GETTING READY FOR THE YOUNG PATRONS GALA WITH L'OREAL
words AYA SOFIA OPPENBERG
What better way to kick off one of the year’s most elegant nights than with a little glamour? This past Saturday, before the lights dimmed at the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, we gathered at the iconic Hotel De L’Europe for a special prelude to the International Young Patrons Gala, where L’Oréal hosted a dreamy pre-gala beauty suite.
The suite felt like a private world tucked away from the city, with something really sweet about the shared space. The L’Oréal makeup artists moved around like pros, touching up a cheekbone here, fixing a smudged mascara there, and you could feel the excitement bubbling. It felt like a backstage moment you didn’t want to end. Before heading to the gala, we caught up with three of the evening’s talents to talk about their beauty rituals, go-to products, and what really makes them feel ready for the spotlight.
Élodie Ouédraogo uses foundation LANCÔME Teint Idole Ultra Wear shade 540c, blush ARMANI BEAUTY Intense Berry and mascara YSL BEAUTY Lash Clash
photography by DAMON RIGTER
What’s one product you can’t live without?
Élodie Ouédraogo: A brush. I don’t play when it comes to these wigs — if it’s windy or raining, it’s a mess. I always keep one on me, whether it’s in my purse or my jacket.
What’s a product that always makes you feel put-together?
ÉO: Mascara. If you're tired, it gives you that instant lift. It’s simple, not too expensive, and always does the job.
What does your skin prep look like before a big night out?
ÉO: Primer. Primer is the secret! Without it, my face melts off in twenty minutes.
photography by DAMON RIGTER
Can you tell us about your look for tonight?
Winonah de Jong: Tonight we went for a really nice and bronzy glam with my diamonds! I find it really cute, I feel like you can never go wrong with a peachy kind of glow.
What’s one product that you would pick for life?
WDJ: The product I will always pick for life is my highlighter. Always!
What does your skin prep look like before a big night out?
WDJ: I always start with a good night's sleep. That’s when your face looks the most rested. Then I use a good hydrating mask before prepping your face, after that, the makeup does its magic.
photography by DAMON RIGTER
What’s your go-to ritual before big events?
Gia Bab: Rest and hydration. I always try to take a quiet moment for myself before the chaos starts. Coconut water helps, and making sure my skin is calm and hydrated to the fullest?
Is there a beauty step you always mean to do, but sometimes skip?
GB: Washing my face before bed. I know it's bad, but after a long night, sometimes it just doesn’t happen. Waking up with crunchy makeup is not cute, but it happens.
What’s your secret to be this glamorous?
GB: Surround yourself with the right energy. When the people around you lift you up, you glow differently. That’s the real secret.
By the time we stepped out, the night had already started to feel special, and we hadn’t even made it to the theatre yet. It wasn’t just about looking the part. The space gave artists and creatives a moment to connect and recharge before the gala began. L’Oréal provided everything we needed, and we left feeling not only camera-ready, but genuinely excited.
From there, we made our way to the theatre for the seventh edition of the International Young Patrons Gala. This year’s theme, Renaissance, was curated by director Noah van Renswoude and explored the revival of classic forms through a contemporary lens. The program featured standout performances including Steef de Jong’s witty take on operetta, a haunting chorus from Boris Godunov, and an electric contemporary dance by Zoë Greten and the Junior Company.
photography by DANIEL SARS
From the makeup suite to the final curtain call, the whole experience reminded us that beauty, in every sense of the word, is something worth celebrating.