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Published Mar 17, 2026
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When Misty Copeland took the stage at the 98th Academy Awards, her beauty look needed to survive stage the lights and pirouettes while still looking pretty. No big deal. Copeland performed to “I Lied to You” from Sinners, and her glam followed a very specific brief: baby ballerina pink that’s delicate enough to match the grace of her performance. To do this, makeup artist Mali Boykin used MERIT Beauty products, which, if you’re familiar with the brand, basically specializes in the “you, but slightly more polished” aesthetic. “Merit creates such a beautiful collection of enhancing products that allow you to look like yourself, just elevated,” Boykin said.
Merit
Boykin started with Merit’s Great Skin Moisturizer to prep Copeland’s skin before applying The Uniform Tinted SPF in Shade 20, creating a base that looked fresh and luminous. Because when you’re literally spinning across the Oscars stage, cakey foundation is the last thing you want.
The color story came next.
The cheeks were softly flushed using Flush Balm in Stockholm, while Bronze Balm in Seine added a bit of warmth and definition. For the eyes, Boykin layered Solo Shadow in Midcentury with the shimmery Solo Shadow Sheen in Glace, a subtle sparkle designed to catch the light every time Copeland moved (which, during a ballet performance, is constantly). Brows were defined with Brow 1990 in Dark Brown, and lashes were kept fluttery with Clean Lash Mascara.
Finally, the lips got the ballerina treatment. “I finished the lips with Lip Blush in Andie and Signature Lip Liner in Sportif for a pillowy, softly blurred finish,” Boykin said.
Shop Misty Copeland’s Oscars Beauty Look
Fashion and Beauty Director-at-LargeOversees fashion and beauty content. Former Beauty Director at Marie Claire; editorial lead at Allure, Essence, and L’Oréal-owned beauty platformsAdvocate for inclusive storytelling in style, beauty, and wellness
