Ariana Madix’s Glam Team Spills the Secrets Behind Her Love Island USA Season 7 Looks

From lugging 70 pounds of hair to Fiji to battling the island heat, Madix’s team shares all

Ariana Madix’s fashion and beauty moments on Love Island USA deserve a show of their own.

On the current seventh season of the popular reality dating show, Madix, 40, seriously stepped up her game for her second round as host. Her looks have been more wide-ranging than ever, shocking fans with jaw-dropping hair color transformations and super-sexy ensembles.

Hairstylist Carl Bembridge tells PEOPLE that he knew Madix would be a “chameleon” this season.

“The main goal was to make it completely different from last year. Every episode had to feel fresh,” he says of preparing for filming the series in Fiji.

“We injected a bit of edge, some ‘90s references, girly vibes, high-fashion moments and sexy looks,” Bembridge explains. “One thing I’ve noticed is that we’ve played with a lot more curly and wavy hairstyles this time around, especially that mermaid texture. I actually told Ariana, ‘This is giving Splash, [the 1984 film] with Daryl Hannah,’ so I nicknamed her Mer-Madix.”

In order to achieve the roster of looks he’d dreamed up, the hairstylist packed accordingly. “I brought three suitcases and one of them was completely full of hairpieces: wigs, clip-ins, bangs, different lengths, different shades,” he shares. “So in total, around 70 pounds of hair came with me. My girls have to have options!”

Ariana Madix.Carl Bembridge Celebrity Hair/Instagram

Aside from Madix’s beachy, mermaid-inspired waves, the star has rocked a dramatic brunette wig, a Rapunzel-like braid and piece-y bangs — and the season is not over yet.

For makeup artist Krystal Dawn, her creations are a collaborative effort between other members of the glam team and Madix herself.

“Most of it came together on the day,” Dawn tells PEOPLE. “We’d see what [Ariana] was wearing, chat about what vibe she felt like. Sometimes she’d have inspo pics, and then we’d match it up with the hair look, too. If her hair was pulled back, we might do a winged eye; if she had a fringe, we’d keep it fresh and focus more on blush and lips.”

Ariana Madix.Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty

When it comes to preserving Madix’s makeup in the scorching island heat, Dawn says good skin prep and a solid base are crucial.

“I’ve been using the Milk Hydro Grip Primer, sometimes the original and sometimes the illuminating one for extra glow. For foundation, NARS and Haus Labs have been real heroes — they hold up way better on Ariana’s skin than what we used last year. Huda Beauty’s new setting spray is a game-changer too.”

Surprisingly, Dawn doesn’t use a lot of powder to combat sweat and shine.

“We don’t like her skin to look overly matte or cakey, so I keep powder really minimal,” she explains. “Just a light dusting near the end, and then a final mist of setting spray right before she goes on. There’s no heavy baking. Once she’s out there for hours, you sometimes just have to trust the prep — so far, so good!”

Because stylist Emily Men isn’t on set with Madix in Fiji, she has to be bit more meticulous about her planning (she says she sent the host off with three checked suitcases full of clothes!).

“We have a big fitting in the week before she leaves to try everything on and decide what we like and don’t like,” she explains. “Then, I accessorize everything and pair each outfit with jewelry, shoes, undergarments — all the things! I try to consider every detail and angle for each outfit, even down to her nails.” The stylist has been loving press-ons for their versatility, and so she can switch Madix’s nails with every look.

Men adds that she personally tailors all of Madix’s clothes and ensures everything fits perfectly at a second fitting before she leaves for filming. “If any last-minute adjustments need to be made, we are so lucky to have the on-set wardrobe team of Kim Hurwitz, Emily Abbey and Karissa Loveday, who are amazing and able to sort out any last-minute issues! “

While she and Madix always prepare mood boards based on what’s inspiring them, Men says that confidence is always an underlying theme.

“Ariana and I work so well together because she is open to trying anything and everything,” says the stylist. “She is so comfortable in her own skin that she can effortlessly pull off so many different looks, and that confidence really shines through.”

“Also, you have to give a lot of credit to her amazing glam team, Carl Bembridge and Krystal Dawn — we all work together on these looks and make sure each component complements the others!”