Tate McRae’s Gold Dip at Lollapalooza: Products and Process Revealed

When Tate McRae took the stage at Lollapalooza 2026 in Chicago for the closing moments of her set, she didn’t simply exit with a wave. Instead, she transformed herself into a shimmering work of art, submerging her entire body from the neck down in a thick, dripping substance that caught the light like liquid gold. Watching the moment unfold, it appeared as though she were becoming a statue before the crowd’s eyes—a theatrical, high-drama finish that pushed the boundaries of what stage glamour could look like. The visual was striking enough that questions immediately arose: what was this substance, how was it applied, and what did removal look like?

The Science of the Shine: What Created the Gold Effect

Many assumed the coating was paint, or perhaps an especially thick body shimmer or glitter suspension. Makeup artist Kali Kennedy, who designed and executed the look, clarified that the substance was something entirely different. Rather than cosmetic paint, it was a specially formulated mixture of methyl cellulose, copper, and water that had been blended into a paint-like consistency. The creation came from Blair Adhesives, a company known for manufacturing the slime used during Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards—a track record that guaranteed the material would be both visually stunning and practical for performance.

The Quantity and Scale

The scope of the project was substantial. For the gold bath video that was incorporated into the Lollapalooza visuals, McRae and her team used 135 gallons of the methyl cellulose mixture. Kennedy estimates that the quantity applied during the actual stage performance was approximately half that volume, suggesting roughly 67.5 gallons were used for the live moment. The sheer volume speaks to the commitment required to achieve the effect—this wasn’t a simple spray or brush application.

Months of Planning

The gold dip didn’t materialize overnight. McRae and her creative team had been discussing the concept for months before the performance, uncertain whether they could actually execute it successfully at the scale and intensity they envisioned. The collaborative brainstorming process ultimately led to bringing Blair Adhesives into the project, turning an ambitious idea into a technically feasible reality.

Preparing the Skin and Body for the Gold Immersion

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Prior to the gold dip, the skincare approach was surprisingly minimal. Kennedy describes the preparation as a “healthy coat” of body moisturizer—no extensive exfoliation, no specialized primers, no multi-step regimen. The simplicity of this prep reflected confidence in both the formula and the skin’s natural resilience. The focus was on ensuring adequate hydration rather than creating an elaborate barrier.

The Removal and Cleanup

What happened immediately after McRae left the stage was just as choreographed as the look itself. A dedicated cleanup team was positioned backstage, ready to remove the excess gold as soon as she exited. Kennedy shared an anecdote from the moment: her positioning backstage, waiting behind the staircase to begin the cleanup process, was interrupted when McRae’s final choreography move sent gold splatter in all directions—some of which landed in Kennedy’s own hair. The removal process was followed by a full shower to eliminate any remaining residue. The speed of the cleanup operation ensured that McRae could transition quickly without prolonged discomfort or skin irritation.

Face and Eye Makeup: Creating Definition Against Maximum Gold

While the full-body gold coating naturally dominated the visual, Kali Kennedy carefully crafted the face and eye makeup to ensure McRae’s features remained defined and striking. The approach prioritized warmth and dimension, working in concert with the overwhelming gold aesthetic rather than competing against it.

The Base and Concealing

Kennedy prepped the skin using the Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Serum and Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel, both from Neutrogena. Kennedy is a brand ambassador for Neutrogena, so the entire makeup collection came from the line. For foundation, she applied Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup in the shade Medium Beige 80, providing even coverage without appearing heavy. The Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer in Toffee Medium 03 was then applied to deepen and enhance areas that needed additional definition.

Blush, Liner, and Mascara

To warm McRae’s complexion further, Kennedy combined two shades of the Healthy Glow Blush Stick—Peachy Keen and Pink Petal—blending them on the inner cheek area. On the lids, she used the Intense Gel Liner in Jet Black 10, paired with the Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black 01 to create a more defined line. This heavier liner application than normal was a deliberate choice; Kennedy explained that with so much gold covering the body and even threatening to visually overwhelm McRae’s face, the darker eye definition was essential to make her eyes “pop” and anchor attention to her features. The look was completed with Healthy Volume Mascara in Carbon Black 01, building volume and depth.

The Hidden Details

Beneath the gold coating, gems had been applied to both the eyes and body, providing an “extra pop” of texture and light-catching dimension. These details, while largely obscured by the molten gold once the immersion occurred, contributed to the overall radiance and luxury of the presentation by catching light at different angles.

Hair as a Second Canvas

McRae’s hair typically presents as a warm bronde tone, but in the context of the full-body gold immersion, it transformed visually. Against the molten gold liquid, her hair appeared significantly brighter, shifting from its natural warm bronde into a distinctly golden blonde shade. The gold was so dominant that her hair virtually blended into the coating, becoming an extension of the metallic effect rather than a separate element. Kennedy noted that McRae’s golden tan and warm undertones are a signature aspect of her natural appearance, and the gold-on-gold aesthetic amplified rather than clashed with that existing quality.

The Strategic Color Palette

Kennedy’s approach to the supporting makeup stemmed from understanding McRae’s natural coloring. “Tate naturally looks so good in warm golden tones,” Kennedy shares, acknowledging that the performer’s complexion already gravitates toward warmth. Rather than fighting against the overwhelming gold, the makeup artist leaned into peachy and warm hues that created dimension and prevented the entire look from becoming a monolithic, flat gold blob. The liner served as a counterpoint—the jet black provided necessary contrast that allowed McRae’s eyes to read clearly onstage despite the surrounding gilded coating.

Execution and Timeline

The moment itself arrived after months of conceptual development and coordination between McRae, Kennedy, and Blair Adhesives. The formula had to be tested for stagworthiness, meaning it needed to catch light effectively, move without separating, and be safe for extended skin contact. The removal infrastructure had to be in place, with crew members positioned strategically and a shower access plan confirmed. The makeup had to be applied precisely enough that it would read under stage lighting while also withstanding the physical demands of a closing performance. All of these elements converged for what became one of Lollapalooza 2026’s most visually memorable moments.