Ballerina Chic

Get Inspired by Ballet: Hair and Makeup Impressions
Natalie Portman looks simply stunning in trailers and stills from Black Swan, so who wouldn’t want to rock a more subtle and wearable version of her look? Extreme eye makeup, a blood-red lip, pale complexion, and perfect ballerina bun characterize Natalie’s costume when she dances as the black swan. The overall effect is mesmerizing and makes us all envious, yet there’s something mysterious and almost dangerous about the look. In other words, we’ve got to have it. But since most of us don’t own the stage, here are some ways to wear Natalie’s ballerina look without giving off an overly dramatic vibe.

The Adapted Ballerina Bun
While the tight bun with every hair in place is a carefully crafted part of Natalie’s Black Swan look, it’s a little too severe for everyday wear. Adapt it to your lifestyle by wearing it low at the nape of your neck and leaving it a little messy. If you haven’t tried them yet, you can pick up some of Goody’s spin pins for the “bun undone” look – just gather your hair into a loose bun, then twist in two pins. You can mix it up by using a partial ponytail to create a smaller bun, which can be left even messier with longer strands standing out. Low, slightly off-center buns are also edgy without being overwhelming or severe. If you’re really going for loose hair, skip the hairspray and let your bun unravel a little as the day goes on. It keeps your look interesting without being too contrived or deliberate.

Ballet-Inspired Makeup for Day and Night
With ballet makeup, it’s usually about the eyes. The rest of the face is neutral or paler than your natural complexion, and lips are often subtle as well. For day, keep it down with your blush and use a peachy rather than a pink shade. If you do anything with your lip color, stay away from bright hues and make sure that your product has a matte finish. A simple moisturizing balm will keep your lips healthy without drawing too much attention – we’re saving that for the eyes. Since this is your day look, stick to dark chocolate eyeliner and mascara with a nude or sable shadow, avoiding any shimmery products. The main focus should be your lashes, so get that mascara perfect by using a clear coat to set it.
If you’re going out for the night, you’ll want shimmer, along with anything bright and dramatic. Use cool jewel tones for your shadow, like amethyst, sapphire, or emerald, and take your mascara and liner from brown to glossy black. A touch of silver or white at the inside corners of your eyes can add interest and liven up your face. Extend your eyeliner slightly from the outer corners of your eyes, and you’re ready for a night at center stage.

Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, researching areas of online degree programs. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.