It’s been a long 24 years since the original Gladiator was initially released in theaters, but the blockbuster film’s impact can still be felt in pop culture today. Fans of the OG film will be positively delighted that Gladiator II, helmed by legendary director Ridley Scott, is officially in American theaters today (Friday, November 22).
As a member of the Writers Guild of America East (WGA East), I attended an early screening of the Paramount Pictures project and can attest that Gladiator II is an action lover’s dream. Right off the bat, the film jumps into high-octane battle scenes, but it’s the core plot and surprises throughout the script that take viewers for an exciting ride for two hours and 28 minutes. (If you’re like me and usually want to tap out of movies after an hour and 45 minutes, trust me: The pacing of Gladiator II doesn’t feel excessively long or self-indulgent.)
As always, Denzel Washington gave a masterclass performance that was met with immediate applause from the audience as soon as he was shown on camera. But I was particularly enthralled by lead actor Paul Mescal’s turn, which I personally believe is worthy of an Oscar nomination. (He did his own stunts, no less!) The combination of euphonic sound effects and score, luxurious costumes, and captivating makeup and hair work symbiotically together and truly help elevate the film.
Lead makeup designer Jana Carboni considers herself a tool that helps actors Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielson, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger get into character. (She says the iconic Mr. Washington worked with his personal grooming team.)
Pedro Pascal, Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on set
Carboni has worked with Scott on several films, including Napoleon, House of Gucci, and The Martian. She says in-depth research and historical accuracy are trademarks of being an Italian makeup artist and credits her approximately 15-year collaborative partnership with Scott as leveling up her craft.
“Working with Ridley taught me that when you have the knowledge and know the base — the exact historical context and did your homework — then you can start to play and bring your own feeling about the story and characters,” explains Carboni. “The first thing Ridley said to me was, ‘This is not a sequel. This is a totally different story, a totally different period of time, and I don’t want to repeat myself. And I don’t want anybody to repeat themselves, so I really need you to step up the game and come up with something new.’ It was a lot, but in a way, it kinda set me free.”
In preparation for the shoot, Carboni dived deep into her Roman culture, explored museums, studied statues, and even reflected on the cult-classic Italian fantasy film Satyricon, directed by Federico Fellini. Aristocratic characters in the 1969 movie had pale white faces with vibrant blush, a look similar to the elites of Gladiator II, most notably on Emperor Geta (Quinn). “Geta’s look was more Satyricon and ancient Roman, with his makeup serving as a statement of his power and vanity,” says Carboni. On the flip side, his twin Caracalla (Hechinger) “had more of an Orientalist, Johnny Rotten-inspired influence, using makeup as a form of armor.”
Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta
In contrast, gladiator Lucius (Mescal), General Marcus Acacius (Pascal), and the poor characters on the street looked more weathered from living rougher lives in battle and on the streets. While a glaring contrast in appearance, it was a historically accurate portrayal. “The most important thing is for the actors to be comfortable while I’m doing their makeup because they are the ones who have to act. It’s very important that we work well together,” says Carboni. She highlighted Pascal’s positive on-set attitude and noted his revered character was in a unique position since he needed to be dirty and bloody when in battle, but that he also lives a rather plush lifestyle when in Rome, especially when visiting the Roman palace.
Ultimately, Carboni wanted the makeup in the film to be edgy, opulent, and decadent — something that would stay with viewers after they left the movie theater — and she executed that flawlessly with Amazon products you can shop right now.
The principal shooting for Gladiator II was in hot and dry Morrocco and Malta, with a few days in the United Kingdom. As you can imagine, the contrast in climates influenced the products used. “We used different techniques completely compared to when we were in Malta, which is hot but super humid, so we had to readjust what we were doing,” she notes. In Morocco, heavier products were used, while lightweight skincare essentials were a must in Malta.
Overall, selecting high-quality skincare products that truly care for each actor’s skin was a must — and even the guys on set enjoyed being pampered in the makeup trailers with these products. “Those boys, they love their skincare! Although they have to look rough and tough in the movie, it’s very important to look at the skin as a canvas because it makes my job easier and try to avoid any breakouts. So skincare is very important,” notes Carboni.
On-set, Carboni used this LED face mask and noted it was a favorite of Connie Nielsen, who reprised her role as Lucilla, daughter of emperor Marcus Aurelius in the original Gladiator film. “She loves to prep the skin, and it’s really important to have a good canvas,” notes Carboni, who says it helped keep Nielsen’s skin looking fresh and fabulous despite early-morning call times. The skin benefits from this red light therapy device helped Carboni only use a light makeup base on Nielsen.
Skincare lovers who want radiant, even-toned, wrinkle-free skin can thank NASA for discovering the cosmetic benefits of red light therapy. CurrentBody Skin is the gold standard of red light therapy devices and the go-to mask of myself and Halle Berry (casual). It emits red and near-infrared light-emitting diodes (LED) that target visible signs of aging in just a few weeks, leaving behind a brighter, smoother complexion.
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Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, the daughter of emperor Marcus Aurelius.
“Because we’re shooting on sets for several months, you can really see if products work on the skin and you can see a transformation, and this is what happens with Beau Domaine. All of the cast loves it. It’s such a simple and clean product, but really effective,” says Carboni. She adds that on the last day of shooting someone on set even noticed visible improvement to Mescal’s complexion after Carboni regularly prepped his skin with Brad Pitt’s skincare line.
Beau Domaine is one of my most trusted celebrity beauty brands and a perpetual favorite among stars like Sterling K. Brown and Lupita Nyong’o. Carboni used the lightweight Fluid Cream during the day to offer lightweight hydration to the skin. The fast-absorbing cream contains ProGR3 and GSM10, a proprietary blend of grape antioxidants that help with anti-aging and rebalancing the skin. Niacinamide, organic grape water, and ayurvedic plant extract provide the skin ample TLC and create a healthy-looking base for makeup prep.
Paul Mescal as Lucius
Beau Domaine The Cream
She used Beau Domaine’s thicker moisturizer, dubbed The Cream, during Moroccan shoots for extra hydration and anti-aging benefits. This antioxidant-rich cream also contains Beau Domaine’s signature ProGR3 and GSM10 blend, plus hyaluronic acid, which is like a tall glass of water for dehydrated skin — a welcome treat when working in Morocco’s hot, dry environment.
Mescal is 28 years old (which, well, means he still produces collagen), but Carboni also credits Beau Domaine skincare products as helping visibly improve his skin.
Alexander Karim, who plays Ravi, the doctor and confidant of Lucius in the film, didn't originally have a beard when he met with Carboni, but he grew one out for the film. To help him and other men on set have itch-free facial hair, Carboni relied on Juara Radiance Vitality Oil. It’s infused with brightening vitamin C, passionfruit, and a blend of nourishing candlenut, macadamia, and avocado oils that soothe the delicate skin while enhancing skin elasticity and minimizing fine lines.
Carboni used a lot of this body oil throughout filming of the gladiators, including Mescal, plus on the concubines from Emperor Geta and Caracalla’s party scene. This is my all-time favorite body oil because it leaves my skin noticeably radiant, supple, soft, and smelling fantastic on perfume-free days. It’s like a spa in a bottle for the skin.
Most under-eye masks keep the liquid separate from the patches, but the actual Talika masks are infused with nourishing ingredients. In 30 minutes, these masks help brighten and plump the under-eye area to reduce wrinkles. (You could even style your hair or finish the rest of your makeup during the waiting period.) The patches can also catch any eyeshadow fallout that would be hard to remove from under-eye concealer. Carboni adds that the Talika under-eye mask can be used two or three times before disposing of it.
Carboni reaches for this skincare product when she notices the talent looking understandably tired on long, sometimes 10-hour days. “It’s like an ice cube in a stick. It’s really amazing,” says Carboni.
This unique skincare product provides the delicate under-eye area with a refreshing cooling sensation to help you fake eight hours of sleep. Made with moisturizing glycerin and soothing aloe vera, you’ll notice an immediate brightening effect. You can even apply makeup immediately after swiping on this product.
Carboni used this beloved exfoliant (typically on Wednesdays and Fridays) to ensure the cast had clean, dirt-, and dust-free skin to help avoid breakouts. “It is gentle and effective. It doesn’t strip your skin,” says Carboni. “When you shoot in the sun, you have to be really careful or you can start to have sunspots, so it’s very important to be mindful.”
Mescal and Pascal wore facial hair during the film, and Carboni used Gommage to prevent ingrown hairs and ensure their complexions were thoroughly clean throughout filming.
The physical exfoliant also clarifies, hydrates, and rebalances the skin without irritating the most sensitive skin types. Gommage is infused with carob and brown seaweed extracts, plus lime oil, which helps tighten pores, firm the skin, and impart a healthy glow, including anyone with visible redness.
Pedro Pascal as General Acacius
