I’m Natalie, I work in fashion and beauty content and I’ve been a horror fan since I was ten, when a friend encouraged me to watch The Shining. The experience lured me to the dark side, where I’ve spent the last few decades! For this Beauty story, we created six make-up looks inspired by iconic characters of horror films.

Beauty Editor/ Makeup Claudine Blythman  Photography Philip Blythman  Writer Natalie Bulmer

Mia Goth as Maxine Minx in X

I find Mia Goth utterly compelling in any role; but she unveils a particularly masterful blend of drama and comedy on-screen as Maxine Minx in X, with facial expressions that are deeply uncanny. Her look is defined by baby blue eyeshadow, and her naturally delicate features contribute to her ability to portray both vulnerable and sinister sides. Her look is central to both her character’s innocence and ambition; and remains consistent throughout her ordeal.

Eyes: Diorshow 5 Couleurs 279 Denim, Freckles: Mehron Paradise AQ Dark Brown, Lips: Nars Afterglow 210 No Inhibitions, Nails: OPI Passion

Maika Monroe as Lee Harker in LongLegs

A fully established Scream Queen after starring in more than three modern cult classic horrors in the last decade, Maika Monroe appears both haunted and aware as FBI agent Lee Harker in Longlegs. She conveys an unconventional mystique whilst capturing a captivating intensity that stems from the character’s own struggles and unusual combination of skills. I’ve been following her career since It Follows and love how her beauty shines amidst her quiet intensity and unique interactions with the world in this film. I can’t wait to see what she does next

Eyebrows: Pixi Brow Duo Natural Brown, Lips: Nars Powermatte Sweet Disposition, Blush: Nars Matte Tangerine

Kathryn Newton as Lisa Swallows in Lisa Frankenstein

Blending coming-of-age camp and gothic horror (two things I love to see!), Kathryn Newton plays the titular main protagonist in Lisa Frankenstein, a story where the misunderstood outcast falls for a Victorian-era corpse.

Kathryn says the director encouraged her to put forward her own ideas for the 80s avant-garde makeup, which develops in the film from more traditional feminine looks, reflecting her quest for revenge and disobedience. I really enjoyed her performance in this as well as Freaky, another horror-comedy that’s allowed her the space to fully unleash her frivolous side.

Eyelashes: Eylure ], Eyes: Shu Uemura M Dark 753 Lilac, Eyes: Laura Mercier Topaz, Eyes: Danessa Myricks Colorfix Matte Blackout, Eyes: Dior Onstage Crayon 009 White, Eyes: Sephora Size Up Mascara Ultra Black, Lips: MAC Lipmix Magenta.

Sophie Thatcher as Iris in Companion

The design team on Companion crafted ‘the perfect girlfriend’ for Sophie Thatcher’s turn as Iris, an AI partner in the sci-fi nightmare. Drawing inspiration from 1960s French New Wave icons such as Anna Karina, she’s both ethereal and fierce and gives us a ‘slow, beautiful unravelling’ in her performance. The director said that “everything about her is dictated by the male gaze,” blending Iris’s feminine aesthetic with the doting subservience of The Stepford Wives. Until she catches on…

If you’ve seen Sophie in YellowJackets, Heretic or The Boogeyman, then you’ll know she’s without a doubt one to watch.

Eyelashes: Eylure, Eyes: MAC Taupe, Eyes: Makeup For Ever, Eyeliner: 01 Whatever Black, Eyes: Merit Clean Lash Perfect Black, Cheeks: MAC Taupe, Lips: MAC Lip Pencil Soar.

Samara Weaving as Grace Le Domas in Ready or Not

Samara Weaving as Grace Le Domas undergoes a real visual transformation in Ready or Not. From a pristine, conservative bridal look, to matted, blood-soaked hair and dishevelled makeup, her physical journey is a key metaphor for Grace’s descent from a happy bride into a hardened final girl. I love Samara Weaving’s work and believe she brings criminally underused charm, versatility, and nuance to everything she does.

Eyes: Merit Solo Shadow Midcentury, Eyes: Merit Clean Lash Perfect Black, Lips: Signature Lip Millennial, Eyebrows: Merit Brow 1980 Taupe.

Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in Wednesday

Wednesday Addams is a character most of us are familiar with, but Jenna Ortega offers a unique, modern take and dedication to the iconic unnerving stare in the Netflix series. Combining gothic style with a youthful, sophisticated edge – key makeup looks include a luminous complexion and a dramatic, bold lip. Jenna is no stranger to genre roles and I’m a huge fan of her charismatic presence and shared appreciation for horror.

Eyelashes: Eylure Eyes Sephora Size Up Mascara Ultra Black, Eyes: Danessa Myricks Colorfix Matte Blackout, Lips: Nars Afterglow 200 Breathless.

Team credits

Beauty Editor/ Makeup Claudine Blythman
Photographer Philip Blythman
Stylist Juliana Ayrala
Hairstylist Rita Skomrova using Kevin Murphy
Writer Natalie Bulmer

Models
Cisca Siquot at Ford Models
Ari Postigran at Uno Models

Thanks to:
Jordi Deniel
Enrique Llorens

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