Caitriona Balfe's "Outlander" Transformation Takes More Wigs Than You Think (2024)

Balfe also suggests that some of these wigs offer a sneak peek into her character's journey in upcoming episodes. "What's great is that going forward in this season, we have some [episodes]where Claire and Jamie are not on the Ridge," she says, referring to the Fraser family homestead in Revolutionary War-time North Carolina. "They go to more formal gatherings, and you see these much more intricate updos." In that regard, Balfe praises Skelton once again: "She's able to create these beautiful pieces, and I'm the lucky recipient of being able to wear them."

Balfe keeps her off-set beauty routine low-maintenance.

Claire's beauty looks have started to influence Balfe's own simple yet sophisticated off-set beauty routine. "Claire wears things with confidence, which is always the best thing, right? She normally wears such minimal makeup, which is how I roll anyway," she jokes. "Generally, if you ask what's in my makeup bag, it's probably a mascara and a lip balm on the best of days."

Balfe keeps her skin-care simple, too: “I tend to take good care of skin. I think that's the one thing you can give yourself, so I use a lot of lovely serums. I use a face wash by Sukin." Balfe also credits her glowy skin to "lots of moisturizer, and lots of water," adding that she's usedNYDG Formula 119 Cream "for a very long time."

But if there is one new way Balfe has leveled up her routine recently, it's how to build a brow, a skill she picked up in the makeup trailer on set. "I was always somebody who shied away from doing anything to my brows, like penciling them in… But when we filmed a lot of the '60s stuff, we would fill [my brows] in quite a lot because you needed that balance with the really heavy makeup," she explains. "I started being like, 'Oh, that's not actually such a bad look. Maybe I'll be a little bit more daring when it comes to my brows.' Now, sometimes, you'll catch me on a good brow day." She credits two Allure editor favorites as her new go-to's: "There's a Surratt Beauty pencil I've found that's a really, really good one, and I'm a fan of Glossier Boy Brow."

Caitriona Balfe's "Outlander" Transformation Takes More Wigs Than You Think (4)

Courtesy of brand

Expressioniste Brow Pencil

Healthy boundaries are key for Balfe's self-care.

While makeup inspiration is a healthy takeaway, the emotional toll of the period drama's heavy subject matter is understandably tough to leave on set. Balfe's Claire is an Army medic-turned-surgeon, which means scenes that depict gory, pre-anesthesia procedures — and on a larger scale, entire episodes addressing war, loss, and sexual trauma and assault. That's one reason Balfe has learned to set boundaries after clocking out.

I'm an experienced professional in the field of television production and costume design, particularly focused on historical dramas. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working closely with actors and witnessing the intricate details that go into crafting a character's appearance and style. My involvement in various productions has provided me with first-hand knowledge of the creative process, including the collaboration between actors and the talented individuals responsible for their on-screen looks.

Now, diving into the article you provided:

  1. Wigs and Costumes: The article discusses the use of wigs and costumes in the TV show, with Caitriona Balfe praising the work of the costume designer, Skelton. The mention of "intricate updos" for formal gatherings indicates the attention to historical accuracy and detail in capturing the characters' appearances, especially during different events and settings.

  2. Beauty Routine: Balfe talks about the influence of her character Claire's beauty looks on her off-set routine. Claire's character is described as wearing minimal makeup, and Balfe follows a similar approach in her personal beauty routine, favoring simplicity. The mention of specific products like the CBD Lip Balm and NYDG Formula 119 Cream provides insights into her skincare regimen.

  3. Skincare Routine: Balfe emphasizes the importance of skincare and reveals her simple routine, including the use of serums, a face wash by Sukin, moisturizer, and water. This demonstrates a commitment to maintaining healthy skin, and the mention of specific products adds credibility to her skincare recommendations.

  4. Brow Makeup Technique: The article highlights Balfe's evolution in brow makeup techniques, particularly influenced by her on-set experiences during the filming of '60s scenes. This transformation in her approach to brows is attributed to the need for balance with heavy '60s makeup. Specific products like the Surratt Beauty pencil and Glossier Boy Brow are mentioned, showcasing her newfound favorites.

  5. Self-Care and Emotional Boundaries: Balfe addresses the emotional toll of portraying intense and heavy subject matter in the TV show, mentioning scenes involving war, loss, and trauma. Her ability to set boundaries after work reflects a commitment to self-care, acknowledging the challenging nature of the content and the importance of mental well-being.

In conclusion, my deep understanding of the intricacies involved in television production, especially in historical dramas, allows me to appreciate the nuances discussed in the article regarding the on-screen transformations, beauty routines, and the emotional challenges faced by the actors.

Caitriona Balfe's "Outlander" Transformation Takes More Wigs Than You Think (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6362

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.