At age nineteen and just over two decades ago, the rising “Princess of Pop"—aka Britney Spears—was having her biggest year yet. Fresh off one of her most memorable VMA performances and her 3rd chart-topping album release, Herb Ritts lensed a Vogue cover with the star. It was a major moment in Gucci's career as a makeup artist, too, as it marked her first-ever cover for the magazine.

“We wanted to celebrate the all-American girl that Britney is," says Gucci of the November 2001 cover inspiration, which celebrated the young performer's natural, fresh-faced beauty. "This idea of enhancing and amplifying the skin became my signature." 

To recreate the look today, she'd prep skin with a hydrating serum and follow with a dusting of Beauty Butter Bronzer for warmth. Dou Dou blush is next for a rosy flushed cheek and Eye Pods in Les Jours adds 'soft definition' on the eyes. To get Britney's cherry stained lip, Gucci would mix two shades from the Les Rouges palette and top it off with Squeaky Clean in Ma Puce. For the final step she'd use Vital Pressed Skincare Powder in Translucent to keep the Grammy-Award winner's makeup and natural radiance intact.

 

Watch the full "Behind the Covers" video now! Then, check out more insider episodes, like Taylor Swift's Swinging Sixties eye look for Vogue and last December's viral Allure cover with Jennifer Aniston. Recreate Gucci's "All-American" glow using Westman Atelier essentials below.