Come with GLASS as we sit down with Hayden Cassidy, Dior UK Grooming Expert, as she prepares British actor Harrison Osterfield‘s look for the Vanity Fair x BAFTA Rising Star Party. Using Dior Beauty’s Sauvage Mencare collection, we are given the secrets behind what it takes to create a red carpet look.
Photograph: Kyle Galvin for Christian Dior Parfums.
10 minutes with Hayden Cassidy, Dior UK Grooming Expert
When prepping Harrison for tonight, what is the first step in the process?
The first step for any event is always to just lightly cleanse the skin. With Harrison I used a warm hot towel and then applied some Dior Beauty Eye Reviver Patches which are great for event season. They take any puffiness away from the eyes and it’s always a nice start to the routine.
What products will you be using on Harrison?
For Harrison, he has amazing skin so we’re going to keep the skin quite simple. I’m going to use the Sauvage cleanser, toner and serum, which will keep their skin hydrated throughout the night. I also applied the Sauvage aftershave balm after I shaved the skin to take any redness down. After the Sauvage steps, I used one of my favourite products for any events or editorials which is the Dior Backstage Face & Body Primer.
I remember Peter Phillips, Creative and Image Director for Christian Dior Makeup, talk about the primer on one of the shows and it literally is perfect for men’s skin, it’s super light, hydrated and matte. Once I used that, I used a small bit of Dior Backstage Concealer, and finished the skin off with Rouge Dior Balm, Diorshow On Set Brow and a small bit of powder to take away any last shine. The goal was natural and fresh.
How do you tailor the grooming to match the vibe of Harrison and the event?
For Harrison’s grooming, we wanted to do something a bit different than his usual look. I always take into consideration the look that he is wearing so I can tell a story with the hair. We decided to go for something a little bit edgier. I use a curling cream to enhance his natural curls and texture a small bit of gel which will leave a slight wet look. I wanted to create a lot of texture and keep a quite messy and lived in and I think we did that perfectly. It was a perfect contrast with the suit that he was wearing.
For male clients in general, what’s the key to a sharp but natural look?
To keep it simple and not overdo it when it comes to the skin, I think keeping the skin hydrated is the key and to keep it as natural as possible. When it comes to the hair, I think you can have fun with it but over styling sometimes can be a lot if the outfit is quite dressy – I tend to stay away from too much hairspray so the hair can still be lived in. I love playing around with contrast and also talking to the client on their vibe and energy of the night to really amplify that!
Photograph: Kyle Galvin for Christian Dior Parfums.
What are some common skincare mistakes that you should avoid before a red carpet?
I think it’s important to always remember less is more. For men’s skin, it should look fresh but not cakey. Usually, events are long and also quiet hot, because men’s skin is naturally more oily, it’s important to avoid a build-up of make up throughout the night – hydration is the key for this!
Are there any unexpected or unconventional tricks you use for last-minute touch-ups?
I always carry around blotting papers, a matte lip balm such as Rouge Dior Balm and a comb for any last minute adjustments!
Photograph: Kyle Galvin for Christian Dior Parfums.
5 minutes with Harrison Osterfield, Friend of the House and Dior Beauty
What brief have you set Hayden for your grooming look?
I wanted something that contrasted with the suit—clean but with a bit of edge. So, we went for this slightly wet, textured look. Having the polished suit but then the hair and makeup to bring the energy of the night ahead.
What does it mean to you to be here at the Vanity Fair & BAFTA Rising Star Party, given your journey so far?
Being in a room full of people who love what they do, push boundaries, and know how to make the most of a free bar always makes for a special night. I’ve been lucky enough to attend this event over the years, and it’s always a great chance to celebrate the talent and projects from the last year that keep the industry exciting.
Photograph: Kyle Galvin for Christian Dior Parfums.
Photograph: Kyle Galvin for Christian Dior Parfums.
Are there any films or performances this year that really inspire you?
Hard Truths really stuck with me—not just because it’s a brilliant film, but because one of my best mates, Tuwaine Barrett, is in it. Seeing someone I went to school with smashing it alongside industry legends is awesome. This year, I worked on a feature called ‘Pressure’ with actors I’ve admired for a long time, and it makes me smile thinking about both of our journeys—from drama school to now. Feels like we’re just getting started all over again.
by Imogen Clark
Sauvage Mencare Collection from £43 and available at dior.com