Wednesday Addams has been awarded the title of icon. Her goth style, signature hair, and deadpan expressions have been frequently referenced, from her dark braided hair to her all-black ‘fits contrasted with a sharp white collar. Consider Prada’s A/W 2019 runway, which paid homage to Addams’ long braids and death stares to the soundtrack of The Addams Family.
However, with Netflix’s Wednesday, starring Jenna Ortega, a lesser-appreciated aspect of her makeup has come to the fore. We’ve seen many versions of Wednesday over the years, but Ortega’s Wednesday was a departure from the severe one we’ve seen in favour of one that retains the character’s essence while providing a modern update. Her makeup is less Halloween-y and more everyday-friendly, with a fresh-faced, dewy, and slightly glossy look. It has a gothic flair without going overboard with the beauty look, which can be described as soft goth. “Wednesday’s signature style is a glamorous take on soft goth beauty,” says Leiya Phinao Ningshen, MAC Cosmetics India’s National Artist. “It’s a monochromatic look with deep shades of black, plum, and brown on the eyes, lips, and cheeks to create a dramatic effect.”
Ningshen breaks down Wednesday’s plum pout and smokey lids look for those who want to replicate it.
Complexion
Ortega’s Wednesday is much more colourful than the pale and ghostly Wednesdays of the past. Her freckles peek through for a natural finish with just a touch of coverage for even-toned skin. “For Wednesday’s look, I’d start with a light foundation on the skin, or even just concealer and powder,” Ningshen says. “For sculpted cheeks, contour the face with Matte Bronze. Avoid coloured blush in favour of a natural brown tone.”
Eyes
The subtle goth peepers, combined with her infamous stare, are a lethal duo. Ningshen suggests smudging MAC Cosmetics Technakohl Graphblack around the top and lower lash lines. “Blend it with the shade MAC Cosmetics Single Eyeshadow.” To soften the black kohl, draw on the upper and lower lashlines. To finish the eye makeup, apply a wash of brown to the crease and swipe the Macstack Mascara on top and lower lashes.”
Lips
Wednesday’s soft burgundy pout was particularly striking. Ningshen recommends swiping a Cyberworld or Nightmoth lip pencil all over the lips without defining the outline. “Blend it with a little lip container for a bitten look,” she recommends. “Succumb to Plum or Splash of Cran lipstick on the lips and dab it to soften the look for someone who prefers lipstick.”
