Dublin make-up artist wins first series of Glow Up Ireland 

Glen Edward McGuinness has been crowned the winner of the first series of Glow Up Ireland, which was presented by Maura Higgins and aired for eight weeks on RTE.

His prize includes a full professional make-up kit, along with €5,000 to help further his career.

“Being the first ever Glow Up Ireland winner means so much it’s hard to explain,” he said. “Simply being a winner is such an overly positive statement that I'm not entirely used to. Being able to excel in something I love so dearly means everything to me, and it will hopefully open even more doors and opportunities than it already has.

“It also means so much to be a little queer boy from the Liberties, proving that being different and being working class doesn’t mean you are set up to fail, but that you can push yourself to become anything you want.”

Going up against fellow contestants Michael Ryan and Niall Casey, the three finalists presented a masterclass on a make-up style they felt represented them.

For the creative challenge, they were asked to create a make-up look based on the theme ‘My Pinch Me Moment’, which saw them draw inspiration from milestone moments in their lives.

The finalists performed their tasks in front of guest judges Samantha Barry, the Cork-born editor-in-chief of Glamour magazine; make-up artists Maria Malone Guerbaa, Aidan Keogh and Kelidh Cashell; and the show’s resident judges Cathyanne Mac Allister and Emma O'Byrne.

“Glen Edward was a fantastic competitor,” said O'Byrne. “He just kept surprising us and challenging himself. When you see all his work together, it's just so good. We think he has so much potential. We loved all our make-up artists, and I wish them all the very best in their new jobs and courses.”