Florence Pugh's May cover is ingrained in my mind—here are all the hair and makeup details I can't stop thinking about.

      I have been in the editorial field for about nine years and have encountered numerous glamorous celebrities adorned from head to toe in exquisite styles. I’m well-versed in the techniques used by makeup artists and have observed countless remarkable hair transformations, including long extensions and vibrant dye jobs. Having observed nearly every conceivable look, it's uncommon for me to come across a hair-and-makeup moment that is so stunning and flawlessly executed that I genuinely feel butterflies. You might have an inkling of what I'm getting at, but when I first came across the initial images from Who What Wear's cover shoot featuring Florence Pugh, I was utterly captivated. The makeup and hairstyle could be described as "refined" or "subtle," yet every element is meticulously tailored to complement the diverse range of designer outfits worn by the actress—including that powder blue Dolce & Gabbana dress and a lavender Proenza Schouler piece adorned with fringe. Naturally, I sought to uncover their approach, so I reached out to hairstylist Bridget Brager and makeup artist Alex Babsky to discuss their process and essential products. Keep scrolling—you’ll want to note these tips for future reference.

      If you were to speak with anyone from Florence Pugh's team on set, the word you would hear repeatedly is "magnetic." This term describes her not only in her on-screen performances but also reflects her real-life presence. "We didn't want anything overly 'done' or loud," Brager explains. "Our goal was to achieve a balance with simplicity and create interest that allowed Florence’s natural beauty to shine." Given the lavish location and the vibrant wardrobe for the shoot, Brager collaborated with the photographer to devise a plan where Pugh’s hair would appear effortless while naturally evolving throughout the shoot. "We began with a low-maintenance style that transitioned into a more textured, piecey wet look for later shots," she shares. "Then, in some images, we pulled the hair back to emphasize Florence’s face. With the clothing, location, and muse... it seemed everyone on set instinctively knew what needed to be done. We were all in agreement, nodding along, 'Yes, yes!' when we saw our working environment. These sets are my favorites."

      To kick off the styling, Brager began with Pugh's freshly washed hair, prepping it with Hair Rituel by Sisley Paris's Precious Hair Care Oil ($120) from lengths to ends for added shine and heat protection. To create volume and lift, she applied the brand's Volumizing Spray ($115) at the crown and hairline.

      Next, Brager shaped Pugh's hair using the L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro Dryer ($475) and Hair Rituel by Sisley Paris's Radiance Brush ($120), which she says helps to smooth the hair while keeping plenty of body. Once the hair was dry, she added extra smoothing using T3's SinglePass StyleMax Professional Flat Iron ($160) for enhanced shine and a sleek appearance. For moments when Brager wanted to introduce more texture to Pugh's hair, she applied Rōz's Evergreen Style Cream ($32) before securing it with Jill Buck's Creaseless Hair Clips ($12), which she noted are essential for maintaining the hair's shape. To finish the look, she used R+Co's Dart Pomade Stick ($25) to tame flyaways and secured everything with Hair Rituel by Sisley Paris's Invisible Hold Hairspray ($115) for additional hold and polish.

      When asked about the inspiration behind Pugh's makeup, Babsky echoed Brager's sentiments, using descriptors like "fresh," "refined," and "minimal." "A glowing, healthy complexion was fundamental to Florence’s beauty look for this shoot, so I focused on preparing her skin before applying any makeup," he explains. After double-cleansing Pugh's skin with a creamy cleanser, Babsky gave her a thorough lymphatic massage, which he says helps define and sculpt her face effectively.

      As he began applying makeup, Babsky first dotted a liquid luminizer onto the high points of Pugh's face, which he noted enhances the skin's natural glow before applying foundation and concealer, which he applies sparingly only where more coverage is necessary. To create a natural flush, Babsky custom-mixed a cream blush and gently patted it on Pugh's eyes and cheeks. For her lips and lashes, he utilized a natural-toned lip pencil along the contours of her lips for subtle definition and curled her lashes (without mascara) for a fresh look. "No makeup look for Florence would be complete without well-groomed brows, so I filled them in and brushed them upward for a 'boyish' effect," Babsky adds. "My key products on set were Valentino's V-Lighter Illuminating Face Primer and Highlighter ($59), which gives the skin a beautiful luminosity. I mixed shades Rosa and Ambra and applied this to