Bridgerton fans are freaking out — why does the makeup look SO different in Season 4?
Gone are the heavy glitter, bold lashes, and over-the-top sparkle from last season… now everything’s softer, glowier, more natural. Penelope’s radiant but muted, Eloise looks intentionally “undone,” and Sophie’s maid vibe is basically bare-faced perfection. 😲
Is it a total glow-down flop? Or the smartest creative choice yet? The new makeup boss has spilled the tea — and it ties directly to the downstairs drama, romance vibes, and one major character shift that’s changing the whole ton.
Netflix’s Bridgerton Season 4, which premiered its first part on January 29, 2026, has viewers divided over more than just plot twists. The show’s signature beauty looks — once defined by shimmering eyes, dramatic lashes, and high-glam finishes — have taken a noticeable turn toward softer, more natural aesthetics. Fans on Reddit and social media have called it everything from a “welcome reset” to “washed out” or even “lazy.” But according to the team behind the camera, the change is anything but accidental.
Hair and makeup designer Nic Collins, who took over as department head for Season 4 after working on the Queen Charlotte spin-off, explained the shift in multiple interviews. In a Teen Vogue piece published January 29, 2026, Collins said the goal was straightforward: “We wanted to soften things.” Hair for male characters became less rigidly styled, with fewer tonged curls and more natural movement. Makeup dialed back the intensity, trading heavy glitter for radiant, skin-focused finishes. “The makeup is slightly less in places,” Collins noted. “We’re not as glittery as last season, but I think that wouldn’t work for this season.”
The softer approach aligns with the season’s story focus. Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) arc centers on his romance with Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), a maid whose life below stairs demands practicality over polish. Sophie’s everyday look emphasizes flawless skin with minimal product — often just foundation mixed with sunscreen or a light moisturizer like Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré for prep. At the masquerade ball, her bright pink lip (achieved with layered Clinique Chubby Sticks for sheer depth) stands out as a rare pop of color, but even then, it’s designed to feel achievable, like something applied quickly with limited resources.
Collins told Glamour that Sophie’s “pared down” aesthetic influenced the broader direction. “Sophie’s was more about her character, about the circumstances and how she would’ve achieved that look in that moment,” she said. The contrast between the upstairs ton’s elegance and the downstairs world’s realism creates visual separation. Heavy glam on servants would feel out of place, so the team leaned into “glowy natural” skin across the board — prepped with skincare, nude eyeshadows, and subtle flushes.
This extends to other characters. Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), now married and embracing her Lady Whistledown identity, sports warmer, sun-kissed tones and chestnut curls, but with less exaggeration than her Season 3 “glow-up.” Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) get softer, flowing hair and muted palettes to reflect their romantic states — less “set” and more effortless. Even Queen Charlotte’s elaborate wigs (with 19 unique styles this season, many cage-based) maintain extravagance, but the supporting cast feels toned down.
Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) draws particular attention. Her muted, natural look — wispy bangs, minimal rouge, and no heavy contour — has sparked theories. Some fans on Reddit suggest it’s a deliberate “glow-down” setup for a future season, mirroring past patterns where characters get polished as their stories take center stage. Others tie it to Eloise’s arc: pulling away from societal expectations, avoiding suitors, and rejecting the pressure to “get done up.” Tyla reported fan comments noting how her subdued appearance underscores nonconformity.
The shift also marks a production change. Previous seasons featured makeup led by Jessie Deol, whose style leaned bolder. Collins, bringing experience from Queen Charlotte‘s dramatic wigs and intricate designs, introduced a fresh vision. Town & Country quoted Collins on creating a “glowy natural” look for Season 4, emphasizing skincare prep and avoiding last season’s sparkle to match the narrative flavor. “Each season being its own kind of flavor,” she said.
Fan reactions vary. Some praise the realism — especially for Sophie, whose beauty shines through subtlety. Bookish Media called Season 4’s makeup “already better” than Season 3’s heavier application, noting how thin lip liner and Clinique products create natural depth without overwhelming. Vogue Singapore highlighted radiant complexions and skin-first moments as a welcome evolution.
Critics point to inconsistencies. Reddit threads complain the overall ton looks “all over the place” or less glamorous, with Eloise appearing “washed out” compared to others. A few argue the change risks diluting the escapist fantasy that made Bridgerton a hit. Yet Collins and the team frame it as intentional evolution: softening for romance, muting for character depth, and contrasting worlds upstairs and down.
Benedict himself skips the typical male “glow-up.” Unlike Anthony’s refined sideburns or Colin’s pirate tan, Thompson’s character stays consistent — shorter hair, no facial hair, slightly softer styling. The actor told outlets like USA Today that Benedict’s transformation is internal, not cosmetic. He’s “stuck” in his ways, coasting on charm, so no dramatic overhaul was needed.
Behind the scenes, the department handled massive scale: 172 unique masquerade looks from the costume team, 160 wigs assembled by Collins’ crew. Assistants tripled efforts for ballroom scenes to maintain continuity. The focus on natural prep — cleansers, moisturizers, subtle layering — keeps everything camera-ready without feeling artificial.
As Part 2 approaches later in February 2026, the softer makeup may evolve further. Will characters like Sophie gain more polish as her status shifts? Or does the “glowy natural” stay the season’s signature? Either way, the change reflects Bridgerton‘s willingness to adapt — blending Regency fantasy with grounded storytelling.
The makeup shift isn’t just cosmetic. It’s a visual cue to the season’s themes: love softening edges, class divides showing in simplicity versus excess, and personal growth happening quietly beneath the surface. Whether fans miss the glitter or embrace the glow, one thing’s certain: Bridgerton Season 4 looks different because it needs to.
