This Horror-Inspired Makeup Collaboration Is Too Good

Summerween is officially upon us and I’m honoring the unofficial holiday by watching A24’s newest horror flick, MaXXXine, starring Mia Goth. Part of the X universe, the film follows adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx in 1980s Hollywood while a mysterious killer stalks the city’s startlets. However, as we come to learn from the universe’s previous installations, Maxine may have a few dark (and possibly dangerous) secrets on her own.

To keep us horror and beauty lovers over until spooky season begins, Half Magic launched a collaboration with MaXXXine’s head makeup artist Sara Rubano which includes three bestselling products that can be used to recreate Maxine’s throwback makeup looks. I spoke with Rubano (who was also the makeup talent behind 2022’s X and Pearl movies) about her sources of inspiration, the products she uses to create Maxine’s slasher-flick-worthy makeup, and the ’80s comeback we’ve all been waiting for.

Creating a Killer Makeup Look

What about the X series originally captured your interest; leading to your role as head makeup artist?