The Face: Series 1, Episode 8 recap

Fashion


The Face: Series 1, Episode 8 recap

By Stylist Team

12 years ago

Wow well I wasn’t expecting that. But before we get to who IS The Face 2013, let’s discuss this, at times, emotionally draining final. Gone were the theatrics, histrionics and memes of previous weeks – this was stripped down, bare-knuckle fighting as Max Factor chose which girl deserved the much-coveted contract.

With only three places in the catwalk finale, the remaining four girls – Eleanor and Nadine for Team Caroline, Erin’s Elaine and Emma for Naomi – faced a beauty shoot and improvised screentest under the scrutiny of Max Factor’s make-up artist Caroline Barnes and creative director Scott Bradley. It was tense, baby.

The beauty shoot

Seriously whatever lighting and make-up that shoot had going on should be made into an Instagram filter. They looked like young Ava Gardners. And, in fact, with the exception of Emma, they all nailed it. And once Scott from MF elbowed Naomi’s legendary direction out of the way (“Remember you have a neck”), Emma relaxed into the shoot and got some extraordinary shots.

The screentest

However, when it comes to improvising a blurb on camera about a random beauty product? Harder to do than getting some of those fringed Isabel Marant for HM boots… Eleanor stumbled before finding her feet; Nadine collapsed into a flood of tears and Elaine made nonsense noises before getting one usable take. Emma, however, was instantly a pro. Her first words were possibly a breezy introduction to the Tommy Tippee sippy cup range.

And ultimately… if you’re going to represent a brand then you need to be able to talk on camera. So Nadine got canned. I can honestly say I shed a little tear for her. Possibly the sweetest and most successful of the contestants, it’s a killer to see her go. Adieu Nadine, we hope to see you in a Longchamp ad soon.

The final final bit

It’s on to the catwalk. Three girls, two walks, one winner. Each of them has a beautiful confidence that was AWOL on their first catwalk challenge and even when Eleanor stumbles over her billowing hemline, she keeps her composure. Max Factor watch on (I know Caroline Barnes is a make-up artist for a major beauty brand but I really like her eye make-up), so who will get it? Lined up after the show, it’s a nail-biting reveal. And it’s… Emma. Oh. Now I love Emma – she is sparky and beautiful and obviously talented but my heart was rooting for Elaine. Lovely underdog Elaine from Bolton. And also Erin who didn’t win a thing. Nada. And Caroline – who won everything but faltered with Eleanor at the last hurdle – doesn’t get anything either! Gah! But I guess it does underline what we all suspected – it’s Naomi Campbell’s world and we just live in it.

Let us know what you thought. We’re already anticipating The Face’s return next year… And don’t forget your notebook on the way out.

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