In news that will shock no one, Melissa Leong’s Melbourne Cup look was glamorous, fun and one that we will be saving as makeup inspo for years to come.
Melissa’s neon pink sleeves and confetti-adorned eyelids were the perfect combination to celebrate the first big social event since the conclusion of yet another Victorian lockdown stint.
Here, the makeup artist behind Melissa’s glam, Shella Martin, reveals to beautyheaven the exact products she used to create the playful look. Plus, the modern spin the duo took on a race day classic, and how the look evolved using a hidden treasure she’s had in her makeup arsenal for over a decade…
In praise of the Masterchef judge, Shella expressed that “no topical makeup application is going to compete with Melissa’s energy. She has a wonderful presence and glows naturally.”
To enhance this warmth, Shella used Tom Ford’s Shade and Illuminate 02 ($130, David Jones) for a creamy highlight and sculpt, before finishing the cheeks with a rosy, illuminated flush from an Hourglass cheeks palette (we love the Ambient Lighting Edit, $114 at MECCA).
Shella allowed the eye makeup to do the talking, keeping the rest of the look as fresh and natural as possible. “We finished the look with clean, dewy and minimal skin; this was essential to keep the look elevated and true to her,” she said.
As for the lips, Melissa wore a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in the shade ‘In Love With Olivia’ ($55, MECCA). This ‘your lips but better’ tint is described by Charlotte Tilbury as “lipstick happiness in a tube”. Formulated with nourishing antioxidants, the formula works to plump and hydrate while adding a soft wash of colour.
Now, let’s get down to business: the eyes. We’re sorry to report that the product Shella used (M.A.C’s Confetti Glitter) has since been discontinued. Why, why, why!
It turns out that Shella scored this treasure from another makeup artist over 10 years ago on a shoot. And after Melissa spotted similar variations in blue and gold on Shella’s Instagram, the inspiration for her upcoming Melbourne Cup look began to take shape.
In explaining the look’s relevance to the Melbourne Cup, Shella notes: “The reflective confetti was included as an extension of the idea of a fascinator covering the eyes but in a modern way.”
And while classic race-day traditions drove part of the inspiration, it was Shella’s intention for Melissa to be represented too. “Hopefully the look we created yesterday was the perfect pairing to compliment what you meet in the flesh,” she shared with us.
Fun, interesting and fabulous? Yes we think they exceeded the brief.
While we may not be able to get our hands on the exact glitter used to create Melissa’s cup day look, we did find something similar for only $3.40 on Etsy.
Main image credit: @fooderati
What do you think of Melissa’s Melbourne Cup look? Would you like to try it out?
Head halo. No. Never liked the trend. Do like when women are having fun with the makeup. Do not support melbourne cup. Love horses.
Same here, it’s so cruel
Sorry, possibly showing my age but the eye makeup looks like children playing dress ups to me.
I agree, kids would love all the sparkle.
I love that the confetti was an extension of the idea of a fascinator covering the eyes but in a modern way. If that wasn’t pointed out I never would have thought that was why she has the confetti on her eyelids. So amazing and creative!
She also has amazing lips 💋 perfectly shaped.
I don’t like the eyes! This does remind me I still need to buy that Hourglass palette but my bank account is currently weeping.
Yes the Hourglass palette is so beautiful. I want it bad too!
I agree with you Ethelinde. I don’t like this look at all especially on her features. Her eyes are too small to carry this look in my opinion.
I like the eye look on others but wouldn’t personally wear it.
I love it and would wear it, it’s event appropriate as a guest to a wedding or out to dinner probably not but a fun fashion forward day event yes 🙌🏼
I’d love to try that lipstick that’s for sure!
Such a natural beauty! Love the skin, love the outfit, the headband, the makeup…ohhh that glow!!
I’m not crazy about the confetti eyes, but the dress is gorgeous!
I have mixed feelings about the confetti eyes. On the one hand I think it’s a fun look, but on the other, it’s kind of gimmicky.
Very interesting look.
This trend isn’t for me.
No I agree but Melissa can carry it off with style and Melbourne cup is all about being out there and enjoying the fun.
Wow Shella – She is fun and this look is amazing!! Go Girl !!
Love it for a celebratory event – not too many here like that where I live though!
I’m with Johanna on not liking horse or dog racing due to treatment of animals. As for the look, I wouldn’t have the patience for confetti eyes. Melissa does look amazing though.
Not a look I would wear and how do people still attend the Melbourne cup knowing the cruelty that those poor horses go through?
Yes, the Melbourne Cup lost it’s appeal for me decades ago.
I don’t think they pay attention – or they don’t want to know. The only part of the Melbourne Cup I celebrate is a day off. I have never been to the races or a Melbourne Cup party.
Totally agree with you Miss19 about the Cup. Happy for people to wear whatever eye makeup they like but what’s the point of seeking out cruelty-free makeup to wear to one of the cruelest, barbaric events around. I’d love to see this look at an anti-cup event – there are plenty of those around. It’s time to end horse racing in Australia – we need to do better.
This is a fun look which I would expect for a New Years Party and not really for the Melbourne Cup which I thought would be more glam.
The Confetti Eye Makeup looks good on Melissa Leong especially for Race Day it looked amazing. Would be good for the Party Time coming up for New Years Eve. 🙂💐🥳
For the young-uns
I think it’s a fun look and one Melissa was able to pull off well to look amazing.
The Tom Ford palette looks gorgeous and the packaging too!
No idea who she is. I think this look would suit a younger age group.
Love the eyes!
it’s beautiful! id love to try this look out! if someone can do it for me haha
What a fun look!
I’m really enjoying Celebrity masterchef this year too
Just Stunning I love the whole look!
How cool. I don’t have the patience for something like that.
It looks shite but love that dress and shawl
Lol
This MUA is extremely talented – she started at around the same time as me (slightly earlier) and went on and did some amazing things.
But I have to say I’m not a fan of this look on Melissa at all.
Cute for a party, but I think I’m too old for this one!
I love the lip colour, and the Hourglass palette is gorgeous <3