It’s the hit BBC show that sees aspiring makeup artists compete to be crowned Britain’s next MUA star. Glow Up series five returned this year with legendary makeup artist judges, Val Garland and Dominic Skinner, new supermodel host, Leomie Anderson, and a line-up of 10 young MUAs poised with their blending brushes. It was at the final, filmed at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge in Canvas, where Saphron Morgan took the MUA top spot.
Series five star, Saphron, puts down her MUA kit for a moment to answer our Q&A.
Why did you want to be on Glow Up?
“I started my makeup journey with art and, ever since I was young, I’ve always been into creativity. I started out mainly working on face painting jobs and Halloween looks and then just became obsessed with makeup. As soon as Glow Up came out, I loved the concept and started applying to be on the show from series two. I feel like back then, I wasn’t ready for it, but I applied just to give it a go. Three series later, I was finally ready and did way better than I ever thought.“
How was the Glow Up experience for you?
“I had such a fantastic run on the show. I was up against some amazing people, and I didn’t think I’d do that well, let alone win. I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I’ve never done anything like Glow Up and winning the show felt very surreal. It only started to sink in when I watched it back and I remember getting really emotional seeing the final episode. My cast was amazing and we all talk now on a big group chat, so I feel like I’ve made some great friends through the process.”
What was your most memorable makeup look on the show?
“It was the Ana Tomical look, because that represented a big shift in my Glow Up journey. I think that was the point where I felt so creative when I was designing that character. This was also the point of the competition where it started to get less stressful and feel more fun.”
Who are your biggest inspirations in the makeup industry?
“Obviously the Glow Up judges, Val and Dom, are idols for a lot of us. They’re great mentors and amazing people. As for the guest judges, they just kept getting better and better. I had the biggest reactions to Trixie (Mattel) and Isamaya (Ffrench), who are both so inspiring for me. I look up to Isamya because we come from similar face painting backgrounds and I love the work that she does.”
What was your biggest learning curve during Glow Up?
“How to just be yourself in front of all these new people and in these big new experiences. Obviously, getting good feedback really helped, but even in the low moments, you just have to trust yourself that, no matter what, it’s all going to be fine. It’s hard not to be over-critical of yourself, but I’m glad the Glow Up cast all had each other’s backs and we were all going through it together.”
Can you give us your top Saphron-style makeup tips?
“It’s hard to pinpoint my style. I always find myself trying to use products in different ways, which I think is really valuable to stay creative and open-minded when it comes to makeup. I love to use powder in textured makeup looks by swirling the brush around in an eyeshadow pan and then flicking it onto the face. My other top tip is less is more. Especially when it comes to everyday makeup – you don’t need so much product on your face to achieve the look, even if it’s full glam. I love to see real skin colouring peek through.”
What are your makeup product go-tos in your kit?
“In my pro kit, I’ve been obsessed with the Danessa Myricks Transcendence eyeshadow palette recently. I love to lay this on top of bold lips for a really fun editorial look, and I did this technique using the palette on Glow Up in episode two for the Sephora campaign that I won.”
Your current favourite beauty trends?
“I feel like beauty trends seem to come and go before I’ve even planned a look with them. I’ve recently seen people trying out new nose contours, which is a trend I love. I’m very inspired by stuff that challenges society’s beauty standards. It’s always inspiring when it’s something a little different to what we’re used to seeing.”
What drives your ambition in the makeup industry?
“Having creative and passionate people around me really helps. What I love about makeup artistry is that you meet so many cool people all of the time, so I feel like I’m inspired with every makeup job I do. What helps me to stay creative is to reconnect with my initial inspirations, which are nature and fantasy. I also love painting, as it helps me to not get overly focused on makeup, so that other things inspire my work, too.”
Your takeaway advice for aspiring MUAs?
“Practice makes perfect. Watch a masterclass or follow someone you’re inspired by on social media and see how they film their makeup tutorials. Be inspired by that and try it on yourself. Don’t overthink it – just ride that wave of inspiration. You don’t have to post it or do anything with it. Just have fun and keep practicing. It will soon lead you somewhere.”
Words by Lisa Haynes