Exclusive: Getting Ready for the 2020 Billboard Music Awards with Nicole Richie

When it comes to red carpet glam, Nicole Richie always brings her A-game. From the silvery-white hair she wore at the 2013 Met Gala to her coral makeup moment at the 2019 VMAs, the fashion designer and author has kept us consistently inspired by her beauty looks. And the multi-hyphenate entrepreneur debuted yet another stunning makeup and hair look at tonight’s Billboard Music Awards. 

We got an exclusive glimpse into Richie’s getting ready process for the 2020 Billboard Music Awards via her makeup artist Beau Nelson. For the big show, Nelson gave the House of Harlow creative director a dreamy violet smokey eye and rosy lip. Keep scrolling to see Richie’s getting-ready photo diary.

Nelson and Richie have worked together in the past, but tonight marked the first time the duo saw each other since the pandemic began. "It was almost like any other time other than we worked outside and wore masks, but I haven’t seen her in months so it was great to have the team back together," Nelson says.

"Nicole has a gorgeous tan and her skin is already beautiful but to even tan lines and make her skin even more flawless I used ALLEVEN Colour Shield ($80) in Sand," Nelson says. "I use light short sprays about 10 inches away and build coverage in light layers. It’s so quick and easy and once it’s dry it stays put for hours."

Before applying any makeup, Nelson prepped Richie's skin with the ALLEVEN Total Face Serum ($141).

"I always use 2 shades of foundation on Nicole to create dimension," Nelson shares. "I love skin to look flawless but real, so the formulas I choose are with that in mind." For tonight’s look, Nelson used the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation ($150).

"I used a glossy highlighter on cheekbones to give the illusion of ultra-dewy fresh skin," he explains. "It makes everything look more real." Nelson used Chanel’s Baume Essentiel ($45) in Rosée and Golden Light to create Richie’s glow.

"I almost always work from the fashion and how Nicole is feeling," he says. “Since this was one of her first events since the pandemic started she wanted to feel her most glamorous so we did a really unique color-shifting eye, beautiful skin, and a soft beige rose lip." To create her vibrant eye look, Nelson swiped on Karla Cosmetics’ Multi Chrome Eyeshadow ($23) in Snooze. Her pink lip was created using Charlotte Tilbury’s Lipstick in Penelope Pink ($34) and Lip Liner ($22) in Supersize Me.

And now she’s off to present at the BBMAs!