Jessie Roux's Traitors Makeup Defies Convention and Inspires a Movement
In the high-stakes psychological game of BBC's The Traitors, contestant Jessie Roux, 28, has captivated audiences not only with her sharp strategic mind but with a defiantly vibrant visual signature. Her signature look—a bold, mismatched application of red and yellow eyeshadow, reminiscent of Rupert the Bear or the Lego logo—has become a talking point far beyond the show's Scottish castle. This aesthetic, described with paint-like names such as 'Trumpet' and 'Heat', represents a joyful rebellion against prevailing minimalist beauty standards.
A Joyful Antidote to the 'Clean Girl' Era
Roux's makeup stands in stark contrast to the era of 'no-makeup makeup', dewy skin, and the ubiquitous 'clean girl' aesthetic. Where many trends promote discretion and naturalism, her look is described by admirers as quirky, resplendent, and lively. It functions as a visual shield, a burst of warmth and colour amidst the show's narrative of betrayal and drizzle. Makeup artist Lucy Gibson, who works on the show with host Claudia Winkleman, notes it is "certainly something of an antidote" to current trends, emphasising that committed personal style becomes timeless.
For Roux, the choice was deeply personal. She revealed to The Guardian that she initially wondered if she should tone it down for television, concerned it might be perceived as an act to appear more trustworthy. "But I felt it was important to stay true to myself," she stated, highlighting makeup as a key form of self-expression. This is particularly poignant as she shared that her stammer can sometimes make verbal expression challenging, making her bright makeup and clothes a vital comfort and a true reflection of her identity.
The TikTok Effect and the 'Ugly Makeup' Reclamation
The impact of Roux's look has transcended the screen, sparking a significant trend on TikTok. Users are actively 'channelling their inner Jessie', applying marigold oranges, canary yellows, and prosecco-shade metallics in tutorials dedicated to achieving her mismatched eye look. This aligns with a broader movement on the platform where artists are reclaiming so-called "ugly makeup".
Makeup artist Aoife Cullen, whose own style is "futuristic" and "alien-esque", immediately noticed Roux's aesthetic. "To the knowing eye, Jessie is obviously someone who really enjoys beauty; isn't afraid to subvert beauty standards," Cullen observed. She namechecks fellow artists like Sean Brady and Garance Murru, who are celebrated for their drag-inspired and vividly shimmery looks, respectively. This collective shift signals a move away from glossy, meadow-fresh aesthetics towards something more Matisse-like in its vivid, artistic boldness.
How to Embrace the Bold Beauty Shift
For those accustomed to neutral palettes and black mascara, the transition to bold colour can seem daunting. Professionals advise a gradual, confidence-building approach. Aoife Cullen suggests starting with a simple swap: "If you wear black or brown mascara, maybe pivot to a plum. Then you could go to maybe a dark green." This incremental change helps normalise colour before attempting bolder statements like blue eyeliner.
When experimenting with eyeshadow, Cullen recommends sticking to familiar smoky eye shapes but introducing a "wash" of a different colour, shimmer, or sparkle. "Once you find what colour looks great on you, you can go to the most extreme version of it," she advises. Ultimately, as exemplified by both Jessie Roux and Claudia Winkleman—whose iconic kohl-rimmed eyes are a lesson in committed style—the key is attitude. "She knows what she likes, she owns it, and she’s not swayed by external noise," says Gibson of Winkleman.
Jessie Roux's final message to anyone intrigued by colour is simple and empowering: "If you love colour, then go for it. It’s always better to be yourself than to follow the crowd." Her legacy on The Traitors may be one of shrewd gameplay, but her true victory lies in inspiring a brighter, bolder, and more individualistic approach to beauty.
