She's Got Cleopatra Eyes

Hello dear readers!

I'm posting a quick look I did while deciding what makeup to use for a Cleopatra themed silent movie costume. I took my inspiration from the Elizabeth Taylor Cleopatra look. I remember watching Cleopatra when I was a little and being so mesmerised by Elizabeth’s costumes, I tried to imitate what she wore with anything I could find around my house, sticking those nail jewels on my forehead and braiding my hair with those hair Barbie hair braid kits that we all had in the 90′s! – fun times!

  

I’ve been noticing a lot of Egyptian influences in fashion lately and it’s inspired me big time in makeup. From Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra, to McQueen’s 07/08 collection to Gwyneth Paltrow’s dress at the Oscars…

Cleopatra 1963.

In honor of the late Elizabeth Taylor, I would like to dedicate today's post to one of her most iconic looks.  Elizabeth Taylor was one of the last great movie stars, who enthralled audiences with her fierce passion, both on and off screen.

Elizabeth Taylor - February 27, 1932- March 23, 2011. Gone but not forgotten. She leaves a legacy as an extraordinaire acting talent, beauty icon, business woman, a champion for Aids awareness including research and plans for a vaccine/cure. She was known for so much more.

 

Also known for her striking violet eyes makeup and the camera was obliviously her friend.

 

Cleopatra has gone down in history as one of the most beautiful women that has ever lived. The queen of the Nile's ornate eye makeup made her a legend.

The Egyptians wore make-up before 4,000 B. C.

Eye makeup was the main form, and it was used daily. There were other types of makeup for the lips, cheeks and skin, but those were usually used only on occasion and not by everyone. The Ancient Egyptians, both men and women, wore distinct eye make-up, rouge and perfumed oils that softened the skin and prevented burning in the sun and damage from the sandy winds. The favourite eye make-up colours were black and green. The powders used to create the eye make-up were ground on a palette then mixed with water to form a paste.

Eye make-up provided psychic protection as well. The Egyptian word for eye-palette seems to derive from their word for “protect.”

For me, the epitome of the Cleopatra makeup look comes from Elizabeth Taylor and her portrayal of Cleopatra in film. A lot of people only have one idea of what her Cleopatra makeup looked like, but as a watch the film, you’ll note that there are many variations. Of course, the main highlight of the Cleopatra makeup is all about the eyes, and the photo above is probably the most popular look. However, if you want a different look, watch the film or look at photos from the film. As you will see, although thick black liner continues throughout the whole film, the shade of the color on the eyes varies (blue or green, as I said), as well as the shapes of the liner (including the outer corner of the eyes).

 You can create your own version. Be creative!

So, here is my version of this wonderful look.

My version of Cleopatra makeup

 

Skin: Believe it or not, whatever your skin tone, we all have yellow undertones, and Cleopatra’s makeup consisted of a bronzed complexion with a yellow base. Bronzer was used to highlight and contour, along with a pressed powder applied along the sides of the nose and the chin to warm up the features. 

Brows: As you can see, Liz’s eyebrows are black and squared off, outlined with an eyeliner pencil to create the angular lines. For the complete Cleopatra brow, a black kohl liner was used to fill in the brows with short brush strokes.

Eyeshadow: In ancient Egyptian times, eye makeup was typically terracotta or dark green kohl, as opposed to Elizabeth’s eye-catching aqua shadow.  Aqua shadow was applied all over the lid and blended, then along the lower lash line.

Lashes: For maximum impact, mascara can also be used to exaggerate the eye makeup, as well as false lashes, either individual or strips.

Lips: Traditionally it was said the Egyptians extracted red pigment from carmine beetles and ants eggs to achieve colour on the lips, but taupe was also used. To get the look, lips were outlined with pencil and then coloured in, with a touch of lipstick on top to finish.

Have you ever tried Cleopatra makeup – for a costume party or a night out? 

Do you think it is one of the most iconic beauty looks of our time?

Let me know.

Hope you enjoyed.

Wish you a lovely day!

All the best,

Idda van Munster