Makeup Looks Based On Video Game Controllers
This ongoing project is a test of creativity. With everything going on lately, it seems that my motivation and creative drive have been suffering the most. But no matter what I am going through, video games have always been there for me. The immersion into other worlds where I am no longer the focus is therapeutic. The escape into a fictional life with characters I find comfort in will never fail to lift my spirits.
Makeup is similar. With a few intentional placements of cream and pigment, you can transform into anything. For however long the look takes, you get to be engaged in the process. Sometimes you have a plan and other times you just trust your intentions. The fusion of makeup and gaming is finally starting to emerge into the online sphere with collaborations like OPI and Halo as well as Colourpop and Animal Crossing, which markets more to feminine presenting gamers. This shift is crucial in the community as the standard has always been focused on the male audience for years. Perhaps with the industries colliding, we can ditch the outdated (and frankly insulting) idea that video games are only for men and open up the conversation about including more women in gaming circles.
That thought aside, here are some completed looks based on video game controllers that have been sitting in my brain for quite some time. I may add looks to this post in the future since there are endless possibilities, but enjoy what I have in the meantime.
Gamecube
Inspired by Pantone’s 2022 colour of the year, this look was the one that started it all. I have many fond memories of playing the Gamecube including the mini-games of WarioWare, the exciting platforming adventures of Super Mario Sunshine, and the shenanigans that took place in The Simpsons Hit and Run. The inner eye circular nodes were my attempt at mimicking the controller shape as I thought it would make for a very odd, yet intriguing focal point. Whether it does or not is up to the beholder. This colour palette is definitely not one I use often but gave me an excuse to wear shades that I normally don’t touch. Overall, the experience was absolutely worth the effort, and the addition of my Switch controller cord was necessary avant-garde.
Xbox
The funny thing about this look is that you absolutely cannot tell that I am squished in a corner with my soft boxes inside my small Toronto apartment. The black sheet hung behind me is haphazardly draped over a shelf above, threatening to fall down at any second. This look was one that took more time than anticipated, but turned out almost how I pictured it in my head. The idea here was once again trying to incorporate the shapes of the controller as an element in the look. If I were to do it again, I think I would find a better placement for the buttons. Otherwise I’m quite pleased with the result.