Xena Warrior Princess Make-Up

Since viewing my first episode of Xena, I totally fell in love with her butt-kicking, sarcastic ways. However, it didn’t click until much later that unlike real women sparring night and day, Xena always managed to look flawless, even in the middle of a fierce battle. In honor of warrior princesses everywhere, I’m going to provide a tutorial to mimic her awesome look. While this make-up may not hold up in, say, a sword fight surrounded by fire… it’ll certainly be at home at your next cosplay event.

Part 1- Face

Xena’s face was always perfectly smooth (no scarring at all, fancy that.) You’ll want to look matte and velvety for this look.

Tools:

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup in 3.5

Benefit Benetint

bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in Medium Beige (Used here as a bronzer.)

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

The Body Shop Brush-On Radiance

Step 1:

Ok, so this is technically eyes, not face, but to get Xena’s piercing blue stare, I’m wearing my new blue contacts. Skip this, of course, if you already have lovely blue eyes.

Step 2:    

Apply foundation to your face. Make sure it is even all around and since we already know that Xena has no imperfections on her face, be sure to use a concealer if you need to.

Step 3:

Apply your powder. I like this one from Laura Mercier because it’s very mattifying without being cakey.

Step 4:

This bareMinerals powder used to be my foundation when I was all about tanning. As it is now too dark for me, I use it as a bronzer/shadow contour.  Be sure that whatever you use it doesn’t have a shimmery finish. Xena has very defined cheek bones. To make yours stand out more, smile a bit and apply the bronzer in a C-shape around your cheeks.

Step 5:

Apply bronzer at your temples to mimic her face shape further.

Step 6:

You’ll want a natural flush for this look. Swipe some Benetint over the line created by your contouring. Quickly spread it by dabbing it with your finger before it dries.

Step 7:

This highlighter works for this look since it isn’t as overbearing as others. Swipe it down your nose, across your forehead, and dust it over the apples of your cheeks. Now we move onto the next phase!

Part 2: Eyes

Tools:

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Urban Decay Double Ended 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils in Rich Black

Xena’s power came from her gaze. Her eye make-up was tastefully applied and never overdone (unless a disguise was necessary) so we’ll be using neutral earth tones. Some of these will have a hint of shimmer to catch the light and brighten up your eyes.

Step 1:

Apply a light brown to your lids. If you’re using the naked palette use the Naked shade.

Step 2:

Use a deeper reddish brown (Buck on the palette) and do a small, upward sweep on the outer corner of your eyes.

Step 3:

Use a burnt, shimmery color (Toasted) on your crease.

Step 4:

With a pale gold, highlight the uppermost area of your brow bone.

Step 5:

Black liner would be too harsh here, so line your lower lines and water lines with a brown pencil.

Step 6:

Apply a mascara that thickens your lashes. We are nearly done!

Part 3: Lips

Tools:

YSL Rouge Volupte in Ultimate Beige.

Step 1:

You’ll want to select a nude/skin toned lipstick that is just half a shade deeper/pinker than your natural color. Err on the side of caution if the color appears too peachy or pink. Your make-up is now done!

Part 4: (Bonus) Hair

Tools:

Clip-in bangs

Braid headband

Now you may choose to wear a wig to save yourself the hassle or just wear your normal hair down. I personally am going to combine my actual hair with extensions to give me the ideal style.

Step 1:

(I did this part before I started my make-up, so there was no picture.) Flat iron your hair, but don’t obsess over making it perfect. You’re a warrior, after all!

Step 2:  

 Brush the hair at your temples and the top of your forehead back.

Step 3:

Clip your bangs on. Make sure they are not too high up, but don’t obscure your vision. If you’ve never done this before it may take a little practice.

Step 4:

Carefully slip your braided headband over your bangs and use it to hide the extension clips in your hair. If you’re using an elastic band, make sure that neither your hair, nor parts of the band are stuck behind it.

You are done! Go forth with her infamous battle cry and wield that chakram proudly!