How Cillian Murphy prepped for the Oscars, according to his Irish stylist
With an all-star team of Irish stylist Gareth Bromell and a host of beauty icons to expertly finesse his look, here’s the grooming routine and red carpet regimen Cillian Murphy undertook to become the first ever Irish-born winner of Best Actor at the 96th Academy Awards.
It’s another record-breaking year for the Irish at the Oscars. With many moments that have caught the nation’s collective breath, from performances onscreen to the international recognition for a nation holding its weight in talent, the 96th Academy Awards saw Cillian Murphy become the first ever Irish-born winner of Best Actor, one of seven Oppenheimer awards, with four gongs also awarded to Irish-produced Poor Things.
The man behind the perpetual polish of Cillian Murphy is his longtime stylist, Limerick-born Gareth Bromell.
“My inspiration for Cillian’s look is Cillian himself,” says Gareth, who has been with Cillian throughout his press tour, “and all the aspects that make him the man he is; an actor, husband, father, Irish man. Like all of us, he’s multi-faceted – rugged yet refined, grounded yet playful – just like Ireland itself, he is quintessentially Irish and his look is traditionally classic but elevated, polished and masculine.”
Gareth’s red carpet kit is made-up of beauty heavyweights, from CurrentBody’s LED Mask to the Dyson Supersonic.
For hair, “Cillian has the best hair, so we always work to enhance his natural texture,” according to Gareth.
The red carpet look was decidedly 90’s inspired, “creating a soft, loose lived-in texture,” firstly with Hair Rituals by Sisley Paris The Cream 230, €92, “a staple in my kit,” says the stylist. “I love this product as it can be used as a heat protectant, but also a leave-in conditioner. I apply the cream to Cillian’s damp hair, then dry using the Dyson Professional Supersonic Hair Dryer, €399.99, to create body and to frame his strong angular face, and its diffuser attachment on low heat, allowing me to manipulate the hair and minimise volume. The diffuser adds depth of texture while keeping the hair smooth and avoiding any coarseness to create a softness reminiscent of unstructured 90’s ease. To finish, I set his already amazing hair with the Hair Rituals by Sisley Invisible Hold Hairspray, €89. It has a very lightweight fine mist that’s perfect to allow Cillian’s hair to still have movement and lasts all night.”
What’s in an Irish man’s skincare routine to prep for the Oscars? A meticulous edit of beauty’s most-wanted gadgets and formulas. “I am a huge fan of face tools when applying products on my clients,” says Gareth, whose set-up included Sisley’s Gingko Gua Sha, €126, Rinoki Roller and an LED mask.
First step, Sisleÿa Express Flower Gel Mask, €123. “This mask is extremely hydrating, I love to apply this on Cillian prior to using the CurrentBody LED Mask, €349, as they work together to penetrate into his skin for optimal results,” advises Gareth. “It is a great product for anyone who travels a lot like we have been doing during this exciting awards season.”
Next, a cocktail of lip and eye creams. “I use Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age Fresh Gel Cream + Eye & Lip Cream, €209.30, on Cillian, paired with the Ridoki roller.” Then, the Nutritive Lip Balm, €73, “ultra hydrating and gives a subtle plump to the lips while softening them.”
The make-up kit is concise and skillful; concealer, powder, and bronzer to warm up the Celtic complexion. “Stylo Lumière, €57, is a great highlighting concealer that brightens the eye contour area and around the smile line area,” says Gareth, “and I like to finish with the Phyto-Poudre Compacte, €95, and just a dusting of the Phyto-Touche Illusion d’Ete, €110, to set Cillian’s face.”
Photography by The Academy and Gareth Bromell. We may earn a commission if you shop through an affiliate link on our site.
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