Evanescence Bring Me To Life Makeup Tutorial
Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the iconic world of Evanescence and recreate the mesmerizing makeup look from their hit song, "Bring Me to Life"? This tutorial is designed to help you capture that edgy, gothic-inspired aesthetic that Amy Lee, the band's lead singer, is so well-known for. Whether you're a die-hard fan, prepping for a costume party, or just want to experiment with a bold new look, this guide will walk you through each step. Get ready to unleash your inner rock star!
Understanding the "Bring Me to Life" Makeup Aesthetic
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let's break down what makes the "Bring Me to Life" makeup look so distinctive. The aesthetic is all about contrast – pairing a flawless, almost ethereal complexion with dark, dramatic eyes and a subtly defined lip. Think gothic romance meets effortless chic. It's a look that's both powerful and vulnerable, mirroring the emotional depth of the song itself. The key elements include:
- Pale Complexion: A fair, even skin tone is crucial. This provides a canvas for the bolder features to stand out.
- Smoky Eyes: The eyes are the focal point, usually featuring a blend of dark eyeshadows like black, gray, and deep purples. The smokiness adds a sense of mystery and intensity.
- Defined Brows: Well-defined but not overly sculpted brows frame the face and add to the overall drama.
- Subtle Lip: A nude or subtly tinted lip keeps the focus on the eyes and maintains the balance of the look.
- Minimal Blush: A touch of blush, if any, should be very subtle to maintain the overall pale and slightly melancholic vibe.
This makeup style isn't just about applying products; it's about capturing a mood and an attitude. It's about embracing the darker, more introspective side of beauty. So, grab your makeup brushes, and let's get started!
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Recreating the "Bring Me to Life" Makeup Look
Okay, let's get into the step-by-step guide that will have you rocking the "Bring Me to Life" look in no time! Follow each step carefully, and don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the techniques to suit your own features and preferences.
1. Preparing Your Canvas: Achieving a Flawless Base
Before you even think about eyeshadow, you need to create a perfect base. This is crucial for achieving that ethereal, almost otherworldly complexion that defines the look. Start with a clean and moisturized face. Applying a hydrating moisturizer ensures that your skin is smooth and ready for makeup. This step is super important because dry skin can make your foundation look cakey and uneven.
Next, apply a primer. A good primer will create a smooth surface, minimize pores, and help your foundation last longer. For this look, a mattifying primer works best as it helps to control shine and maintain that pale, almost porcelain-like finish. Apply the primer evenly across your face, focusing on areas that tend to get oily, like your T-zone.
Now, for the foundation, choose a shade that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter. The goal is to achieve a fair complexion without looking unnatural. Apply the foundation with a damp beauty sponge or a foundation brush, blending it seamlessly into your skin. Make sure to blend down your neck to avoid any harsh lines. If you have any blemishes or imperfections, use a concealer to spot-correct them. Apply the concealer sparingly and blend well.
To set your foundation and concealer, use a translucent setting powder. This will help to lock everything in place and prevent creasing. Use a large, fluffy brush to apply the powder all over your face, focusing on areas that tend to get oily. For an extra touch of flawlessness, you can use a brightening powder under your eyes to highlight and brighten the area. Remember, the key is to achieve a smooth, even, and slightly pale complexion without looking overdone. The goal is to look flawlessly ethereal, not like you're wearing a mask.
2. Eyes: Creating the Smoky Drama
The eyes are the centerpiece of the "Bring Me to Life" makeup look. This is where you'll create that intense, smoky drama that captures the essence of the song. Start by priming your eyelids with an eyeshadow primer. This will create a smooth base for your eyeshadow and prevent it from creasing or fading. Choose a primer that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter.
Next, apply a matte black eyeshadow to your entire eyelid, from your lash line to your crease. Use a flat eyeshadow brush to pack the color onto your lid. Don't worry about being too precise at this stage. The goal is to create a solid base of black color. Once you've applied the black eyeshadow, use a blending brush to blend out the edges. This will soften the harsh lines and create a smoky effect. Blend the eyeshadow upwards and outwards, following the natural shape of your eye.
To add depth and dimension, apply a dark gray or charcoal eyeshadow to your crease. Use a smaller blending brush to blend the gray eyeshadow into the black eyeshadow. This will create a seamless transition between the two colors. Focus on blending the eyeshadow into the crease and slightly above it. You can also add a touch of dark purple eyeshadow to the outer corner of your eye for an extra touch of drama. Blend the purple eyeshadow into the black and gray eyeshadows.
For the lower lash line, use a small, angled brush to apply the same black eyeshadow that you used on your upper eyelid. Smudge the eyeshadow along your lower lash line, connecting it to the eyeshadow on your upper eyelid. This will create a complete smoky effect. You can also use a cotton swab to clean up any smudges or fallout.
To complete the eye look, apply a black eyeliner to your upper and lower lash lines. Use a pencil eyeliner for a softer, smudged effect. Line your upper lash line as close to your lashes as possible. You can create a small wing at the outer corner of your eye for a more dramatic look. Line your lower lash line, connecting it to the eyeliner on your upper lash line. Smudge the eyeliner with a cotton swab or a small brush.
Finish with several coats of black mascara to your upper and lower lashes. This will add volume and length to your lashes, making your eyes look even more dramatic. You can also use false eyelashes for an extra touch of glamour. Choose a pair of false eyelashes that are long and voluminous, but not too over-the-top. Apply the false eyelashes with eyelash glue, following the instructions on the package.
3. Brows: Framing the Face
Defined brows are essential for framing your face and adding to the overall drama of the "Bring Me to Life" makeup look. Start by filling in your brows with a brow pencil or powder that matches your natural brow color. Use light, feathery strokes to mimic the look of natural brow hairs. Focus on filling in any sparse areas and defining the shape of your brows.
Next, use a brow gel to set your brows in place. This will keep them looking neat and tidy throughout the day. Choose a clear brow gel or a tinted brow gel that matches your brow color. Brush the brow gel through your brows, following the natural direction of your hair growth. For a more dramatic look, you can use a brow mascara to add volume and color to your brows.
If you have any stray hairs, pluck them with tweezers. Be careful not to over-pluck your brows, as this can make them look too thin. The goal is to achieve well-defined but not overly sculpted brows. The brows should complement the rest of your makeup and enhance your overall look.
4. Lips: Subtle Definition
For the lips, the goal is to keep it subtle and understated. The focus is on the eyes, so you don't want your lips to compete for attention. Start by exfoliating your lips with a lip scrub. This will remove any dead skin cells and create a smooth base for your lip color. You can make your own lip scrub by mixing sugar and honey or use a store-bought lip scrub.
Next, apply a moisturizing lip balm to hydrate your lips. This will prevent them from drying out and cracking. Choose a lip balm that is unscented and unflavored. Once the lip balm has absorbed into your lips, apply a nude or subtly tinted lip color. Choose a lip color that is close to your natural lip color or slightly darker. You can use a lipstick, a lip gloss, or a lip stain.
Apply the lip color with a lip brush or directly from the tube. If you're using a lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess color. This will prevent the lipstick from smudging or transferring. For a more defined look, you can use a lip liner that matches your lip color. Line your lips with the lip liner, following the natural shape of your lips. Fill in your lips with the lip liner before applying the lip color.
5. Finishing Touches: Completing the Look
To complete the "Bring Me to Life" makeup look, add a touch of highlighter to the high points of your face. This will add a subtle glow and enhance your features. Apply the highlighter to your cheekbones, your brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. Use a fan brush to apply the highlighter, using light, sweeping motions. Be careful not to overdo it with the highlighter. The goal is to achieve a subtle glow, not a disco ball effect.
If you want to add a touch of blush, choose a shade that is close to your natural skin tone. Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upwards and outwards. Use a light hand when applying blush, as you don't want to look too flushed. For this look, a minimal blush is best to maintain the overall pale and slightly melancholic vibe.
Finally, set your makeup with a setting spray. This will help to lock everything in place and prevent your makeup from fading or creasing throughout the day. Choose a setting spray that is designed for your skin type. If you have oily skin, choose a mattifying setting spray. If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating setting spray. Spray the setting spray all over your face, holding the bottle about 8-10 inches away from your face. Close your eyes and mouth while spraying.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect "Bring Me to Life" Makeup
- Experiment with different shades of eyeshadow: While black and gray are the classic choices, feel free to experiment with deep purples, blues, or greens to add your own twist.
- Use a light hand when applying foundation: The goal is to achieve a pale complexion without looking cakey or unnatural.
- Don't be afraid to smudge: The smoky eye look is all about imperfection. Embrace the messiness and don't strive for perfect lines.
- Practice makes perfect: Don't get discouraged if you don't nail the look on your first try. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually master it.
- Customize the look to suit your features: Adjust the techniques and products to flatter your unique face shape and skin tone.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Inner Rock Star
So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to recreating the iconic Evanescence "Bring Me to Life" makeup look. This look is all about embracing your inner rock star and expressing your individuality. With a little practice and experimentation, you can master this edgy and mesmerizing aesthetic. Now go forth and unleash your inner Amy Lee! Rock on!
