The Alluring Glamour of “The White Lotus”: A Behind-the-Scenes Insight with Rebecca Hickey
The HBO series The White Lotus has garnered significant attention for its striking vacation aesthetics, featuring everything from vibrant floral outfits to stunning makeup looks. One standout moment this season was Aimee Lou Wood’s captivating purple glitter eyeshadow, which became a viral sensation.
Creating Stunning Makeup Moments
Rebecca Hickey, the head makeup designer of the series, reveals that this famous glitter look was created in just 15 minutes. “I pulled out a big glitter palette and said, ‘Aimee, let’s pick a color,'” she recalls. “I don’t plan too much; I just go with the flow.” Hickey’s spontaneous yet effective approach brings out an artistic flair that resonates well with the evolving styles of the show.
A Collaborative Artistry
Hickey emphasizes the importance of collaboration with actors and the costume designer to curate elevated character looks. “I create mood boards and communicate with the actors extensively beforehand. It’s crucial for them to feel involved, as they are bringing these characters to life,” she shares.
Reflecting on Season Three
As the finale for the third season approaches, Hickey spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about her experiences on set, her favorite makeup styles from season three, and her evolution in the world of makeup artistry.
Rebecca Hickey, Lisa Lauri
The Path to Makeup Artistry
Hickey’s passion for beauty began in her youth, inspired by iconic supermodels and fashion magazines. Moving to New York City at 19, she discovered her calling in makeup artistry. “I called my dad and said, ‘I want to go to makeup school,’ and within three months, I was in Los Angeles honing my craft,” she recalls.
Finding Inspiration in Real Life
Drawing inspiration from her experiences with diverse people and characters, Hickey keeps a collection of notes and images as references for future projects. “I often capture little details like bruises or unique nail colors that inform my work later on,” she explains. Her ability to blend realism with a touch of fantasy is a hallmark of her style, particularly in The White Lotus.
The Role of Makeup in Storytelling
Hickey uses makeup to deepen character narratives, highlighting subtleties that might otherwise go unnoticed. For instance, Carrie Coon, who plays Laurie, sports unconventional purple nail polish to reflect her character’s desire to fit in while simultaneously standing out. “Each choice is intentional, aimed at enhancing relatability and depth,” she notes.
Fabio Lovino/HBO
Iconic Looks and Their Purpose
“We aim for glamor, knowing that this isn’t what real people look like on vacation,” Hickey admits. “Our goal is to create a fantasy, to transport viewers to an idyllic vacation setting.” With limited time for each look, Hickey focuses on impactful, standout elements.
The Influence of Social Media
With the rise of social media, Hickey has noticed a surge in fans recreating makeup looks on platforms like TikTok. “It’s humbling to see so much enthusiasm for what I do,” she says. Social media has enabled beauty lovers to connect with and replicate these artistic expressions.
Translating Youthful Energy into Makeup
Hickey aimed to capture youthful freedom in characters like Chelsea and Chloe, encouraging them to be playful with colors and styles. This playful experimentation showcased their liberation beyond the confines of their usual lives.
Fabio Lovino/HBO
Achieving the “White Lotus”Look
For those looking to recreate the season’s glamorous glow, Hickey emphasizes the crucial role of skincare. “Healthy skin is the foundation for great makeup,” she advises, promoting a regimen that includes serums and moisturizers to achieve a luminous appearance.
Vacation Makeup Essentials
Hickey suggests embracing tinted moisturizers instead of heavy foundations for a lightweight approach during warm weather. “Blush can distract from imperfections and give a youthful look,” she recommends, and highlights the significance of choosing freshness over fullness in makeup.
Creating Togetherness on Set
Reflecting on her camaraderie with the cast, Hickey levels praise on her fellow actors, including Michelle Monaghan and Walton Goggins. “You create a bond while working in such an intense environment,” she shares, remembering the challenges and joys of filming in the heat of Thailand.
Balancing Makeup Techniques Across Genders
When working with male actors, Hickey adopts a thoughtful approach to minimize visible makeup, focusing on skincare and protection from the sun and humidity instead of elaborate looks. “Men often don’t need much makeup, as we focused on keeping it authentic within the context of the characters,” she explains.
Fabio Lovino/HBO
The Reality Behind the Glamour
Despite the on-screen glitz, Hickey recounts the behind-the-scenes challenges. “There are numerous little tricks we use to maintain appearance, but at the end of the day, it’s strenuous work in a hot environment,” she remarks, sharing the less glamorous aspects of her job.
Starting a Skincare Journey
For anyone looking to establish a solid skincare routine, Hickey’s advice is straightforward: “Cleanse, tone, hydrate, and protect.”Consistency is key, and integrating SPF into daily regimen is non-negotiable for healthy skin.
Reflections on Season Highlights
Aimee Lou Wood’s look resonated with Hickey, standing out for its creativity and visual impact. “Every character brought something unique to the series,” she explains, citing the collaborative spirit among the cast and crew as integral to the creative process.
Embracing Individuality in Makeup
Hickey finds success in recognizing the unique features of every client she works with, often utilizing mood boards and creative discussions to curate personalized looks. This meticulous attention to detail fosters authentic representations on screen.
HBO
Behind-the-Scenes Collaborations
The collaborative nature of creating mood boards begins months before filming. Even without knowing the full cast initially, Hickey develops character concepts based on scripts, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas with actors as shooting progresses.
Memorable Moments in Thailand
Reflecting on her time in Thailand, Hickey shares a particularly memorable experience of camaraderie among cast and crew. “We had a celebratory party that turned into a fun-filled pool adventure, showcasing the tight-knit atmosphere encouraged by our creator Mike White,” she reminisces.
Building Connections Beyond Work
The essence of community is vital to the production experience of The White Lotus. Hickey concludes, “It’s like adult summer camp—an incredible experience filled with lasting memories.”