There are few musicians who radiate warmth and soul like Olivia Dean. In a world of cancel culture and social media overload, her message is so refreshingly simple: we could be nice to each other.
At 27, the London-born singer-songwriter has already won four Brit awards and a Grammy. She's released two albums, Messy in 2023 and last year's The Art of Loving. She became the first female solo artist to have four singles in the UK top ten simultaneously (Man I Need, So Easy To Fall In Love, Nice To Each Other and Rein Me In) and she's picked up a whole generation of fans thanks to her joyful anthems.
Even better, it seems her affinity for kindness extends to how she treats herself. We recognised this back in 2023 when she accepted her very first award – the Rising Star award at GLAMOUR's Women of The Year – and took the opportunity in her acceptance speech to squash comparison culture. “I started to feel my most beautiful when I found my independence and I now know that my hair is my superpower and it gives me strength,” Olivia told us. Wearing her hair in a “Diana Ross moment,” that's become her signature, Olivia insisted “I feel my most empowered when I have my hair like this and it's all big and it's getting in the way and it's taking up space.”
But chatting to GLAMOUR today, it's evident that her approach to scent, makeup and haircare is as celebratory as ever. Thoughtful, romantic and endearingly relatable her, answers cemented the fact that she's categorically of the girlies (Olivia knows her way around a glowy bronzing hack), and she knows whats-up when it comes to choosing products (she's swapped heavy brows for a quick fluff of Refy brow gel). It's likely why last year, Burberry tapped her up as the face of their Her perfume, because she really is that girl. Here's what Olivia told us about beauty…
GLAMOUR: You have 15 minutes to get ready for a party. What are you doing makeup and hair wise?
Olivia Dean: Probably a slick back bun and simple glowy make up.
What products are always in your makeup bag and why have they earned their place there?
Refy brow gel is my favourite brow gel at the moment. Hourglass Blur Balm because they are so lightweight and flattering. Chanel Les Beiges bronzer because it’s the perfect bronze shade and goes on so seamlessly.
Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
You’re the face of Burberry Her Parfum - how does the fragrance reflect your personality and how do you wear it?
It’s sweet and playful! It reminds me of walking around London in Spring and smelling the cherry blossom trees.
I usually put on my perfume just before leaving the house. The wrists and behind the ears are non-negotiables for me, but sometimes, and this might be a little controversial, I like to spray it in my hair. It really helps with longevity, and you get so many compliments when you hug someone because the scent lingers beautifully.
Did you grow up with any strong beauty influences?
I’m always looking online for beauty inspiration, Diana Ross and Gal Costa are big icons for me. I loved tearing out pages of magazines and sticking them to my wall when I was younger.
Your hair is a big part of your look, how has your relationship with it changed over the years?
I try to treat my hair like my friend and look after her. I get regular haircuts and always use heat protectant when styling.
If you had to save only 4 products from your bathroom cabinet, what would you save and why?
Amika humidity spray, Hourglass Phantom Blur Balm, Ultra Violette SPF and Burberry Her Parfum.
Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray
Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ Hydrating Skinscreen
Do you have a ritual before going on stage and how does this perfume fit into that?
After warming up I like to get myself in the zone by playing some calming classical music. Smell is so important to me, so I’ll always have a gorgeous candle burning and a spritz of perfume before I go on stage. Putting on perfume gives me a final touch of confidence. It’s the same energy I like to carry into my music.
Scent and music are both a chance to be creative, how do the two overlap for you?
I'm someone that's quite sensitive – with music and smell, I'm sensitive to both of those. When I create in the studio, I definitely need it to smell good, [as with her pre-stage ritual] I'll always have a candle burning or burn a Palo Santo. I need it to be a clear space in that way. I think scent and music are both very powerful and they can certainly inspire each other.
What do you do differently in your beauty routine to 10 years ago?
A lot... I was definitely into a heavier brow back then, I like to keep my brows more natural and fluffy now.
What does happiness smell like for you and what are your earliest scent memories?
Happiness smells like being on the beach. Happiness smells light and fresh. The earliest scent I can remember is of my grandmother’s cooking, making Caribbean food and me trying to reach up, hoping to grab some.
What's the best beauty hack you’ve learned on set or on TikTok?
I learnt this hack where you mix Rhode glazing milk in with your bronzer and it’s changed my life.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
How do you feel your relationship with beauty has evolved as you’ve grown up?
I’ve definitely learnt it’s about enhancing what’s already there rather than masking anything. I also like to take my time to really enjoy the ritual of getting ready each day.
When do you feel you are most empowered?
When I’m on the beach in the sunshine. Or when I’m on stage in a fabulous dress!