Victorian Sketches, "Street Goth," and Dior—key beauty inspirations not to overlook in Wednesday…
We’re aware that Wednesday Addams has a few surprises up her sleeve, but we never imagined that the beloved pigtailed antihero could also be a beauty icon. The much-anticipated second half of Netflix’s Wednesday has just been released, and we can’t help but rave about the wonderfully dramatic look that Jenna Ortega’s character sports at the Nevermore Academy gala. In episode seven, the main character trades her usual hollow-eyed and berry-stained lip style for something much more extravagant (filled with hidden meanings, as head makeup artist Nirvana Jalalvand shares with Who What Wear). The second part of this season is packed with surprises, including Lady Gaga’s unexpected guest appearance (in a glam style reminiscent of American Horror Story Countess, in our opinion), Gwendoline Christie’s exciting return, and Wednesday’s second moment of dressing up. (Let us not forget the iconic dance scene that inspired countless “Bloody Mary” fan edits, leading to Gaga’s eventual involvement in the series.) "It’s always a pleasure for me to see in the script that there will be a look that necessitates more than [Wednesday's] typical everyday hair and makeup," Jalalvand remarks. While the makeup artist considers the gala a “means to an end” for the clever antihero, the departure from her signature appearance implies significant meaning behind it—and we’re delving into this intricate web of secrets.
Jenna Ortega behind the scenes during the gala scene in Wednesday season 2 (Image credit: Nirvana Jalalvand). Phrases like “soft goth” and “Victorian influence” adorn the mood boards in Jalalvand’s makeup trailer, where the makeup artist employed all Pat McGrath products to create Ortega’s sharp eye look. "Creating any looks with Jenna is always a collaborative effort," Jalalvand notes, emphasizing the essential performance-enhancing qualities of the makeup. For this specific look, Ortega and the makeup artist exchanged a collaborative photo album filled with references and inspiration for upcoming scenes, keeping the “hollowed socket” Tim Burton style front and center.
The mood boards and products used during Wednesday season 2 behind the scenes (Image credit: Nirvana Jalalvand). "I had gathered plenty of street goth makeup references, and she shared some fantastic Siouxsie Sioux images," Jalalvand explains, drawing subtle inspiration from the rock artist for Wednesday's jagged double liner—expertly applied with Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner.
PAT McGRATH LABS Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner. However, even the keenest fans might not realize the connection between Wednesday’s feathered double liner and her “Raven” psychic abilities. "I was eager to create a graphic, goth-inspired eye [look]," she clarifies, confirming that the “feathered wings” beneath the character's lash line acknowledge her gift. Enhanced with Dark Star Volumizing Mascara, this fluttery eye look is practically ready to soar.
PAT McGRATH LABS Dark Star Volumizing Mascara. We would be remiss not to mention that this avian-inspired look also links back to the world of couture—which feels all the more fitting given Ortega's status as a fashion icon and Dame Pat McGrath’s illustrious runway history. “Anyone who genuinely loves Pat’s work knows she adores bold eye makeup for a runway show, and this look certainly embodies that,” she muses. To complement Wednesday’s graveyard-chic gala gown, designed by costume creators Colleen Atwood and Mark Sutherland, Jalalvand fashioned a historically-rich low hairstyle interwoven with intricate braids. “The hair design for this look drew inspiration from a mix of Dior Couture F/W 24 in Paris and vintage sketches of Victorian women I've collected over time,” she explains. Both aspects showcase looped, meticulously crafted braids that resonate with the character’s affinity for antiquated styles—her preferences not entirely suited for the living.
Nirvana Jalalvand's face chart for Wednesday's gala hair and makeup look (Image credit: Nirvana Jalalvand). The finishing touches included a ghostly powder to achieve that living doll effect (Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder used everywhere except under the eyes—gotta maintain those purple bags) alongside a few precise applications of MatteTrance Lipstick in the blood-stained plum shade Guinevere. Keep reading to find the rest of the products used to create Wednesday’s striking new look, however brief it may be.
Shop the Rest of Wednesday’s Gala Look:
PAT McGRATH LABS MatteTrance Lipstick in Guinevere
PAT McGRATH LABS Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Setting Powder
PAT McGRATH LABS Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder
PAT McGRATH LABS Intensifeyes Longwear Primer
PAT McGRATH LABS Intens
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Victorian Sketches, "Street Goth," and Dior—key beauty inspirations not to overlook in Wednesday…
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