There’s something captivating about Nicola Coughlan both on and off the screen: in Channel 4’s comedy series Derry Girls, she quickly won our hearts as headband-wearing teacher’s pet Clare Devlin, and in Netflix’s Bridgerton, she stood out from the rest of the ton for her earnest enthusiasm and tumbling copper curls (not to mention her shocking double-life as Lady Whistledown).
Off-screen, she’s known for her bright and bold red carpet beauty choices (case in point, her electric blue smokey eye at the 2021 BAFTAs), her down-to-earth yet excitable energy and her commendable boundaries when it comes to trolls (she recently shut down body-shamers in a heartfelt Tweet, stating, “If you have an opinion about my body please, please don’t share it with me”).
Today, she joins me on Zoom from New York, where she is eagerly exploring makeup mogul Pat McGrath’s warehouse (“it’s absolutely chock full of makeup – it’s a dangerous place for me”), wearing many of the products already, including Pat McGrath Labs Lust Gloss in Peach Perversion (“it’s the perfect nude lip for me – once you find that you hold on forever”).
She’s just been announced as the Pat McGrath Labs’ new ambassador – a fitting match given her undisputed love of makeup as well as the brand’s collaboration with Bridgerton for season two of the hit show, which includes a second makeup collection as well as exclusive use of products on set.
In GLAMOUR’s exclusive interview, Nicola shares how her relationship with beauty has evolved from being a mask to being a source of joy, as well as her biggest beauty blunders and the secret skincare tips she’s picked up from the pros on set.
“I used to be terrified to leave the house without makeup”
When I was younger, I used to be terrified to step out without makeup. It was like it was the worst thing in the world. Then I went to drama school, where you’re not allowed to wear makeup so you can adapt to any character necessary. I was horrified. But eventually, it taught me to accept myself in my own skin and made room for makeup to become a fun thing, not a defensive thing. Now, I love makeup, and I love being able to celebrate it, but I can totally go without it.