Original host Stacey Dooley was criticized and accused of 'selling out' and 'ditching her investigative journalism roots' for agreeing to present a makeup competition show.

Stacey Dooley defended her involvement by saying it was 'boring' and short-sighted to think she couldn't be interested in both the Yazidi community and lipstick, adding that makeup is a lucrative industry and massive employer.

Stacey Dooley stepped down after two series due to scheduling conflicts with her new show This Is My House, and was replaced by Maya Jama for series three.

Maya Jama was later replaced by Leomie Anderson as host starting with the fifth series in 2023.

Netflix acquired the rights to distribute Glow Up as a Netflix Original series in 2019, shortly after its BBC Three debut.

The fourth series in 2022 marked the first time Glow Up aired in a weekly broadcast slot on the relaunched BBC Three channel, whereas previous series streamed directly on BBC iPlayer.

The show inspired multiple international adaptations, including versions in Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, China, Brazil, the United States, and Spain, several of which retain judges Dominic Skinner and Val Garland.

Critic Jazmin Kapotsha of Refinery29 described the show as a mixture of America's Next Top Model, The Great British Bake Off, and YouTube beauty tutorials, calling the craft on display 'undeniably incredible'.