(Image credit: Justin Lubin)
Summerween is officially upon us, and I’m honoring the unofficial holiday by watching A24’s newest horror flick, MaXXXine, starring Mia Goth on July 4th. Part of the X universe, the movie follows the adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx in 1980s Hollywood while a mysterious killer stalks the city’s startlets. However, as we’ve come to learn from the X universe’s previous installments, Maxine may have a few secrets on her own.
To hold us horror and beauty lovers over until spooky season begins, Half Magic launched a collaboration with MaXXXine’s head makeup artist Sara Rubano that include three bestselling products that can be used to recreate Maxine’s throwback looks. I spoke with Rubano (who was also the makeup talent behind 2022’s X and Pearl films) about her sources of inspiration, the products she uses to create Maxine’s slasher-flick-worthy makeup, and the ’80s comeback we’ve all been waiting for.
(Image credit: Justin Lubin)
Creating a Killer Makeup Look
What about the X series originally captured your interest; leading to your role as head makeup artist?
Director Ti West and producer Jacob Jaffke came to New Zealand to make X and my interview with them was so inspiring—their passion and vision for X was infectious and we connected on a creative level. It felt like a wonderful opportunity and colorful journey and it was!
X, Pearl, and MaXXXine take place over different time periods. How did you develop Mia Goth’s signature look this time around?
Lots and lots of makeup and hair testing! It was a wonderful collaboration with both Ti and Mia and the other creative department heads—especially the costume and production designs as it was important that our work synced up. It was a creative dance and we were all on the same page.
How will the looks we’ll see in MaXXXine differ from what was featured in X and Pearl?
MaXXXine’s makeup aesthetic is full of 80’s goodness! I pulled inspiration from that decade which was a whole lotta fun as I was a teenager in the 80’s so some of my references were personal. It was fun to carry Maxine’s look into a new decade based on what she had been through and where she was headed. Visual storytelling is my absolute favorite.
(Image credit: Justin Lubin)
What sources of inspiration did you look to for your favorite makeup looks?
I was inspired by the internet, yearbooks, magazines, books, films, tv shows—everything!
A24 films are known for their incredible aesthetics and imagery. Did Maxine’s makeup have a particular color palette and/or aesthetic?
Yes, I worked very closely with Ti to make sure that the color palette worked within the overall tone of the film—sets, lighting, costumes, etc. Ti is a great visual storyteller and leader and it’s a great collaboration between all departments.
Would you be able to share any products you used on set to create her character?
So many different products were used, but some key products are [the] iS Clinical skincare, Skin Illustrator inks (freckles), Koh Gen Do foundations, About Face lip pencils, Dior lipsticks, Half Magic Dew Lock and of course blue eyeshadow! You can recreate these looks with Half Magic’s limited release MaXXXine Set.
(Image credit: Justin Lubin)
How does makeup for a slasher film differ from others you’ve worked on? Were prosthetics used?
Bigger and bolder presentations and the opportunity to have a little more fun! We are always incorporating the use of prosthetics and gore fx in these types of films.
The trilogy’s iconic ’70s and ’80s makeup looks have captured the attention of social media users. How can the MaXXXine Set be used to create a similar look?
I worked very closely with Donni Davy and the A24 beauty team to formulate the exact shades and textures that I designed for these movies. Fans of this trilogy…and lovers of makeup have the most amazing opportunity to buy this limited-release collection and recreate OR create iconic looks of their own!
(Image credit: Justin Lubin)
Shop the MaXXXine and Half Magic Collaboration
Pearl may have claimed to be a star at a failed audition, but Maxine is going to make her dreams happen no matter what. Achieve her signature style at home with the help of the limited edition MaXXXine Set.
Half Magic
Chromaddiction Matte Eye Paint in X Factor
Editor’s Note: Price point reflects being exclusive to the Half Magic MaXXXine set.
Leave it to MaXXXine to singlehandedly bring back blue eyeshadow in 2024. X Factor is a cult classic denim blue hue is included in the set and gives us all the ’80’s vibes we’ve been craving.
Half Magic
Eyeshadow Single in Hollywood, 1985
Editor’s Note: Price point reflects being exclusive to the Half Magic MaXXXine set.
Use Half this ultra-creamy and glossy chrome eyeshadow single in Hollywood, 1985 to pull off the messy smoky eye Maxine is spotted wearing throughout the movie.
Half Magic
Magic Drip Lip Gloss VHS Vixen
Editor’s Note: Price point reflects being exclusive to the Half Magic MaXXXine set.
Rosy, flushed lips are everywhere; even in the movie’s throwback makeup looks. This lip gloss in shade VHS Vixen delivers a touch of pink with eye-catching shine.
Discover My Half Magic Favorites
Half Magic
Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner
I have never achieved a more perfect wing than with this ultra-precise liquid eyeliner. Is it any surprise it was also included in Half Magic’s limited edition Priscilla set?
Half Magic
Sculptitude 2-in-1 Lip Liner in Ur My Taupe/Badassery Parade
Two-in-one products are a must for every beauty lovers makeup bag. This long wearing lip liner can be used to define the lips and keep color in place all day.
Half Magic
Cheek Fluff Soft Blur Blush in Magic Brownie
I’ve been obsessed with rosy brown shades lately to create that just-pinched cheek look on my deep skin. The Cheek Fluff Soft Blur Blush in Magic Brownie is the perfect sun-kissed shade.
Half Magic
Glitterpill Eye Paint + Eyeliner in Microcosm
I’ll always be a neutral makeup fan at heart, but I’ve been exploring with glitter eye looks lately. The Glitterpill Eye Paint + Eyeliner has been the best first stepping stone into bold makeup.
