Whatever the critics have to say about Baz Luhrman's interpretation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, one thing's for certain – The Great Gatsby is going to be a visual feast. With costumes by Prada and jewellery by Tiffany (as seen on Carey Mulligan, above) the no-holds barred glamour of the roaring 1920s is coming to our cinemas this week.

Hair and make up are pivotal in bringing the characters to life. Here’s a peek behind the scenes and tips on how to have your own Charleston moment.

MAC Cosmetics provided make up support for the film, so who better to talk us through the retro beauty look than Senior Artist Lesley Keane.

The key features of the 1920s look are the rounded extended brow, burgundy lip and the doe eye shape. “Foundation should be pale; as tanned skin was not yet fashionable,” she says. Paler skin denoted the higher classes as they didn’t have to venture outdoors to work. “Matchmaster SPF 15 , €36.50, achieves the classic matte texture – it has translucent pigments to maximise your own skin tone and create a flawless base.” For brows, Keane suggests using a pencil the same shade as brow hair as a guide (she loves the shade Lingering, €17), then filling in with a matching soft eye shadow to defining. Curve from under the brow to the arch, then extended out towards the top of the ear. 1920s icon Clara Bow provided inspiration for the eye – “a smoky treatment in a rounded shape with curled lashes and a generous layer of mascara,” Keane says. Finish by concealing under the eye, close to the eye shadow, very important when doing a smoky look as it gives a clean finish.

Lips are defined with pencil in a pointed cupid’s bow, sticking to the lips’ natural shape. Keane suggests Mahogany Lip Pencil, €15.50, followed by Dubonnet Lipstick, €18, for the perfect burnished red pout.

Hair designer Kerry Warn, , created the signature styles for the cast inspired by the Jazz Age . “After discussions, we decided to keep a modern twist, our interpretation of the 1920s.” The result was an softer version of the classic Louise Brooks graphic bob. For the large party scenes Warn and his team worked on 300 extras whose hair was styled into finger waves. “These girls could dance – and they were brilliant dancers – even doing cartwheels, and their hair wasn’t going anywhere.” His go-to product? “John Frieda Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray – it was a great standby.”