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If you’ve been following me on Instagram and Twitter, you’ll know that last week was nothing short of magical. Even after thirteen years in the fashion and beauty industry—where I’ve donned countless elegant dresses and had makeup applied numerous times—I rarely get awed. Yet, Dior delivered an experience that came close to making me feel like a princess. They whisked me off to the Cannes Film Festival, dressed me in couture for a red carpet walk, and had my makeup done by their international artist, Jamie Coombes, all while famous hairstylist Cyril Auchere styled my hair. It truly felt like living in a dream!
Getting ready with hair, makeup, and nails (courtesy of the wonderful Nelly Wild) happened in Dior’s VIP Suite at the Majestic Hotel. This suite occupies nearly half of the top floor and offers an incredible view of the festival and the bustling red carpet below. You can lounge in the sun watching film stars make their entrances and photographers snapping away. The atmosphere at Cannes is electric, with thousands of fans waiting for celebrities, but during the day, with the sun shining, it feels almost unreal.
One adjustment I’ve had to make now that I travel as “Ruth Crilly A Model Recommends” instead of just “Model” is having a say in my hair and makeup choices, which is amazing! I get asked about my preferences, like whether I want a bold lip or something neutral, and I can even gently suggest changes if something doesn’t suit me. This level of input is unheard of at fashion shoots, where models are usually considered blank canvases. It’s refreshing to have my opinion valued and see a look come together based on my vision.
For this event, I wanted a natural, glowing look, which Jamie Coombes perfected. He’s a master at enhancing natural features with subtlety, layering pigments and glow to make my skin appear real yet flawless. He slightly darkened my brows and added some shadow to highlight my eyes, along with a matte bronzer for warmth. Everything was done with care and subtlety, using soft, feathery brushes for a relaxing application experience.
My hair was styled into an elegant up-do, which, despite its simple appearance, required quite a bit of effort to achieve the right texture and movement—a significant upgrade from my usual style. My nails were playful and summery, showcasing a modern twist on the French Manicure with a hot pink called Wonderland and white tips, plus two accent nails in reverse colors.
I tried to capture the excitement and glamour of this incredible trip in a video that also features the stunning dress I wore and some fun behind-the-scenes moments. The video showcases not just the thrill of the red carpet but also the serene opulence of the Dior suite with its pale grey decor and calm ambiance. Enjoy the show!