The Crown star Olivia Colman uses this high street foundation for the red carpet

*Spoiler alert* Olivia Colman's foundation of choice is less than £20

Olivia Colman's foundation
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(Image credit: HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: Olivia Colman attends the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 09, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic))

When it comes to Olivia Colman's foundation of choice, it seems this drugstore find is fit for a Queen. Colman's transformation has been detailed as she reprises her role as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown.  

No fewer than 47 wigs were used throughout the series alongside a standard make-up uniform of dark pink lipstick, a slick of eyeliner and matte skin.

But for the red carpet, Colman likes to be more adventurous, playing up her eyes with smoky eyeliner and lashings of mascara.

No.7 Protect & Perfect Advanced All-In-One Foundation

No7 Perfect & Protect foundation


But what is most notable is her glowing skin, which makeup artist Sarah Uslan puts down to both rigorous skin prep and No7's Protect & Perfect Advanced All-In-One Foundation, which she used on Colman on Oscar night 2020. A cult classic among makeup fans, this lightweight foundation is a firm favourite among make artists around the world. The formula offers buildable coverage foundation blurs fine lines and pores for a flawless finish. The foundation also includes SPF 50 and potent antioxidants protect the skin from long-term UVA and UVB damage.

Ulsan swears by skin-brightening vitamin C as the first step before applying base. In her kit she keeps the Emma Hardie Moisture Boost Vitamin C Cream and Plump & Glow Hydrating Facial Mist, which she has used on Colman. 

The Cream boasts 2% vitamin C to help boost collagen and fade age spots, while the Facial Mist tones and moisturises with a hefty dose of skin-plumping hyaluronic acid.

But it's with the application of the No.7 Protect & Perfect Advanced All-In-One Foundation that the magic really happens. 

The creamy formula both moisturises, evens out skin tone and blurs the appearance of lines. Plus an SPF50+ protects Colman's fair skin from UV rays.

At just £17.50, even mere mortals can channel the glitz and glamour of the red carpet.

Beauty journalist

Fiona Embleton is an award-winning beauty director with over 15 years of industry experience and has held staff positions on Stylist, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and Glamour. She covers all aspects of the beauty industry and specialises in long-read features, fragrance and skincare.