Ep 3. Social Media

The British reality show Glow Up delves deeper into the world of cosmetics and makeup artistry with its third episode, aptly titled "Social Media." Here, the contestants are tasked to create looks that are not just appropriate for real-life situations but can also translate well on social media.

The show's host, Stacey Dooley, sets the tone of the episode by asking the contestants to introduce themselves through their own social media accounts. This challenge already sets a high bar for the artists, as they need to present their unique personalities and aesthetics in a way that is clear, concise, and visually appealing.

The main challenge of the episode takes on a similar premise by having the contestants create two different looks using different makeup techniques. The first look should be a day-to-night transformation, which means they have to create a versatile style that can be worn in different settings, whether it's a corporate meeting or a night out with friends. The second look should be a social media-inspired look, which means they need to create makeup styles that are specifically designed for showcasing on Instagram, TikTok, or any other platform.

The challenges require different aspects of creativity and skill, which puts pressure on the artists to deliver produce stunning and engaging visuals that tell a story. The judges, who include celebrity makeup artist Val Garland and professional photographer Rankin, evaluate the contestants based on the following criteria:

1. Creativity: The ability to come up with unique and compelling looks that reflect the artist's own personal style.

2. Technical skill: The ability to execute different makeup techniques, from contouring to blending, with precision and expertise.

3. Conceptualization: The ability to create cohesive looks that tell a story and convey a message.

4. Social media suitability: The ability to create looks that are visually striking and shareable on social media.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an inside look at each contestant's process, from brainstorming to execution. Some contestants thrive under the pressure, while others struggle to deliver their best work within the time given. Dooley provides commentary and encouragement along the way, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each competitor and offering insight into what makes a successful makeup artist.

At the end of the episode, the judges deliberate on which competitors delivered the best looks and announce the winner of the challenge. The losing contestant must leave the competition, and the other artists move on to the next challenge, this time with an even higher bar to meet.

Overall, "Social Media" showcases the multifaceted and dynamic world of makeup artistry, showing viewers that it takes not just technical skill but also creativity and conceptualization to produce exceptional and powerful looks. With each episode, Glow Up proves itself to be a must-watch for anyone interested in the transformative power of makeup and the limitless possibilities of self-expression.