Fashion

Copy Isabella Rossellini's 'Blue Velvet' Look

by Rosie Narasaki

Happy Birthday to Isabella Rossellini, who turns 62 today!

I don't know about you, but I first became acquainted with Ms. Rossellini during her early season stint on 30 Rock as Jack Donaghy's intense first wife, Bianca. Remember that, buried deep in the recesses of season one? She was hilarious (her rageful ripping down of Liz Lemon's strapless ballgown remains a highpoint in the series to this day) so it was a shame she was never back.

It wasn't until I watched Blue Velvet for a college course on the language of film (yep, I went to that kind of liberal arts college) that I saw what she was really famous for: Her unforgettable turn as troubled (that's a bit of an understatement) nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens. She starred in the famous, pre-Twin Peaks David Lynch film alongside Dennis Hopper (who, if you watch the film, will scare the pants off of you), Kyle MacLachlan (who'll also scare you with his scary Mona Lisa smile as The Captain on How I Met Your Mother), and Laura Dern (who is decidedly not scary at all, and is currently earning rave reviews in The Fault in Our Stars ).

It may be one of the more disturbing movies, ever, but that doesn't take away from its serious beauty game: specifically, Dorothy's nightclub face paint:

It's an iconic look for a reason: it somehow manages to make ultra-'80s blue eyeshadow, neon red lips, and contouring blush look classic. Now, it could be Rossellini's Old Hollywood bone structure (she is daughter of Ingrid Bergman, after all) doing the heavy lifting, but there's something decidedly retro about the look — maybe it's Lynch's '40s noir inspiration seeping through.

Because of the classic nature of the look, with the right tweaks, you could wear it and still look modern — though, if you go for the crazy-coiffed hair, you might be relegated to costume parties. Whichever way you decide to go, here are a few product suggestions to help you achieve a Dorothy Vallens-inspired look:

Stila Cosmetics

The Stila Smudge Stick in Cobalt may just be key in creating a modern blue eye makeup look — it's runway approved, after all.

Marc Jacobs

If I'm going by name alone, the Marc Jacobs Lip Gel in Neo Noir is a great pick. No, but in all honesty, it's a universally flattering red that works for any occasion. On a lower price point, Maybelline Vivids On Fire Red is another awesome option.

Maybelline New York/Ulta

A plum blush is next in order, and Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Pink Plum has an old-time romantic feel.