Half Magic's MaXXXine Collab Gives "Final Girl" Energy, and We're Here for It

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

To hold us horror and beauty lovers over until spooky season begins, Half Magic launched a collaboration with MaXXXine's head makeup artist Sarah Rubano, which includes three best-selling products that can be used to re-create Maxine's throwback makeup looks. We spoke with Rubano, who was also the makeup talent behind 2022's X and Pearl, 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?

Director Ti West and producer Jacob Jaffke came to New Zealand to make X, and my interview with them was so inspiring. Their passion and vision for X was infectious, and we connected on a creative level. It felt like a wonderful opportunity and colorful journey, and it was!

X, Pearl, and MaXXXine take place over different time periods. How did you develop Mia Goth's signature look this time around?

Lots and lots of makeup and hair testing! It was a wonderful collaboration with both Ti and Mia and the other creative department heads, especially the costume and production designs, as it was important that our work synced up. It was a creative dance, and we were all on the same page.

How will the looks we'll see in MaXXXine differ from what was featured in X and Pearl?

MaXXXine's makeup aesthetic is full of '80s goodness! I pulled inspiration from that decade, which was a whole lotta fun, as I was a teenager in the '80s, so some of my references were personal. It was fun to carry Maxine's look into a new decade based on what she had been through and where she was headed. Visual storytelling is my absolute favorite.

What sources of inspiration did you look to for your favorite makeup looks?

I was inspired by the internet, yearbooks, magazines, books, films, tv shows—everything!

A24 films are known for their incredible aesthetics and imagery. Did Maxine's makeup have a particular color palette and/or aesthetic?

Yes, I worked very closely with Ti to make sure that the color palette worked within the overall tone of the film—sets, lighting, costumes, etc. Ti is a great visual storyteller and leader, and it's a great collaboration between all departments.

Would you be able to share any products you used on set to create her character?

So many different products were used, but some key products are [the] IS Clinical skincare, Skin Illustrator inks (freckles), Koh Gen Do foundations, About Face lip pencils, Dior lipsticks, Half Magic Dew Lock, and, of course, blue eye shadow! You can re-create these looks with Half Magic's limited-release MaXXXine Set.

How does makeup for a slasher film differ from others you've worked on? Were prosthetics used?

Bigger and bolder presentations and the opportunity to have a little more fun! We are always incorporating the use of prosthetics and gore F/X in these types of films.

The trilogy's iconic '70s and '80s makeup looks have captured the attention of social media users. How can the MaXXXine Set be used to create a similar look?

I worked very closely with Donni Davy and the A24 beauty team to formulate the exact shades and textures that I designed for these movies. Fans of this trilogy … and lovers of makeup have the most amazing opportunity to buy this limited-release collection and re-create or create iconic looks of their own!

Shop the MaXXXine x Half Magic Collaboration

Half Magic

MaXXXine Set

$57$49

Pearl may have claimed to be a star at a failed audition, but Maxine is going to make her dreams happen no matter what. Achieve her signature style at home with the help of the limited-edition MaXXXine Set.

Half Magic

Chromaddiction Matte Eye Paint in X Factor

$57$49

Editor's Note: Price point is exclusive to the Half Magic MaXXXine Set.

Leave it to MaXXXine to single-handedly bring back blue eye shadow in 2024. X Factor is a cult-classic denim blue included in the set that gives us all the '80s vibes we've been craving.

Half Magic

Eyeshadow Single in Hollywood, 1985

$57$49

Editor's Note: Price point is exclusive to the Half Magic MaXXXine Set.

Use this ultra-creamy and glossy chrome eye shadow in Hollywood, 1985 to pull off the messy smoky eye Maxine is spotted wearing throughout the movie.

Half Magic

Magic Drip Lip Gloss in VHS Vixen

$57$49

Editor's Note: Price point is exclusive to the Half Magic MaXXXine Set.

Rosy, flushed lips are everywhere—even in the movie's throwback makeup looks. This lip gloss in VHS Vixen delivers a touch of pink with eye-catching shine.

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Half Magic

Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner

$22$15

We have never achieved a better wing than with this ultra-precise liquid eyeliner. Is it any surprise it was also included in Half Magic's limited-edition Priscilla set?

Half Magic

Sculptitude 2-in-1 Lip Liner in Ur My Taupe/Badassery Parade

$16

Two-in-one products are a must for every beauty lover's makeup bag. This long-wearing lip liner can be used to define the lips and keep color in place all day.

Half Magic

Cheek Fluff Soft Blur Blush in Magic Brownie

$22

We love rosy-brown shades to bring a just-pinched flush to the cheeks. The Cheek Fluff Soft Blur Blush in Magic Brownie is the perfect sun-kissed shade.

Half Magic

Glitterpill Eye Paint + Eyeliner in Microcosm

$22$15

We'll always be neutral-makeup fans at heart, but we also like to experiment with glitter eye looks. The Glitterpill Eye Paint + Eyeliner has been the best first stepping stone into bold makeup.