Step 1: Use a wet sponge or foundation brush to apply a pale ivory foundation over the entire face as a base.

Step 2: Create a “spotlight” effect by applying a white cream highlight on the forehead and cheekbones.

Step 3: Once the base and highlight are dry, contour the cheekbones with a light brown shadow to give that “hallowed-out” appearance.

Step 4: To create the “Swan” eyes, paint a liberal sweep of crème eye colour (MAC Chromoline in Black Black) beginning at the inner eyelid and painting outwards almost to the hairline.

Step 5: Rim the inner eye with MAC Powerpoint eye pencil in Engraved.

Step 6: Apply wet brushstrokes (using MAC Pigment in silver combined with Mixing Medium) loosely over the eyelids to create a dramatic shine effect (similar to the glint in real, black feathers).

Step 7: Line the lips with MAC lip pencil (in Vino) and top it will Dubonnet lipstick.

(Products available at MAC counters across Canada.)

Read more:
Makeup artists Margie Durand and Judy Chin discuss the dramatic makeup looks they created for Black Swan.