Thanks to Prime Video’s Off Campus, the internet has found its new favorite besties in Hannah Wells and Allie Hayes. The two characters are fiercely loyal, deeply supportive, and a joy to watch as they navigate their respective emotional journeys. But beyond their compelling storylines, there’s a hidden layer of storytelling happening — one that’s painted directly onto their faces.
- Hannah and Allie’s makeup looks in Off Campus reflect their vastly different personalities and emotional journeys.
- Allie’s makeup emphasizes glow, radiance, and sexual confidence, while Hannah’s is softer and more restrained.
- The show’s makeup department head, Leah Ehman, used products like Saie’s Glowy Super Skin Tint and Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush to achieve these distinct looks.
- Makeup choices subtly enhance the storytelling, creating visual cues for the characters’ emotional states.
- Fans can achieve similar looks at home using accessible products highlighted in the show.
Character Makeup Differences
The makeup choices for Allie and Hannah are intentional reflections of their personalities and emotional journeys. Leah Ehman, the show’s makeup department head, explained how skin finish and blush placement were used to tell two very different stories. Allie’s look leans into a flushed, luminous glow that mirrors her adventurous and sexually confident personality. “She’s having more sex, and obviously it’s not something she’s shy about,” Ehman shared with Bustle. To achieve this, she relied on products like Saie’s Glowy Super Gel Illuminator and Fenty Cream Cheeks Out in Petal Poppin.
On the other hand, Hannah’s makeup communicates innocence and restraint, echoing her protective emotional pace and past trauma. Ehman avoided radiant finishes for Hannah, opting instead for a natural, understated look. Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Happy became her signature flush, adding a soft, cool pink hue that complemented the character’s reserved demeanor.
Creating the Looks
According to Ehman, the overarching goal was to maintain a fresh-faced, natural aesthetic for the cast while ensuring the makeup subtly enhanced each character’s personality. For Allie, this meant dialing up the radiance with layered products that created warmth and dimension. Charlotte Tilbury’s Sun-Kissed Glow bronzer added depth, while Saie’s Glowy Super Gel Illuminator gave Allie’s skin a luminous finish that felt alive and vibrant.
Hannah’s makeup, however, was more pared-back. Ehman avoided visible foundation and focused on sheer, natural skin. She used Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush sparingly to create a delicate wash of color, ensuring freckles and natural textures still showed through. “It’s nice to see awake, alive skin that feels real,” Ehman noted.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Ehman’s approach to makeup in Off Campus wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about storytelling. The subtle contrast between Allie and Hannah’s looks helps viewers understand their emotional states without overt exposition. For Allie, her glow represents her confident, sexually liberated personality. For Hannah, the restrained look signals her guarded nature and slower journey toward emotional healing.
This attention to detail extends beyond the main characters. The makeup team worked to ensure all cast members had continuity in their looks while still letting their natural radiance shine through. “We just had a little shimmer or dew to catch the light,” Ehman explained, emphasizing the importance of subtlety in the show’s overall aesthetic.
What This Means for You
The deliberate makeup choices in Off Campus are a reminder of how beauty can be a powerful storytelling tool. For fans looking to replicate these looks at home, the products used on Allie and Hannah are accessible and versatile. If you’re drawn to Allie’s radiant glow, try layering Saie’s Glowy Super Gel Illuminator with a warm cream blush like Fenty’s Petal Poppin. For a softer, more restrained vibe like Hannah’s, opt for Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Happy and keep your skin finish natural and sheer.
More broadly, this story highlights the importance of using makeup to express your individuality. Whether you want to channel Allie’s confidence or Hannah’s understated elegance, the key is finding products and techniques that resonate with your personal style and emotional state.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What products were used for Allie’s glowing makeup look? Allie’s makeup featured Saie’s Glowy Super Gel Illuminator, Fenty Cream Cheeks Out in Petal Poppin, and Charlotte Tilbury’s Sun-Kissed Glow bronzer.
- How can I achieve Hannah’s soft flush at home? Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Happy is ideal for recreating Hannah’s natural, understated flush.
- Why does makeup matter in storytelling? Makeup helps convey emotional states and personality traits, adding depth to characters without relying on dialogue.
- Are the products used in Off Campus affordable? Most of the products, such as Saie’s and Rare Beauty’s items, are mid-range and accessible to a wide audience.
- Can I combine both looks for everyday wear? Absolutely! You can mix radiant elements like Allie’s glow with Hannah’s restrained flush for a balanced, versatile look.
