Catwoman has always been a remarkable symbol of strength and female empowerment. The beauty behind her iconic standing is evident with the constant reinvention of her character over the years. In the comics, the details of her origin have been touched on several times. Catwoman has been depicted as an abused wife, vengeful prostitute and even an orphan turned petty thief. All of these stories indicate some sort of traumatized past with the resolution of coping through the guise of an alter ego.

Selina Transforms.

The scene in Batman Returns when Selina transforms into Catwoman has always stuck out in my mind as a symbolic transformation from a young girl to confidant woman. The destruction of her perfectly juvenile apartment was a poignant message and a clear attempt to erase her once meek and unassertive way of life. There is still a sense of vulnerability present in her character and this is evident in the artists aesthetic choices from the costume to makeup and even hair.

"I am Catwoman. Hear me roar."

I always admired how the costumers and makeup artists mirrored her emotional decline through subtle wardrobe details like the tears in the mask and suit and the progressive deterioration of her makeup. I think these small details play a much larger role in constructing the overall essence of a character more than people realize. I try to keep this in mind when planning a tutorial based on specific character. I think it’s important to analyze their emotional state, motivations and how that translates into the physical.

"Meow."

Recreating certain character looks does not come without its challenges. One thing to keep in mind is that all movie makeup is tailored to the specific actors by the on set makeup artist. Their purpose is to enhance that particular individuals features and because of that, the look may not translate as effectively on someone else. I have completely different facial features than Michelle Pfeiffer so this look will not compliment my face in the same manner as it does hers. The beauty of recreating these looks is making it your own. It’s the essence of the look that you want to remain, not the exact copy of it.

Products Used:

Face:

Benefit’s Dear John Moisturizer

Cover FX Brightening Primer

Ben Nye’s Death Wheel - Vampire White

Cover FX in Setting FX (Translucent Powder)

Annabelle Eyebrow Pencil - Medium Brown

Eyes:

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin

Smashbox Limitless Kohl Pencil in Smoke

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencil - Zero

Smashbox matte e/s - Blackout

Smashbox matte e/s - Smoke

Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara - Excessive Black

Lips:

MAC Cherry Lip Pencil

OCC Lip Tar - Stalker

MAC Dazzleglass - Love Alert