Two back-to-back movies premieres. For most actors, this would be a chore. But the atmosphere in Elizabeth Olsen’s suite at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills is decidedly unserious and buoyant. The focal point of the good energy (and the gales of laughter) is Olsen herself, who seems supernaturally good-humored. When pressed—doesn’t this just feel like work?—she protests vigorously. “I actually really love doing my hair and makeup,” she says, “I think it’s really fun.”

It helps that the young actress has a beauty team—makeup artist Gita Bass, hairstylist Mark Townsend, nail artist Michelle Saunders and stylist Sara Slutzsky—that functions more like a group of close-knit friends than professional acquaintances. “I’ll ask them about everything they’re using,” says Olsen of her team, “They usually have multiples of things and give them to me—which is really generous.” She lets out a knowing laugh and jokes, “I just steal from them!”

Another reason for the celebratory vibes: this is inarguably a big moment for Olsen. Her performances in two upcoming films—Ingrid Goes West, a tart commentary on contemporary social media mores, and Wind River, a tense thriller set on an Indian reservation—have garnered the type of critical buzz that typically presages award season recognition. It’s not hyperbolic to expect that, within the next few months, Olsen will be vaulted into another league of stardom.

VIOLET GREY joined Olsen and her team before the Los Angeles premiere of Wind River to get her take on snowmobiles, Uber, mixed drinks and quote-unquote “sexy makeup”.

THE LOOK

“Lizzie and I have an awesome dynamic, I love working with her. Collaborating is super-key. [I like to know] what ideas are circling around and what Lizzie is thinking. She’s so fun, so inspiring. I think the movie feels quite powerful, and the dress seemed to have that same sort of weight. It’s beautiful yet has some of her playfulness and strength. And I love when she feels great in a dress; that’s the ideal. It was a no-brainer. I love Roland, she’s worn him before. He’s an incredible talent and a great guy, and I’m pleased this one worked out so well. The shoes are Dolce & Gabbana, and the jewelry is by Ana Khouri. Actually we always laugh—Lizzie doesn’t have her ears pierced and I have 11 ear piercings. I’m always teasing her like, when are you getting your ears pierced?, but now I think it’s cool she doesn’t. I have to be on my game to come up with interesting options for [her] jewelry.” —SARA SLUTSKY

THE MAKEUP

“So I barely put anything on her skin because she has literally the most flawless skin I’ve ever seen. I just mixed a tiny bit of foundation with some essential oil to give her a glow. I used Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and thinned it down with moisturizer and oils. I used Simple Replenishing Rich Facial Moisturizer because it’s heavier and gives a flawless look when mixed with the Armani.

We decided to go for a really pretty, bronze-y eye. I used my finger to apply a Tom Ford bronze cream shadow to her eye, and then layered an eyeshadow over the top so nothing moves. I lined the inside of her eyes with a dark brown Make Up For Ever pencil. And that’s it. Lots of mascara, but those are her own eyelashes! She has a NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bahama on her lips, and some lip balm. And a little bronzer on her cheeks: Soleil Tan de Chanel. It’s really natural. I can do her makeup in twenty minutes.” — GITA BASS

THE HAIR

“I have been obsessing about a side braid and I think it was the perfect style for tonight and for the dress that she’s wearing. The reference was Alexander Wang’s Spring 2010 runway. It’s a “hairstyle,” but it’s still loose and young and cool. Which is who she is. We started with a volumizer at the root—the one product I can’t not use is Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. And we always finish with a Sally Hershberger salt spray for that beachy texture.

What’s the secret to the perfect side braid? Be an Olsen. They really are born with the greatest, most perfect hair I’ve ever worked with. But it’s about getting the texture in the hair first. I’m obsessed with the double-barrel iron from R Session, it creates those imperfect bends in the hair instead of perfect ringlets. So getting that texture in first helps the braid hold throughout the night.” — MARK TOWNSEND

THE NAILS

“We did a really beautiful essie red called Bordeaux. You know sometimes when you go with a dark red it reads as black? For cameras, I always go a shade lighter than your typical Wicked or Vamp. Then it’s dark enough but you can still see red. I think it’s the darkest red can go, and it’s very chic. Another trip with getting someone ready for a red carpet is to ask whether they’re wearing open- or closed-toe shoes, because if they’re wearing closed-toe shoes you have to do the pedicure first, or the nails won’t dry and they’ll be ruined from walking the red carpet!” — MICHELLE SAUNDERS