How to Create Mummy-Inspired Makeup: Tips and Tutorials for Achieving an Ancient Egyptian Look
If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching makeup look, why not try mummy-inspired makeup? This ancient Egyptian-inspired look is perfect for Halloween, costume parties, or just for fun. With a few key tips and some practice, you can achieve a stunning mummy-inspired makeup look that will turn heads.
Why Mummy-Inspired Makeup?
Mummy-inspired makeup is a great way to showcase your creativity and love for all things ancient Egyptian. This look is perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd and make a statement. The mummy-inspired makeup look is also a great way to pay homage to the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt.
What You’ll Need
To create a mummy-inspired makeup look, you’ll need a few key products, including:
- White face paint or foundation
- Black eyeliner
- Neutral eyeshadows
- False lashes
- Black lipstick or lip liner
- Makeup brushes and sponges
You can also add additional elements to your mummy-inspired makeup look, such as gold accents or hieroglyphic designs.
Getting Started
Before you start applying your mummy-inspired makeup, it’s important to prepare your skin. Start by cleansing and moisturizing your face to ensure a smooth and even application. Next, apply your white face paint or foundation, making sure to blend it evenly over your entire face and neck.
With these basic tips, you can start creating your own mummy-inspired makeup look. Check out our tutorials for step-by-step instructions on how to achieve different variations of this unique look.
History of Mummy-Inspired Makeup
Ancient Egyptians are known for their love of makeup. They believed that makeup had magical powers and could protect them from evil spirits. They used natural ingredients like copper, lead, and ash to create their signature black kohl eyeliner and green eyeshadow. They also used red ochre to create blush and lipstick.
One of the most iconic makeup looks from ancient Egypt is the mummy-inspired makeup. The Egyptians believed that the afterlife was a continuation of life on earth and that the body needed to be preserved. They used a special embalming process to preserve the body and wrapped it in linen bandages. The bandages were often painted with intricate designs and symbols, including the Eye of Horus and scarab beetles.
Mummy-Inspired Makeup in Pop Culture
Mummy-inspired makeup has been a popular look in pop culture for decades. In the 1920s, silent film star Theda Bara wore heavy eye makeup and dark lipstick to create a mysterious and alluring look. In the 1960s, Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra look, inspired by ancient Egyptian makeup, was a sensation.
More recently, mummy-inspired makeup has been seen on runways and in fashion editorials. It’s a striking and dramatic look that can be achieved with dark eye makeup, pale skin, and strategic bandage wrapping.
| Ancient Egyptian Makeup | Mummy-Inspired Makeup in Pop Culture |
|---|---|
| Black kohl eyeliner | Theda Bara’s silent film makeup |
| Green eyeshadow | Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra look |
| Red ochre blush and lipstick | Mummy-inspired makeup on runways |
Creating the Base
When it comes to creating a mummy-inspired makeup look, prepping your skin and applying foundation are two essential steps that you can’t afford to skip. Here’s how to do it:
Prepping Your Skin
Before applying any makeup, it’s important to prepare your skin. Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or oil. Then, apply a moisturizer to hydrate and nourish your skin. This will help your makeup go on smoothly and stay in place throughout the day.
Applying Foundation
Once your skin is prepped, it’s time to apply foundation. For a mummy-inspired look, opt for a foundation that is a shade or two lighter than your natural skin tone. This will give you a pale, undead appearance.
You can apply your foundation with a brush, sponge, or your fingers. Start by applying a small amount to the center of your face and blend outwards. Be sure to blend well around your hairline, jawline, and neck to avoid any harsh lines.
If you have any blemishes or dark circles, use a concealer to cover them up. Apply it in a triangular shape under your eyes and blend well.
Once you’ve applied your foundation and concealer, set it with a translucent powder to prevent it from creasing or smudging throughout the day.
Now that you have a flawless base, you’re ready to move on to the next steps in creating your mummy-inspired makeup look.
Eye Makeup for Mummy-Inspired Look
When it comes to creating a mummy-inspired makeup look, the eyes are the most important feature to focus on. Here are some eye makeup techniques to help you achieve an ancient Egyptian look.
Eyeshadow Techniques
To create a sultry and smoky look, go for earthy tones such as brown, bronze, and gold. Apply the eyeshadow from the lash line up to the crease, and blend it well to avoid harsh lines. You can also add a pop of color with blue, green or purple eyeshadow, inspired by the colorful jewelry and clothing worn by ancient Egyptians.
Eyeliner Techniques
Black eyeliner is a must for a mummy-inspired look. You can create a cat-eye look by winging the liner out at the outer corner of the eye. Alternatively, you can create a more dramatic look by lining both the upper and lower lash lines, and smudging it slightly for a smoky effect.
Mascara and False Lashes
Mascara is essential to make your lashes stand out and complete the look. Use a volumizing mascara to add volume and length to your lashes. False lashes can also be used to create a more dramatic effect. Choose lashes that are long and wispy for a sultry look or opt for fuller lashes for a more dramatic effect.
| Eyeshadow Techniques | Eyeliner Techniques | Mascara and False Lashes |
|---|---|---|
| Earthy tones such as brown, bronze, and gold | Black eyeliner for a cat-eye look or smoky effect | Volumizing mascara or false lashes for a dramatic effect |
| Blend well to avoid harsh lines | Choose lashes that are long and wispy or fuller | |
| Add a pop of color with blue, green, or purple eyeshadow |
Contouring and Highlighting
Contouring and highlighting are essential techniques in achieving the perfect mummy-inspired makeup look. These techniques can help create the illusion of high cheekbones, a slimmer nose, and a more defined jawline.
Using Bronzer and Blush
Start by applying a matte bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and along your jawline. This will create a shadow effect and enhance your bone structure. Be sure to blend well to avoid harsh lines.
Next, apply a rosy blush to the apples of your cheeks to add a pop of color and bring life to your face.
Highlighting Techniques
Highlighting is the key to achieving a radiant glow. Apply a highlighter to the high points of your face, including your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow. This will create a subtle, yet stunning, glow.
For an extra pop of highlight, use a damp beauty sponge to apply a shimmery powder to the same areas. This will give you a more intense glow that will catch the light beautifully.
| Tip: | When choosing a highlighter, opt for a shade that complements your skin tone. Fair skin tones look best with a champagne or pearl shade, while medium to dark skin tones look stunning with a gold or bronze shade. |
|---|
Remember to blend well and have fun with your contouring and highlighting techniques. With a little practice, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect mummy-inspired makeup look.
Lips and Cheeks
The lips and cheeks are crucial in achieving the mummy-inspired makeup look. Here are some tips and techniques to help you create the perfect lips and cheeks:
Lipstick and Lip Liner
For the lips, choose a matte lipstick in a deep red or burgundy shade to create a dramatic effect. Use a lip liner in a similar shade to outline and define the lips. For a more authentic mummy look, slightly exaggerate the Cupid’s bow and extend the corners of the lips downwards.
Blush Techniques
When it comes to the cheeks, a subtle contour and a touch of blush can make all the difference. Use a contour powder or cream to create shadow under the cheekbones, temples, and jawline. Then, apply a peachy or rosy blush to the apples of the cheeks, blending upwards towards the temples. This will give your face a natural-looking flush.
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| MAC Matte Lipstick in Diva | A deep red matte lipstick with a long-wearing formula | $19 |
| Milani Color Statement Lip Liner in Bordeaux | A creamy lip liner in a deep burgundy shade | $4.99 |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Cream Kit | A kit containing 6 shades of cream contour for all skin tones | $40 |
| Nars Blush in Orgasm | A peachy-pink blush with a subtle shimmer | $30 |
Finishing Touches
Once you have applied your mummy-inspired makeup, it’s time to add the finishing touches to complete the look. Here are some tips and tutorials for achieving an ancient Egyptian appearance:
Setting Spray and Powder
Using a setting spray and powder is crucial to ensure that your makeup stays in place all day or night. Apply a lightweight setting spray to your face to help your makeup last longer and prevent it from smudging or melting off.
Next, use a setting powder to lock in your makeup and absorb any excess oil. This will give your skin a matte finish and prevent any shine or grease from developing throughout the day. Make sure to choose a powder that matches your skin tone to avoid any visible lines or unevenness.
Adding Jewels and Accessories
To really bring your mummy-inspired makeup to life, consider adding some jewels and accessories. Ancient Egyptians were known for their love of gold and jewelry, so adding some gold bracelets, necklaces, or earrings can add an extra touch of authenticity to your look.
You can also incorporate some traditional Egyptian headwear, such as a pharaoh headdress or a snake crown, to really make your costume stand out. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different accessories to find the perfect finishing touches for your mummy-inspired makeup look!
Conclusion
Creating mummy-inspired makeup is a fun and unique way to add some ancient Egyptian flair to your look. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve a hauntingly beautiful appearance that is sure to turn heads.
Remember to start with a clean, moisturized face and use a primer to help your makeup last all day. Experiment with different shades of brown and gray to create the illusion of bandages, and don’t be afraid to add some shimmer or metallic accents for an extra touch of glamour.
For a truly authentic mummy look, consider adding some hieroglyphic symbols or scarab beetles using face paint or temporary tattoos. And don’t forget to accessorize with some gold jewelry and a headdress or headband to complete your transformation.
Whether you’re getting ready for a Halloween party or just want to add some Egyptian-inspired flair to your everyday look, these tips and tutorials will help you achieve the perfect mummy makeup. So grab your brushes and get ready to unleash your inner pharaoh!
References:
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a5264/halloween-mummy-makeup-tutorial/
- https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/mummy-makeup-tutorial
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vLw1rVlPpU