Sex Education's Eric Effiong (played by Ncuti Gatwa) [1] has big main character energy from his larger-than-life personality and colourful wardrobe to his unabashedly bold makeup. The last of these qualities is front and centre in season three of the British Netflix series [2], during which Eric shows viewers his penchant for shimmery eyeshadow and bright eyeliner nearly every time he's on screen.
Makeup and hair designer Emily Bilverstone [3] was the mastermind behind his bold beauty choices [4] and told POPSUGAR she mostly garnered inspiration from Grace Jones's fun, experimental beauty looks [5] when selecting which products and shades to use on Gatwa. "I imagined he would have posters of [Jones] inside his wardrobe door and would channel her when doing his makeup," Bilverstone said.
Gatwa himself also played a role in nailing down Eric's glam, spending hours with Bilverstone in the makeup bus, testing out various ideas. (Fun fact: They tried three different eyeshadow colour combinations for his finale look before choosing the shimmery purple and gold blend that wound up in season three's last episode.)
Of course, we also asked Bilverstone which specific products she used on Gatwa to achieve his character's glamorous makeup looks — 'cause who wouldn't want to turn heads like Eric does? Ahead, we've got the full breakdown on what's in Eric's makeup bag, including Bilverstone's recommended dupes for any sold-out items.
Eric's First Day of School Makeup in Season 3, Episode 1
When we first catch a glimpse at Eric in the season three premiere, he's wearing some shimmery gold eyeshadow to make a statement on his first day back at Moordale Secondary School.
How to Re-Create Eric's First Day of School Makeup in Season 3, Episode 1
To create this look, Bilverstone first applied Pat McGrath Labs's Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation [7] (£60). To achieve those shimmery lids, she used Topshop's Chameleon Eye Shadow in the gold Evolve shade, which is sadly no longer available for purchase online. However, as a substitute, she suggests layering Youtopia's Pressed Pigment in Bloom [8] (£5) with Youtopia's Pressed Pigment in Reverie [9] (£5) for the same two-toned gold-pink effect that packs on the shine.
Eric's First Uniform Day Makeup in Season 3, Episode 3
Psht, you didn't actually think Headmistress Hope's new uniform rules would keep Eric from fully expressing himself, now did you? On the first day that Moordale students were required to suit up in matching grey uniforms, Eric added in a shiny pop of colour with gold and maroon eyeshadow.
How to Re-Create Eric's First Uniform Day Makeup in Season 3, Episode 3
This metallic sunset-esque combination features the aforementioned gold Topshop eyeshadow in the inner corners with a maroon Shu Uemura eyeshadow that has since been discontinued. Bilverstone suggested swapping in either the NARS Powerchrome Loose Eye Pigment in Hammered [10] (£22) or Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow in Rapture [11] (£28) to achieve a similar effect. Add a touch of Glossier's Balm Dotcom [12] (£10) to your lips like Bilverstone did to Gatwa's, and you're good to go.
Eric's Double Date Makeup in Season 3, Episode 3
For Eric and Adam's double date with Ruby and Otis at the bowling alley, Eric opts for a bright pop of blue winged eyeliner to match the colours in his patterned T-shirt, paired with gold eyeshadow smudged at his inner corners.
How to Re-Create Eric's Double Date Makeup in Season 3, Episode 3
Bilverstone once again used the out-of-stock gold Topshop eyeshadow for this look, along with Fenty Beauty's Longwear Pencil Eyeliner [13] (£14) in the electric blue Lady Lagoon shade. She amped up the impact with Shu Uemura's Mini Khaki False Eyelashes, which have a striped effect to them and are no longer available to purchase online, and swiped Glossier's Lash Slick Mascara [14] (£14) onto the rest of his natural lashes. The final touch? Eric's metallic emerald green nails, courtesy of Zoya Nail Polish [15] (£10) in shade Giovanna.
Eric's Finale Makeup in Season 3, Episode 8
Eric may have foregone makeup while attending his family wedding in Nigeria, but he sure did make up for it while rewearing his stunning orange outfit in the season three finale. He looked like absolute royalty with a lustrous duo of gold and purple shadows.
How to Re-Create Eric's Finale Makeup in Season 3, Episode 8
Bilverstone began by applying the aforementioned maroon Shu Uemera shadow to Gatwa's eyelids as a base, followed by the aubergine-coloured Paranormal and metallic purple Euphoria shades from Path McGrath's La Vie en Rose palette. She lastly added some gold Topshop shadow to highlight his cupid's bow and Becca Cosmetics Sunlit Bronzer [16] for that allover glow. If you didn't happen to snag the La Vie en Rose palette before it sold out, never fear — Bilverstone offered us a spot-on dupe: the NARS Unwrapped Eye Shadow Palette [17] (£26), which offers similar purple and pink hues.