How to recreate Jenna Coleman's makeup in The Serpent

Tense storyline aside, the thing that’s been mesmerizing us most about the TV drama The Serpent is Jenna Coleman's makeup, hair, and flawless '70s style.  

Like a brunette Brigitte Bardot, Marie-Andrée Leclerc (played by Jenna Coleman) is often spotted wearing oversized, square sunglasses, punchy suits, and headscarves that make a feature of her '70s waft fringe. It’s undoubtedly one of the most popular bangs hairstyles of 2021.

While we’re not exactly inspired by her character's personality—she's just as grim as Charles Sobhraj himself and Ajay Chowdhury, their sinister right-hand man—there's no denying that her overall image is pretty damn enviable. In fact, there's little about Jenna Coleman's makeup look that we wouldn't replicate today.

Use a lightweight base

With filming taking place largely in Bangkok, everything was kept pared back on the skin with a lightweight foundation that can withstand high temperatures. It’s best to look for an oil-free matte formula when the temperature rises, as it’s humidity-proof. Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation is your go-to here, as it doesn't make skin look flat thanks to the hydrating hyaluronic acid in the formula.  

If you're looking to heat-proof your make-up, our guide to the best primers is also essential. A pea-sized drop of Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Blurring Primer should do the trick and keep shine at bay. It comes infused with microalgae and what Laura Mercier calls 'blurring powders'.

Aside from this, Jenna Coleman's makeup look is fairly natural—all you need is a soft, pink flush on the cheeks. It might seem counter-intuitive to apply a cream blush in a hot climate but the advantage is its melt-into-the-skin finish, which never cakes as powder does. We rate Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge in Pale Pink.

Opt for sultry, yet subtle, eye makeup

Jenna Coleman's makeup enhances her deep brown eyes with sultry kohl-rimmed liner. The key here is to keep the look soft—so forget liquid liner or tightlining. We’re just talking about a black kohl pencil which is easy to blend, and a cotton swab to blur any sharp edges. 

Trace an eyeliner like Lancome Le Crayon Kohl Eyeliner along your upper lashes then wing it underneath your bottom lashes, avoiding the waterline altogether. Finish with a sweep of Hypnose Mascara.

Jenna’s eyes are framed by thinner arched brows than we are used to today. Don’t be tempted to make them look too perfect, though—fluffed-up hairs at the inner corners are very 70s. Then set with a lightweight brow gel such as Glossier Boy Brow, which never dries to a crispy finish. 

Keep lips nude and natural

Jenna rarely strays from a glossy, pinky nude lipstick. When matching a nude to your skin tone, follow these general guidelines—pink and rose-based hues suit fair skin like Jenna’s (try Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G in Bitch Perfect), beige flatters medium skin tones, while those with a darker skin tone can play with caramels and cocoa shades.