Table of Contents
- Key Highlights
- Introduction
- The Evolution of Wednesday’s Signature Look
- A Bold Departure: Wednesday's Gala Look
- The Broader Impact of Wednesday’s Makeup
Key Highlights
- Nirvana Jalalvand, the makeup artist behind Wednesday, shares insights into Jenna Ortega’s beauty looks for the show’s second season.
- Despite exploring new lip colors, Jalalvand maintained Wednesday's signature moody purple lip, rooted in the success of the first season.
- Episode 7 brings a dramatic shift with an intricate graphic eye makeup inspired by classic actresses Sophia Loren and Siouxsie Sioux.
Introduction
The vibrant world of Wednesday, Netflix's hit series that intertwines gothic themes with contemporary storytelling, has captivated audiences since its debut in late 2022. Central to its allure is not only the character of Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega, but also her distinctive dark romantic style that has seen a resurgence in popular culture. In anticipation of the show’s second season, makeup artist Nirvana Jalalvand has opened up about the evolution of Wednesday's beauty looks, revealing details that contribute to Ortega's striking on-screen presence. From staple moody lips to bold gala appearances, let's delve into how these elements came to life.
The Evolution of Wednesday’s Signature Look
Wednesday Addams’ makeup look, characterized by its touch of gothic glam, was carefully crafted by Jalalvand, who chose to maintain continuity between seasons. As she indicated, keeping the makeup consistent was a priority. "If something's not broke, don't fix it, you know?" remarked Jalalvand when discussing the approach for season two.
Lip Color: The Heart of Wednesday's Aesthetic
The foundation of Wednesday's look has always been her lip color. According to Jalalvand, the iconic moody purple pout is forged with MAC Cosmetics' Lip Pencil in the shade Nightmoth, a product that underscored the character's identity in season one. Despite attempts to replicate this signature shade in different products, Jalalvand initially struggled to find alternatives that conveyed the same emotional resonance, stating, "I tried so hard to find other lipsticks maybe that would be the same tone as that this year, and nothing is that tone."
To achieve the unique bruise-like purple, Jalalvand mixed the lip liner with a clear lip balm, allowing for a softer look that still held true to Wednesday’s signature appeal. "Breaking down the lip liner and mixing it in with the lip balm into little pots is the best way to give you that soft, natural diffused look,” she explained, revealing a technique accessible even to amateurs.
The Complex Smoky Eye
While Wednesday's lips embody a key aspect of her look, the portrayal of her eyes adds layers of complexity that enhance her enigmatic personality. Jalalvand crafted a subtle smoky eye using a blend of MAC Cosmetics shades that captured both the essence and depth of Wednesday’s character.
"Everything about Wednesday's color palette is very cool toned and monochromatic," Jalalvand elaborated, mixing shades like 'Glitch In The Matrix'—a gray silver understated by a gentle iridescence—alongside the warm brown 'Embark' and the bold matte black 'Carbon'. This meticulous approach ensured that Ortega's eyes not only matched the character’s attire but also mirrored her dark humor.
In keeping with the character's persona, Jalalvand adopted an unconventional method for the gaze. She chose not to apply any product directly under Ortega's eyes, allowing the natural shadows to create a lived-in effect. "It does give you that undone and slightly underslept look... which I think works well for Wednesday," she remarked, successfully bringing the character to life with a sense of authenticity.
A Bold Departure: Wednesday's Gala Look
The seventh episode, "This Means Woe," showcases a different side of Wednesday. Here, Jalalvand pushed the boundaries of Ortega’s character, incorporating a dramatic and intricate graphic eyeliner, inspired by legendary actresses Sophia Loren and punk icon Siouxsie Sioux.
Inspiration from Iconic Figures
Drawing from a variety of sources, Jalalvand crafted a double-winged eyeliner look that reflects both the classic and the contemporary. "I created this double winged look with a bit of blank space [at the corners] to open up the eye," she shared. The application process demonstrated a keen understanding of aesthetics and history, as Jalalvand cited the structured lines of Loren and the edginess of Sioux as fundamental influences shaping this iconic look.
The combination of Pat McGrath's Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner and ULTRA GLIDE Eye Pencil showcased Jalalvand's sophisticated technique, resulting in an impactful, smoky structure that complimented the character’s distinctive raven-like mask. "It felt right to look at quirkier references she might prefer," she expressed, highlighting Wednesday’s vintage tastes in beauty.
Execution of the Graphic Eyeliner
The graphic eyeliner for Wednesday's gala scene not only diverged from the usual expectations but also represented a significant evolution for the character. Microscopic attention to detail allowed Jalalvand to map out angles and dimensions with precision, ensuring that every stroke resonated with Wednesday's unique identity.
"Layering was key," Jalalvand mentioned, with the products effortlessly blending to create a seamless, edgy look that spoke to both the character’s reserved nature and her spirited undertones. This departure from the norm not only solidified the versatility of Wednesday’s style but also reinforced the innovative approach that Jalalvand seamlessly executed throughout the season.
The Broader Impact of Wednesday’s Makeup
Beyond the aesthetic realm, Wednesday’s makeup style generates critical conversations within the fashion and beauty cultures, particularly in how these trends interplay with identity and representation. As audiences increasingly embrace diverse forms of expression, characters like Wednesday empower individuals to explore their style without conforming to traditional beauty standards.
Cultural Significance
Wednesday’s gothic aesthetic resonates with a wide audience, particularly among those who reject mainstream beauty norms. Her makeup encapsulates a romanticized darkness that emboldens others to embrace eccentricity. Furthermore, Jalalvand's creative process invites fans to look beyond the superficial aspects of makeup application and consider deeper influences, including personal style and historical references.
Additionally, the meticulous detailing in Wednesday’s looks reminds viewers of the empowerment that can be found through self-expression. Whether it’s through a bold lip color or an intricate winged eyeliner, the character leads the charge in redefining beauty standards.
Real-World Examples and Trends
The popularity of Wednesday’s look has sparked trends across social media platforms. Makeup enthusiasts and fans alike have taken to platforms like TikTok and Instagram, recreating her signature look through tutorials and beauty challenges. This organic movement reflects a broader cultural shift towards acceptance of alternative styles that embrace darkness and edge, demonstrating that beauty is not a one-size-fits-all concept.
FAQ
What products did Nirvana Jalalvand use to create Wednesday’s signature lip?
Jalalvand used the MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil in Nightmoth, combining it with a clear lip balm to create the bruise-like purple that defines Wednesday’s pout.
How did Jalalvand achieve Wednesday’s smoky eye?
Wednesday's smoky eye was created by blending several MAC Cosmetics eyeshadow shades, primarily focusing on cool tones like 'Glitch In The Matrix,' 'Embark,' and 'Carbon' to achieve a layered, multidimensional effect.
What inspired Wednesday’s graphic eyeliner look in episode 7?
The graphic eyeliner look was inspired by vintage beauty icons such as Sophia Loren and punk rock musician Siouxsie Sioux, blending classic and alternative styles to create a striking makeup representation fitting for a gala scene.
How has Wednesday’s makeup influenced current beauty trends?
The character's distinctive look has inspired a resurgence of gothic glam styles, fueling trends on social media where fans recreate and apply similar aesthetics, promoting acceptance of alternative beauty norms.