Chappell Roan, the self-proclaimed “Midwest Princess,” has been captivating audiences with her sound, style, and unapologetic confidence. Born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Roan’s meteoric rise began when she signed with Atlantic Records in 2015 before finishing her junior year of high school. Two years later, she made her debut with the haunting single Good Hurt, complete with a music video that reflected the eerie and alternative vibe of an unsettling spa-asylum setting.
Fast forward to 2024, and Roan has blown up in the music industry with her latest album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Her newer work marks a significant departure from the dark pop of her earlier years, embracing vibrant pop aesthetics that take inspiration from drag artists, clowncore, and club kid culture. Roan’s ability to channel nostalgia while speaking to modern-day audiences has solidified her as a beauty and fashion icon. She’s part of a new wave of artists raised online, with access to a myriad of visual references, eager to express their multifaceted identities.
Now a full-fledged star in her own right, Chappell Roan’s makeup looks have become as talked about as her music. Let’s take a closer look at how to recreate some of her most iconic looks.
Start with a good base
Roan’s performance at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) was nothing short of spectacular. Performing her chart-topping hit Good Luck, Babe!, Roan turned into a camp version of Joan of Arc. Andrew Dahling, who was responsible for the stunning transformation said that this theatrical, medieval-glam look was a nod to makeup legend Pat McGrath’s early 2000s work for Dior.
To achieve a similarly flawless beauty base, start with Mally’s Essentials 3-Piece Face Kit, available on QVC. Begin with the Dark Circle Corrector in the lighter shade to brighten your undereye area, followed by the darker version to conceal blemishes and even out your skin tone. To set your base and lock everything in place, gently pat the Face Defender powder across your face, leaving a soft, matte finish.
Go for bold lips and eyes
Earlier this year, Chappell Roan went viral for her heartfelt Tiny Desk Concert with NPR. Dressed in a voluminous pink prom dress, Roan’s makeup was equally dramatic, featuring bold lips and vibrant eyes, heavily influenced by drag aesthetics. To recreate her eye-catching look, start by sweeping on blue eyeshadow all over your lids. Try ColourPop’s Pressed Powder Shadow in the shade Lost and Found, which is nearly identical to the shade Roan wears. For the lips, opt for a mauve matte shade like MAC’s Mauve Over lipstick, ensuring that your pout stays the focus of your face.
To add dimension to your lip look, line your lips with a darker shade like Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Lip Liner in the color Liar, similar to Roan’s technique during the Tiny Desk performance. This balance of striking lips and eyes is a hallmark of her style, providing both drama and a playful edge.
Finish with a bright blush
Roan’s makeup artist Ali Scharf often incorporates bold elements like glitter, gems, and big lashes into her tour looks. A key component of Roan’s makeup, however, is her signature blush-heavy look. On the cover of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Roan’s blush nearly resembles a stripe across her cheeks, adding to her maximalist aesthetic.
For a the same vibrant effect, try Patrick Ta’s Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo in the shade She’s Giving, a cool-toned pink that will instantly elevate your look. Start with the cream formula to build color intensity, and then layer on the powder blush to ensure your cheeks stay bold and flushed all day long.
Whether you’re channeling Roan’s medieval Joan of Arc or the playful, drag-inspired prom queen, these beauty essentials will help you recreate the Midwest Princess’s most memorable looks.
