Behind the Glam: Glow Up Season 7 – Q&A with the Host and Judges
Published on: May 1, 2025
Written by: Joey Hodgson
The wait is over—Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star is back for Season 7, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more expressive than ever. As ten new MUAs (Make-Up Artists) compete for a career-making title, we caught up with host Leomie Anderson and judges Val Garland and Dominic Skinner to talk about what’s new this season, what makes a standout artist, and why makeup still matters in 2025.
What makes Glow Up Season 7 different?
Leomie Anderson: This year’s MUAs are incredibly bold and experimental. I was genuinely blown away by how quickly they pushed boundaries and turned challenges into storytelling.
Val Garland: There’s a real evolution in technique and storytelling this season. You can tell the MUAs have grown up with the show and are here to prove something.
Dominic Skinner: This season, the MUAs didn’t hold back. The competition is fierce, but the level of support and camaraderie among them was also really heartwarming to witness.
What are you looking for in a winner?
Val Garland: Originality, emotion, and technique. I want to be surprised, to see something I haven’t seen before—but it has to be polished and purposeful.
Dominic Skinner: I look for an MUA who can adapt and excel in both the professional and creative briefs. Someone who understands makeup as a career and as an art form.
What kind of growth do you see in the contestants?
Leomie Anderson: It’s incredible how much confidence the MUAs gain. You see them arrive shy or unsure and leave with real belief in their talent and voice.
Val Garland: I love watching them discover who they are as artists. Some arrive already knowing it, and others find their signature style along the way.
Why is a show like Glow Up important right now?
Leomie Anderson: Because it proves that creativity is limitless and beauty doesn’t have one look. Especially now, when people need outlets for self-expression and visibility.
Dominic Skinner: It’s not just a makeup competition—it’s about identity, artistry, and resilience. Glow Up gives people a platform to be unapologetically themselves.
What advice do you have for aspiring MUAs?
Val Garland: Never stop learning. Stay curious, be inspired by everything, and always be open to constructive criticism.
Dominic Skinner: Don’t just copy trends—understand why they work. And always practice, even when you think you’ve mastered a skill.
The Make-Up Artists of Glow Up Season 7
Season 7 of Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star is now streaming on OUTtv with new episodes every Thursday. Expect jaw-dropping transformations, career-defining challenges, and ten artists who aren’t afraid to glow all the way up.