So far, the fashion and beauty trend dominating December is gothic elegance – largely thanks to our preoccupation with the excellently executed new Netflix show dedicated to the Addams Family, Wednesday. Given how small-screen characters are increasingly inspiring fashion and beauty trends, this comes as no surprise. But vampy chic make-up was also sent down the autumn/winter 2022 runways – with bewitching smoky eyes and muted palettes at Bora Aksu, Halpern and Max Mara, as well as the spring/summer 2023 catwalks of Alessandra Rich, Rochas and Chanel, where plummy lips and sooty eyes sat against clean, fresh skin.
Both this generation's Wednesday, played by Jenna Ortega, and Morticia, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, are the poster girls for the look. While Wednesday's beauty vibe is the epitome of "soft goth" – as the show's make-up artist Tara McDonald explained, Morticia's is certainly glam goth.
Significantly, Zeta-Jones' portrayal is a departure from the make-up made truly iconic by Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Huston. Combing crimson red lips and nails with carved cheekbones and black eyeshadow, her original Morticia has inspired countless 'hot goth' looks – from glamorous Halloween costumes to real life counter culture.
For Wednesday, MAC Cosmetics' executive director of global trends, Cat Quinn, explains via Instagram that McDonald and Tim Burton (who directed four out of the eight episodes) wanted to make Morticia appear more contemporary. "The make-up department gave her a flawless face and introduced more brown, black, and burgundy to bring out the darkness in her eyes," she notes.
McDonald also revealed to Quinn the exact lipstick that Zeta-Jones wears in character is the Tom Ford shade Bruised Plum. Unfortunately, this is now discontinued (though we hope the brand might bring it back in light of the show's success), but Quinn has shared some 'dupes' as an alternative for those wanting to recreate the look. MAC's satin finish Love Me Liquid Lip Colour in Been There, Plum That looks spot-on, and for those preferring a traditional lipstick bullet the brand's Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick in Succumb to Plum is just as seductive.
MAC Lustreglass sheer-shine lipstick
Chanel Luminous Intense Lip Colour
Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Silky Crème Lipstick
We also love the comfortable Luminous Intense Lip Colour by Chanel in Rouge Noir and the creamy Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Silky Crème Lipstick in Plum Noire. And if you want tips on how to wear ultra-dark lipstick (without it wearing you), look to our guide, here.
