Victorian Sketches, "Street Goth," and Dior—the beauty inspirations you shouldn't overlook in Wednesday…

      We know that Wednesday Addams possesses some clever tricks, but we never would have imagined that television's beloved pigtailed sadist could also be a beauty icon. The eagerly awaited second half of Netflix's Wednesday season two has just been released, and we are captivated by the wonderfully dramatic look that Jenna Ortega's character showcases at the Nevermore Academy gala. In episode seven, the main character trades her usual hollow-eyed appearance and berry-stained lips for a more extravagant look, filled with subtle hints, as revealed by head makeup artist Nirvana Jalalvand to Who What Wear. This second part of the season is packed with surprises: the unexpected guest appearance of Lady Gaga (dressed in a style reminiscent of American Horror Story's Countess), the exciting return of Gwendoline Christie, and Wednesday's second dress-up occasion. (We can't forget the iconic dance scene that led to countless “Bloody Mary” fan edits, ultimately bringing Gaga’s involvement with the show.) “I always find it exciting when I see in the script that there’s a look requiring more than [Wednesday’s] typical everyday hair and makeup,” Jalalvand shares. Although the makeup artist describes the gala as a "means to an end" for the clever antihero, the change from her signature look indicates significant meaning—and we’re unraveling the layers of this web of secrets.

      Jenna Ortega behind the scenes of the gala scene in Wednesday season 2 (Image credit: Nirvana Jalalvand) Terms like “soft goth” and “Victorian influence” adorn the mood boards in Jalalvand’s makeup trailer, where the artist used exclusively Pat McGrath products to create Ortega’s sharp eye look. “Creating any looks with Jenna is always a collaborative process,” Jalalvand notes, highlighting the importance of the makeup's ability to enhance performance. For this specific look, Ortega and the makeup artist exchanged a shared photo album filled with references and inspirations for upcoming scenes, keeping Tim Burton's “hollowed socket” aesthetic in mind. The mood boards and products used behind the scenes of Wednesday season 2 (Image credit: Nirvana Jalalvand) “I gathered a lot of street goth makeup inspirations, and she provided some striking Siouxsie Sioux images,” Jalalvand mentions, utilizing the rock artist as a subtle influence for Wednesday’s bold double liner—expertly applied with Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner.

      PAT McGRATH LABS Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner However, even the most observant fans might not immediately connect the dots between Wednesday’s feathered double liner and her “Raven” psychic talents. “I envisioned a graphic, goth-inspired eye [look],” she explains, confirming that the “feathered wings” under the character’s lash line symbolize her ability. Enhanced with Dark Star Volumizing Mascara, this airy eye look is nearly ready for flight.

      PAT McGRATH LABS Dark Star Volumizing Mascara We would be remiss not to mention that this avian look can also be linked to the world of couture—which is particularly fitting considering Ortega’s status as a fashion icon and Dame Pat McGrath’s acclaimed runway background. “Anyone who genuinely appreciates Pat’s work recognizes her love for dramatic eye makeup in runway shows, and this look certainly embodies that,” she reflects. To complement Wednesday’s cemetery-chic gala gown, designed by costume designers Colleen Atwood and Mark Sutherland, Jalalvand created a historically inspired low hairstyle adorned with intricate braids. “The hair design for this look drew inspiration from a mix of Dior Couture F/W 24 in Paris and old sketches of Victorian women I've collected over the years,” she elaborates. Both aspects feature looped, carefully crafted braids that reflect the character’s preference for antiquated styles—her tastes not quite suited for the living.

      Nirvana Jalalvand's face chart for Wednesday's gala makeup and hair look (Image credit: Nirvana Jalalvand) The final touches included a ghostly powder for that living Burton doll appearance (Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder everywhere but under the eyes—to maintain those purple bags) and a few careful applications of MatteTrance Lipstick in the deep plum shade Guinevere. Continue reading for 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 Intensifeyes Artistry Wand

      PAT McGRATH LABS Mothership I: Subliminal

      PAT McGRATH LABS Permag