Elphaba — The Wicked Witch of the West Makeup Tutorial

Welcome back, wicked ones! In my first Wicked article, we explored Ariana Grande's glamorous Glinda look from the upcoming film. Now, it's time to embrace spooky green glamour with two fun takes on Elphaba. Whether you want to rock a yassified version of the Wicked Witch or go all out with full green skin, I've got you covered.

While Elphaba is strong, resilient, and doesn't quite aim for being POPULAR like Glinda, I still wanted to give her a glamorous twist. Because, let's be real—when doing duo costumes, we all want to feel fabulous in the pictures, right?

Elphaba Makeup Tutorial: A Green Queen

Step 1: The Matte, Sculpted Base

Since I wanted to try a version without green face paint and with, I started with the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Matte with SPF 40 in Fair. I'd recommend using a foundation before the face paint if you do want to go fully green so you have more coverage and an even green shade.

If you are not going to paint the skin green, go ahead and add your favorite brightening concealer on the high points of the face, contour with an ashy tone and feel free to make it a bit bolder and sharper than usual - it is Halloween!

Set with powder and so Elphaba's look contrasts with Glinda's softer features, so we're sharpening the brows with a high arch and a more defined nose bridge for a fierce look. I'm wearing a black wig so I took the brows extra dark.

Step 2: Wickedly Dramatic Eyes

Now, let's dive into a green, dramatic eye! For this, I started by blending Wicked—yes, the shade!— from the ONE/SIZE x WICKED on Broadway palette through the crease, blending into an exaggerated lid shape winged out. I then packed on Emerald City, a glittery green shadow, across the lid for that iconic green sparkle.

To intensify the exaggerated crease, I used Wizard and I on a smaller brush for a sharp, dramatic edge. Also, add smokiness under the bottom lash line and add a point in the inner corner. Finish with a blend of Flying Free to the outer V. You can also use the beautiful r.e.m. beauty x Wicked ozdust eyeshadow palette which has similar green tones, but mine hadn't made it to me in the mail yet when I shot this!

Then, create a dramatic wing with black liner, curl the lashes, and add some full outer corner lashes for that fluttery, witchy eye.

Step 3: Bold Witchy Lips

For the lips, we're going bold with black and blending in a pop of green in the center for that edgy, witchy twist. These lips give the perfect wicked edge!

How To Paint Yourself Green

Step 4: Fully Commit to the Iconic Green Look

Since this was my first time using green paint for a full Elphaba transformation, I decided to film the look without the green skin initially and test out the paint at the end. The application was fairly easy using a damp beauty sponge. While blending around the neck and cheeks was a breeze, getting into the contours of the nose, brows, and hairline was trickier—especially with the rest of the makeup already in place.

To make things easier for yourself, I recommend applying the green paint after foundation if you're going for the full green look! Don't forget to bring back in the contours with deeper greens and a purply cheek contour similar to the broadway show so the makeup doesn't appear flat. Final tip, since the paint is water-activated, it can remove the paint as well. Don't use a setting spray that has water droplets as it can leave marks in the green complexion.

Styling Elphaba

For the final styling touches, you could go with a side braid and glasses for a chic vibe, or opt for a black ruffled dress with pops of purple for drama. If you want something simpler, a black turtleneck gives the look a modern edge. I thought this green dress from IvyCityCo was a great pick as well.

Wicked Collaborations and More

This week, several new Wicked collabs have come out! While some of my favorites are already sold out like the Target x Wicked iconic cardigan, I love the Aerie line and have listed some of my wish list below to shop.