Chappell Roan turned heads at the 2026 Grammys with a daring topless Mugler look that sparked countless conversations.
Behind the seemingly effortless appearance lay hours of meticulous work and creative problem-solving.
Makeup artist Sasha Glasser recently pulled back the curtain on how she crafted Roan’s faux nipple piercings, revealing techniques that blur the line between makeup artistry and prosthetic design.
The intricate process showcases just how far body art has evolved in creating red carpet moments that challenge traditional fashion boundaries.
The Strategic Vision Behind the Look
Glasser’s approach centered on finding balance between bold and tasteful. Speaking with Allure, she explained her underlying philosophy for the Grammy appearance.
The idea was for her to not be so naked.
This statement reveals the paradox at play: creating an illusion of bare skin while maintaining coverage and comfort. Glasser needed materials that would photograph beautifully under intense lighting yet feel secure enough for Roan to move confidently throughout the evening.
Traditional pasties wouldn’t achieve the dimensional, realistic effect required. The solution required specialty products typically reserved for film and theatrical productions.
Prosthetic Technology Meets Red Carpet Glamour
Glasser started with prosthetic nipple covers from Out of Kit, a specialty supplier for makeup artists working in film, television, and high-fashion contexts.
It’s not like any other type of prosthetic because it has a sticky backing, like a Band-Aid, so you don’t have to glue it down.
These specialized prosthetics offered advantages over traditional theatrical pieces. The adhesive backing provided initial placement security without immediately committing to permanent positioning.
However, Glasser didn’t rely solely on that adhesive. She layered additional security using Telesis glue, a medical-grade prosthetic adhesive trusted by professionals worldwide for its strength and skin-safe formulation.
Engineering Piercings That Would Last All Night
Creating realistic-looking piercings presented unique structural challenges. Real piercings pass through tissue; fake ones needed alternative engineering.
Glasser’s solution involved power mesh, a stretchy fabric typically used in shapewear and athletic garments. Her technique required precision cutting and strategic placement.
I cut a dime-size piece, glued it to the back of the prosthetic, and then we stuck the earring through both the prosthetic and the mesh.
This mesh reinforcement served multiple purposes:
- Structural support: Distributed weight of jewelry across wider surface area
- Puncture resistance: Prevented prosthetic from tearing under jewelry weight
- Flexibility: Moved naturally with body while maintaining secure attachment
- Backup security: Created redundancy in case primary adhesives weakened
This layered approach ensured Roan could move, dance, and pose without worrying about wardrobe malfunctions or visible shifting.
Achieving Seamless Skin Matching
Pre-colored prosthetics rarely match individual skin tones perfectly, especially under professional photography lighting. Glasser needed custom color-matching done on location.
Her team painted prosthetics after application to Roan’s body. This timing proved critical for achieving invisible blending where prosthetic edges met natural skin.
Painting prosthetics while attached allowed Glasser to see exactly how lighting affected color and adjust formulations accordingly. She could feather edges seamlessly and account for undertones that become visible only when prosthetics rest against living tissue.
Protecting the Jewelry During Paint Application
Painting around delicate jewelry presented another obstacle. Paint residue would dull metallic finishes and clog intricate details.
Glasser’s solution? Bubblegum wrappers.
These thin, flexible sheets wrapped around jewelry perfectly, protecting metal surfaces during paint application. Their slight adhesive quality kept them in place without leaving residue on precious metals.
The team removed wrappers immediately before Roan dressed, revealing pristine, camera-ready jewelry that sparkled under Grammy spotlights.
Completing the Transformation
Once prosthetics were secure and painted, Roan stepped into her sheer burgundy Mugler dress. The garment’s transparency showcased Glasser’s work while providing elegant coverage that elevated the look beyond shock value.
The burgundy tone complemented Roan’s newly darkened hair, which she debuted during November’s Grammy nominee announcement livestream. Her signature curls remained, now in deep brunette instead of auburn.
That earlier appearance featured gold, blue, and green eyeshadow paired with powdered complexion and rosy blush—a glamorous preview of her evolving aesthetic approach.
What This Technique Means for Body Art
Glasser’s method demonstrates how far temporary body modification has advanced. Her multi-layered approach combines adhesives, fabrics, and painting techniques from different specialties.
Medical-grade materials ensure safety for extended wear. Theatrical prosthetics provide realistic dimension. Fashion construction techniques create structural integrity.
This convergence allows artists to achieve effects previously requiring permanent modification or CGI enhancement. Celebrities can experiment with bold looks for single events without long-term commitment.
For everyday applications, these techniques translate to temporary tattoos, specialty makeup effects, and costume work. Understanding how professionals layer materials and solve adhesion challenges helps enthusiasts achieve more convincing results for photoshoots, performances, or special events.
Glasser’s willingness to share her process also highlights growing transparency in celebrity beauty creation. Rather than maintaining mystique, artists increasingly educate audiences about techniques and products used to achieve red carpet moments.
This openness democratizes beauty knowledge while showcasing the genuine artistry and problem-solving required for high-stakes celebrity appearances.