The secrets behind Love Island host Ariana Madise’s glamorous looks and her stylist team
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Ariana Madise 70 Pounds of Hair
Ever wonder how Ariana Madix looks so flawless while announcing heart-breaking dumpings in the scorching heat of Fiji?
Her glam squad has spilled the beans on what it takes to create those head-turning looks for Love Island USA—and believe me, that’s no small thing.
Meet “Mer-Madix”
For his second season of hosting, Ariana’s hairstylist Carl Bembridge decided to shake everything up.
“My goal was to be completely different from last year. Every episode should feel fresh,” he says.
This season’s hair vibe? A mix of ’90s edge and high fashion with a splash of mermaid magic.
Bembridge even gave them the nickname “Mer-Madix” when she noticed how many times they played with beachy, Daryl Hannah-in-Splash waves.
Great Migration of Hair
When Bembridge says he came prepared, he really was fully prepared. The stylist washed 70 pounds of hair to Fiji—an entire suitcase filled with wigs, clip-ins, bangs, and extensions, all in different lengths and colors.
“I brought teen suitcases and one of them was full of hairpieces,” he admits. “My girls have to have options!”
These options have already shown us dramatic brunette transformations, Rapunzel-like braids, and piece-y bangs—and there are sure to be more surprises to come.
Beat the heat without making a face cake
Makeup artist Krystal Dawn has the challenging task of making Ariana look fresh despite the tropical humidity.
Her secret weapons? Milk Hydro Grip Primer, NARS and Haus Labs foundations, and Huda Beauty’s setting spray.
As for hair, Dawn uses powder sparingly. “We don’t want her skin to look overly matte or cakey, so I keep the powder to a minimum,” she explains.
“Just a light dusting at the end, and then a final mist-setting spray just before she goes on. No heavy makeup.”
Teen Suitcases of Fashion Perfection
Since stylist Emily Men can’t be on location in Fiji, her prep work is next-level detailed.
Before Ariana even steps out, she has extensive fittings where she pairs each outfit with the perfect jewelry, shoes, and even press-on nails so she can easily switch between looks.
“I personally tailor all of Ariana’s clothes and ensure that everything fits perfectly,” I share.
She sends Ariana three checked suitcases full of meticulously organized outfits!
Secret Ingredient? Confidence
What makes Ariana the perfect fashion canvas? According to me, it’s her willingness to experiment.
“Ariana and I work so well together because she is open to trying anything and everything,” the stylist explains.
“She is so comfortable in her own skin that she can effortlessly pull off several different looks.”
The final result is a true team effort. As I say: “A lot of credit has to be given to her amazing glam team—we all work together on these looks and make sure each component complements the other!”
Now, when you see Ariana strut around the villa for the next dramatic recoupling, you’ll realize how much planning went into making those entrance moments absolutely perfect.