gloss – I literally cannot survive without it. I would simply shrivel up and die without gloss!
What do you think is the key to a flawless make-up look?
Prepping the skin before applying make-up is super important and also setting your products with powder correctly.
What can viewers expect when they tune in on BBC Three?
They can expect a season of big personalities and even bigger make-up looks!
Interview with Dominic Skinner
It’s series 6! How does it feel to be returning for another glittering series?
It feels incredible to be back with another series of Glow Up. More sparkle, more glamour and more fantastic looks!
What do you love the most about being a judge?
What I love most is seeing the development of all the young artists. Our goal as judges is to build up and encourage each of them so that no matter how far they get in the competition, they end up stronger, more skilled and an all-round better artist to when they first entered Glow Up Studios.
Were there any standout moments that you can share without revealing any major spoilers?
There are so many moments that stood out for me but this year for the first time, we challenged the MUAs to create a full body paint look. Body painting is a passion of mine and it was so exciting to see what they were able to deliver in the incredible short time frame.
Do you have any favourite guest judges that joined yourself, Val and Leomie this series?
Each guest judge we had this series was brilliant. They passed on amazing knowledge and shared so many wonderful tip and tricks to the MUAs. However, it was lovely having Isamaya Ffrench back. We had a lot of fun that day.
What would be your desert island make-up or skincare product and why?
I would have to go with SPF for practical reasons but i would also need a lip balm. I can’t sleep without putting lip balm on. If I have to be stranded on a desert island, I’d rather not be tired too!
What do you think is the key to a flawless make-up look?
The key to a flawless look is all about the base. If you prep the skin correctly and get a perfect match with your foundation, you can literally do anything you want and it will always look either good or on purpose!
What can viewers expect when they tune in on BBC Three?
They can expect bigger looks, bolder colours and bonkers creations!
Interview with Val Garland
We’re back and it’s series six! How does it feel to be returning for another glittering series?
I’m so excited I can’t wait! It’s unbelievable, I’m so honoured!
What do you love the most about being a judge?
I love how inspiring it is to be in the company of such untapped talent.
Were there any standout moments that you can share without revealing any major spoilers?
Well, let’s just say an ambulance was involved! You’ll need to tune in to find out more…
Do you have any favourite guest judges that joined yourself, Leomie and Dominic this series?
I was so in awe of all of the different flavours we were getting from out guest judges – it’s what makes Glow Up such an interesting and unique point of view. Each of our guest judges brings their expert knowledge, special brand of success and are trail blazers on the make-up motorway.
What would be your desert island make-up or skincare product and why?
Mascara, because it makes me look like I have eyes!
What do you think is the key to a flawless make-up look?
Preparation, tools, application and technique.
What can viewers expect when they tune in on BBC Three?
The highs, the lows the creativity and… The Drama!
Meet The MUAs
Connor
27, Kent, He/Him
- Make-up hadn’t always been Connor’s dream career as he originally trained as a Dancer.
- Being told how he had to look and present himself as a dancer had a huge effect on Connor and he then began to not like what he saw.
- During his dance shows, Connor used to watch the girl’s putting make-up on and wanted to do the same.
- After Connor finished his dance training, he then realised that a career in dance was not him when his love for make-up began, and he began to pursue this as a career instead.
Ella
20, Leicestershire, She/Her
- Growing up Ella didn’t feel like she fit it in and felt like an outsider. Due to this, she often didn’t feel comfortable wearing make-up in public but as a teenager, she enjoyed playing with make-up at home in her bedroom.
- When she studied art and design at college, she felt like she found her people and felt comfortable in being creative and wearing make-up.
- Being in a creative environment and learning things she had an interest in allowed her to open up and express herself.
Finley
20, Dorset, He/Him
- Finley admits his first experience of make-up, wasn’t actually that great and he thought make-up had to be conventional, ‘pretty’ and ‘feminine’ until he realised how creative it could be.
- With that realisation, he started messing around with make-up more using colour and unconventional materials and just seeing what stuck. He loved the way he could use anything he wanted and not just what you’re told it has to be.
- Although Finley’s love for make-up began in his teens, he has been creative and artsy his whole life.
George
27, Birmingham, He/Him
- George has always been creative and has loved fashion whilst perusing the corporate career ladder. Although, it wasn’t until he found make-up that he felt that this was the career for him.
- He picked up his first make-up brush in lockdown and after giving make-up a serious go, it then grew into a passion.
- In just three years, George has been promoted from an amateur make-up artist in his hometown to now working as an assistant manager at Morphe. He’s passionate and hungry to keep elevating himself in the make-up industry.
Jess
24, London, She/Her
- Jess is a self-proclaimed ‘huge nerd’ who currently works as a social media assistant at a comic bookstore. She describes working here as ‘living her Big Bang Theory fantasy in real life’ and says her whole life revolves around comics.
- Her motivation to want to be a make-up artist was down to her drive to create and collaborate in the artistic sense.
- Jess is very artistically driven when it comes to everything in life. Make-up was one of the things where she felt she could reach new heights compared to other artistic mediums.
- She wants to be able to create art that she can share with the world and make with other people.
Reem
22, Birmingham, She/Her
- Reem’s passion for make-up began she was 17. As an only child, make-up would keep her entertained and gave her creative freedom.
- Even with her love for all things beauty, Reem was fascinated about studying Medical Biochemistry which she graduated in this year, but make-up is now her dream career.
- Working full time as an MUA has paid for her lifestyle and she’s recently been able to purchase her dream car which was a huge personal goal to achieve.
Rossi
21, Surrey, He/Him
- Rossi started make-up when I was 13, stealing his sister’s make-up and playing with it at home.
- He loves doing make-up and is professionally trained, doing make-up professionally for six years. He loves the feeling that it can transforms someone’s day.
- He admits that make-up changed the trajectory of his life, because before he discovered beauty make-up, he didn’t have confidence in himself and he looked to other people for validation.
- When growing up, he attended the BRIT School and wanted to be a performer. However, he felt his life wasn’t heading in the right direction but when he found make-up, he thought ‘This is like where I’m meant to be’.
Shania
24, Coventry, She/Her
- Shania began using make-up when she was 14. Her first memory of putting on make-up was for Halloween. However, she can admit it wasn’t the best make-up look!
- When she turned 17, she realised she had a true passion for make-up and then decided to take it more seriously. She loves that make-up can make her feel like a completely different person, in the best way possible.
- Shania has built a community of over 100k followers on TikTok and it is her goal to help people when it comes to make-up and make it more accessible.
- Shania thinks her friends and family would describe her as headstrong, driven, and positive. The one thing she will always try to bring anywhere is a positive mental attitude (PMA) – if someone is having a bad day, she will be the one shouting ‘PMA, PMA!’.
