The Products Behind “Pride and Prejudice’s” Beauty Looks
As someone who recently re-entered her Elizabeth Bennet era; I’m finally cracking open the books that have been collecting dust on my nightstand and wearing a long hemline every once in a while. I love how easily Jane Austen’s 1813 romantic novel Pride and Prejudice has withstood the test of time and feel just as strongly about Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation. The film stars Kiera Knightley as the novel’s lovable, yet prideful protagonist and Matthew Macfayden as her tortured love interest. Nearly 20 years later, it maintains its popularity among a new generation of viewers; particularly when it comes to discussions about its aesthetics.
So, it was no surprise to me that its signature ‘no makeup’ makeup currently has my generation’s attention in a chokehold. The film’s lead makeup artist Fae Hammond has maintained that there was no makeup used; perhaps raising more questions than answers. In February, a TikTok TikTok Video went viral raising the question of the products used by makeup artist to create the famed look. “I will forever be haunted about the makeup products slash lip combo that happens in Pride and Prejudice, specifically for Keira Knightley, because there are claims that there was no makeup on that set,” said the video’s creator, Sam. “Every time I rewatch this movie, I think about it. It’s flawless. It’s perfect…That’s what I want.” Of course, with how gorgeous Knightley looked in that movie, who wouldn’t want to pull off something similar?
The Products Behind The Look Revealed
On March 2nd, one of the film’s stars, Jena Malone (who played the mischievous Jane Bennet), stitched Sam’s video to shed some light on the makeup look. “I think that film has such a beauty to it, you know, in the way it was art designed and the production design and the cinematography. Looking back on that, it just feels so special,” stated the actress. She then acknowledged TikTok’s newfound interest in Pride and Prejudice’s on-set makeup, drawing a comparison between the film’s approach to the ‘no makeup’ makeup’ look and the impact of TikTok makeup tutorials and the beauty trend cycle.”
It’s such a big part of the world now, getting ready and looking filtered perfect,” Malone said as she began applying foundation. “I love that people respond to that film and the no makeup look.” Then, she revealed the cosmetic products used on set: sunscreen, eyebrow makeup, lash curlers, and beetroot. Using Malone’s ID’d products as guidance, I’ve compiled 16 additional ones that can deliver a makeup look Elizabeth Bennet would be obsessed with if she lived today.
For The Radiant Complexion
After introducing the heavily debated subject, Malone iaddresses the topic of the seemingly flawless complexions sported by Bennet sisters (especially that of the film’s protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet). Contrary to popular belief, Malone claims that the makeup artist on set opted out of modern day complexion products in favor of sunscreen. While it remains unconfirmed if the sunscreen used was tinted; it’s easy to create a similar look with tinted serums and moisturizers that provide buildable coverage.
Iris&Romeo
Weekend Skin SPF 50 Instant Glow Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
This tinted mineral sunscreen uses transparent mineral SPF 50 and stabilized Vitamin C serum for buildable coverage and the most gorgeous skin-like finish. It also helps prevent sun damage, softens the appearance of fine lines, and combats hyperpigmentation.
Ciele
Tint & Protect SPF 50+ Tinted Serum
I’ve also been loving this tinted serum by Ciele that blends into a seamless second skin with buildable light to medium coverage and a natural finish. Its formulated with brightening ingredients and a featherweight texture that’s comfortable to wear all day.
Saie
Slip Tint Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer
To get a similar look to Elizabeth’s dewy skin, I love using this long lasting and lightweight tinted moisturizer that delivers major glow, broad spectrum SPF 35 protection, and buildable coverage.
Chantecaille
Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
Chantecaille’s Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer is formulated with nontoxic minerals and botanical compounds to protect the skin from UV rays and environmental aggressors. A thin layer of this always gives me the clean, natural finish I’m obsessed with.
For The ‘Naturally’ Flushed Cheeks
Whether we saw Knightley’s Elizabeth dancing a duet with the esteemed Mr. Darcy, questioning her life’s choices on cliff’s edge, or spending quality time with her sisters in the parlor; she was never spotted without rosy cheeks. According to Malone, this was created using something that could be found in the gardens of many 18th century English countryside homes: beetroot. If you don’t have beetroot on hand, consider giving one of the juicy blushes below a try.
Ere Perez
Beetroot Cheek & Lip Tint in Joy
This clean cheek and lip tint is created with real beetroot and agave nectar for a wash of color and added extracts to nourish the skin. The product is buildable and dries matte; perfect for achieving the look of just-pinched cheeks.
Freck Beauty
Cheekslime Lip & Cheek Tint in Jam Sesh
Freck Beauty’s buildable slime tint for lips and cheeks is infused with liquid plant collagen for multidimensional color that blends and builds effortlessly on all skin tones. My favorite shade is Jam Sesh—a gorgeous plum.
Axiology
Multi-Stick Color Cream in True
Enriched with nourishing coconut and avocado oil, The Color Cream Multisticks offer rich, buildable color crafted from just 10 naturally-derived ingredients. They’re also 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and palm oil-free.
Mad Hippie
Cheek and Lip Tint in Plump
This cheek and lip tint uses jojoba and shea butter to keep the skin hydrated while buckthorn berry & blueberry provide antioxidant support. A light sweep across the cheeks delivers the prettiest subtle color.
For The Groomed Eyebrows and Eyelashes
According to Malone, the cast wore their natural brows; albeit with a little makeup to keep them groomed and tidy for when they stepped in front of the camera. Elizabeth’s bold, full brows perfectly frame her expressive brown eyes; allowing viewers to experience every motion of our beloved protagonist. Opt for an eyebrow pencil to fill in any sparse areas and give your eyelashes a nice curl to recreate the look.
Benefit Cosmetics
Goof Proof Waterproof Easy Shape & Fill Eyebrow Pencil
This eyebrow pencil is a must for anyone hoping to create naturally-full-looking, beautiful brows in seconds. Its creamy color last for up to 12 hours and the spoolie-brush works wonders for blending.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Brow Wiz Ultra-Slim Precision Eyebrow Pencil
Anastasia Beverly Hills’ ultra-slim, retractable eyebrow pencil ideal for outlining and detailing brows. If you already have full eyebrows like mine, it’s a game changer for giving them more shape.
Milk Makeup
Kush Fiber Brow Eyebrow Gel
Sometimes, your brows may need a little help to keep them looking their best. Milk Makeup’s eyebrow gel is formulated with tinted heart-shaped fibers for or long-lasting fullness and nourishing hemp-derived cannabis seed oil.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Dipbrow Gel
If you’re on the hunt for a brow gel with a little more pigment, give this one a try. Its long-lasting waterproof formula does an amazing job of creating fuller, defined brows that look natural and won’t shift throughout the day.
For The Just Kissed Lips
While Malone states that beetroot alone were used on the lips of the Pride and Prejudice cast for a little bit of added color; it’s safe to assume that there may have also been some lip balm in play to keep lips looking soft and healthy for their closeups. Below are four lip balms and treatments I swear by that provide a rose-colored tint color while also nourishing, smoothing, and plumping them.
Rosebud Perfume Co.
Smith’s Rosebud Salve
Rosebud Perfume Co’s cult-classic multipurpose lip balm can be used to help restore moisture to dry lips and skin, heal irritation, and sooth the sting of minor burns. It also delivers a stunning slightly pink, satin finish.
Givenchy
Rose Perfecto Lip Balm 24H Hydration in Pink Irrésistible
This ultra-hydrating lip balm is all I’ve worn for weeks. My favorite shade, Pink Irrésistible, shifts to match your pH levels for a shade that’s 100% unique to you. It also uses a blend of pink pepper, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and shea butter.
Westman Atelier
Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick in Chouchette
One easy-to-use swipe is all you need to deliver a naturally effervescent flush of color to the lips with this Westman Atelier find. It has a creamy texture that melts into the skin and is formulated with skin soothing ingredients.
Bobbi Brown
Extra Lip Tint Sheer Oil-Infused Tinted Lip Balm in Bare Pink
The color-enhancing tint I get on my lips from this lip balm remains unmatched. It’s lightweight, sheer, and ultra moisturizing; using plumping peptide technology, soft pigments, and natural ingredients to help bring out the best in your natural lips.