Maquillaje Catrina: Día de Muertos - A Guide to the Iconic Look
Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and colorful celebration of life and remembrance. It's a time to honor loved ones who have passed on, and one of the most iconic symbols of the holiday is the Catrina. This elegant skeleton figure, adorned with intricate makeup and elaborate costumes, represents a celebration of death, not its fear.
Understanding the Catrina:
The Catrina is a symbol of Mexican culture, often depicted as a fashionable woman with a charming and mischievous smile. The origins of the Catrina can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada created a satirical cartoon of a woman dressed in European clothing, representing the upper class of Mexico.
Creating Your Catrina Look:
The Catrina makeup is characterized by its bold and dramatic features. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the iconic look:
1. The Foundation:
- Start with a clean face: Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to prepare your skin.
- Apply a white base: You can use white face paint or foundation for a flawless, porcelain-like base.
- Contouring: Use a darker shade of foundation or powder to contour the cheekbones, jawline, and nose. This will give your face structure and create a more defined look.
2. The Eyes:
- Draw the eye sockets: Using a black eyeliner, draw a line around your eye socket, starting from the inner corner and following the natural crease of your eye.
- Line the bottom lash line: Use a thin line of black eyeliner or kohl pencil to line the bottom lash line.
- Dramatic Eyeliner: Use liquid black eyeliner to create dramatic wing-like extensions at the outer corners of your eyes.
- False Lashes: For extra drama, apply a pair of long, dramatic false eyelashes.
- Eyeshadow: You can use a variety of colors for the eyeshadow, such as purple, pink, or even gold. Apply a lighter color to the center of your eyelid and a darker shade to the crease.
3. The Lips:
- Bright Lips: Choose a bold lipstick color like red, fuchsia, or even purple. Apply the lipstick evenly and carefully.
- Lip Liner: You can use a lip liner to define the shape of your lips and prevent feathering.
4. Adding Details:
- Sugar Skull: Add a delicate sugar skull design on your forehead using white face paint or eyeliner. This is a classic Catrina detail.
- Flowers: Use black eyeliner or face paint to create delicate floral patterns on your cheeks, forehead, or chin.
- Sparkle: Add a touch of glitter or shimmer to your eyelids, cheekbones, or hair for a more festive look.
5. The Final Touches:
- Hair: Choose a hairstyle that complements your overall look. You can wear your hair long and straight, braid it, or even create a simple updo.
- Accessories: Complete your Catrina look with accessories like flowers, a traditional Mexican hat, or a veil.
Beyond the Makeup:
The beauty of the Catrina lies not just in the makeup, but also in the celebration of life and remembrance. Consider attending a Día de Muertos celebration in your local community, visit a cemetery and leave offerings for loved ones, or even create an altar in your own home.
The Catrina look is a powerful symbol of celebration, memory, and resilience. By embracing this iconic style, you are not just dressing up for the occasion, but connecting with a rich and vibrant cultural tradition.