Bridgerton make-up artist explains change in style as Netflix viewers share theory over character’s ‘glow down’

Bridgerton fans have a theory as to why Eloise Bridgerton is looking a little different this season.

Season four, part one of the hit Netflix series shifts the spotlight to Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and his Cinderella-style romance with Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), which begins with their fateful meeting at a masquerade ball.

While their relationship takes centre stage, the wider Bridgerton family are all navigating their own transitions, including Eloise (Claudia Jessie), who has declared herself 'on the shelf' and appears more withdrawn as she wrestles with her place in society.

Fans have noticed that her make-up look appears more pared back in the series and are wondering why.

Hair and makeup designer Nic Collins told Teen Vogue all about styling Sophie Baek, as well as the overall beauty direction this season.

When creating the looks for the new season, Collins made decisions based on what would best fit the era.

People have noticed Eloise's appearance change in season four (Netflix)

“You're always trying to hit within the period; the roses, the blushes, all those kinds of colors that were fashionable back then,” she told the publication.

“And it's the season of romance as well. It's like everything is kind of a bit muted and pastel and kind of pretty.”

This could be why Eloise's look is slightly toned down this season compared to the previous.

But fans aren’t convinced it’s just about colour theory.

Over on Reddit, viewers in the r/Bridgerton community have been dissecting Eloise’s styling in detail, with some believing it could be laying groundwork for something bigger.

"What is going on with the makeup this season?" one viewer asked just days before season four part two was due to release.

Bridgerton season four part two releases on Thursday February 26 (Netflix)

"This is specifically about Eloise, because I love her + there's (of course) been loads of speculation as to who's going to be the next season's main character, and people have wondered if the reason she's been looking the way she does is because they want that extra OOMPH for her glow up if she IS the mc for s5."

They added: "I'd like to point out that I am loving this season and Eloise has looked beautiful in certain episodes, but I just don't understand why they've taken this route."

Others agreed and reckoned it was for even greater contrast when Eloise takes the leading role in season five.

"I think part of it is her 'glow down' before her season. I also think part of it is her 'on the shelf' storyline. They’re trying to make her look more spinsterish," one fan weighed in.

"Potentially because she’s meant to be hitting a bit of a rock bottom with everyone this season," another agreed.

"I think it's one part for the stark comparison, much like we got for Penelope and her awful wigs and dresses s2 and gorgeous styling for s3, and one part showing just how much being stuck in society is wearing her down emotionally and physically," somebody else reckoned.

Someone else pointed out that the character looked 'really pretty' during a scene with Sophie, adding: "I don't get why they didn't keep this energy throughout?"

Another fan had their own thoughts: "She’s having a moment of connection with Sophie here (I think?)... so maybe that’s why she looks a lot brighter?"

Others theorized it could've simply been down to bad lighting or the actor being unwell when those particular scenes were shot.

What time does Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2 release in the US and UK?

Bridgerton season four part two releases with four episodes on Thursday, February 26.

In the US, they'll drop at midnight PT, 2am CT and 3am ET.

UK viewers can stream the episodes from 8am GMT.

In Canada, the four new episodes release at 12am in Vancouver and 3.00 am in Toronto, while Australian fans can tune in from 4pm in Perth and 7pm in Sydney.