Northern lights

EVERY year the MTV European Music Awards behemoth rolls into town and this year it was the Northern Ireland capital’s turn.

But it’s only partly about the music: Behind the scenes, a 39-strong team from Mac cosmetics, including senior Irish artist Lesley Keane, worked their magic on artists, dancers and presenters.

320 sets of lashes, 80 lip glosses, 160 packs of MAC wipes and 60 mascaras were just some of the hundreds of products used on the night to create out-of-this world make-up.

So, how to ape that A-list style? We break down the products and steps you’ll need to replicate two red carpet beauty looks.

Lady Gaga

Extreme makeup isn’t for everyone and her glittertastic lips and brows at the MTV EMA’s aren’t for shrinking violets. Appreciate her chutzpah and dedication to artistry, sure, but this probably isn’t for a night down the local pub.

BACKSTAGE CONFIDENTIAL: Gaga’s glossy pout was designed to emulate car paint and was a three-step process involving use of Mac Pro Lip Mix in blue, glitter and lashings of clear lip gloss.

Katy Perry

The newly pink-haired singer controversially left husband Russell Brand at home, setting gossiping tongues wagging, but her bright, graphic make-up was on the right side of cartoonish. Lesley Keane says that to get a matching MTV look, liberal lashings of Mac Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15, €31, would be a great solution for flawless full coverage. For lids, create a fat, defined flick with Eye Shadow in Aquadisiac, €15. To amp up the effect, apply Lashes in 36 with 4, €19 each, on top for a double-whammy effect. “You want really a really full, feathery finish,” Lesley advises. Lips are full-on too for this look. Apply Lipstick in Pink Nouveau, €17.50 first, with a generous slick of Lipglass in Pink Poodle, €17, on top for full-on plastic shine.

BACKSTAGE CONFIDENTIAL: Loved presenter Selena Gomez’s blended, metallic eyeshadow? Dupe her look with Eye Shadow in Sumptuous Olive, which echoes the effect nicely.

Jessie J

Pale skin and a brave, bold lip are Jessie J’s classic finish, and she didn’t deviate. “It’s very simple,” confirms Lesley, “liner, a bit of smoke and a bright lip.” To get a similar matte base, try Mac Studio Sculpt Foundation, €35.50, with a little Studio Fix Powder, €24.50, on top for extra coverage. Contoured cheeks are important for this look, and Lesley suggests Mac Sculpt and Shade in Bone/Beige, €20. Create a smokey lid with Eye Shadow in Cork, €16.50, making sure to blend well. Liner is crucial too: the brand’s Liquidlast Liner in Blacktrack, €21, should be applied with a brush all around the eyes. Finish with a bright, bold lip. “I reckon she’s a big fan of both Russian Red and Ruby Woo,” says Lesley, name-checking two of Mac’s classic matte reds, €17 each.

BACKSTAGE CONFIDENTIAL: It must be about the money for Jessie J as the Price Tag singer reportedly did her own make-up on the night! Not bad, eh?