Episode 2

Drag icon Courtney Act flies in specially to surprise the MUAS in the Glow-Up studio and judge their drag-inspired 'serving realness' make-up.

But before they even get to the studio, the MUAs dive into the digital world when they create looks for global messaging app Snapchat and content creator Atarah Mayhew. Under the expert eye of Snapchat’s head of UK creative strategy Kate Mellet, and Atarah, the MUAs are tasked to turn out a bold look under the theme of 'happy place' that could be transformed into an AR lens.

For the MUA with the best concept, there is an amazing prize on offer: the chance for their lens to go live on Snapchat for millions to use. So the MUAs go all out to impress, creating some memorable looks that include a piano keyboard that changes colour when you open your mouth and a pulsating lotus.

At Glow Up Studios, the make-up artists face their second Creative Brief, and the two who fell short with their lens looks find themselves in the dreaded face-off chairs, which come with a 15-minute time penalty.

For the Creative Brief, international drag royalty and legendary runner-up from Ru Paul’s Drag Race season six, Courtney Act, is in the studio. The make-up artists are challenged to 'serve realness' and create a drag look that embodies their truest, most authentic self.

Under pressure to impress a global drag icon, the MUAs bring some truly jaw-dropping looks to the studio, ranging from a rebellious representation of the Hindu goddess Kali to a tribute to the 70s punk movement and a drag twist on pop artist David Hockney's water paintings. There are tears in the studio when one MUA cracks under the pressure, but another MUA dazzles enough to earn Val’s first ding-dong of the competition.

In the Face-Off elimination, the bottom two make-up artists have just ten minutes to create a rich chocolate lip. But only one MUA can save their place in the competition; for the other, it’s the end of the road.