How to Look Like Helena From My Chemical Romance

My Chemical Romance popularized goth chic with its hit song and video "Helena," which featured a goth-clad dancer. The look instantly became one of the most recognizable style statements of the year. Goth glam has been around for some time, but with the introduction of Helena into popular culture, the allure has reached even more people. Follow these steps to look like Helena from the My Chemical Romance video.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Watch the My Chemical Romance video "Helena." Notice the Helena character's style, paying special attention to her hair and makeup.
2. Assess whether you have the necessary canvas on which to recreate the Helena look. Be honest about your skin tone, which should be sufficiently pale to begin with in order to achieve the characteristic dead look of Helena.
3. Dye your hair a dark auburn brown (if it isn't already). Flat-iron the hair to make it straight, adding a sheen spray for extra luminosity. Swoop the hair over one side of your face and clip it with a hair clip or black barrette. Then use a curling iron to make a slight wave at the bottom of the hair to create an antiquated 1920s feel.
4. Apply white powder to your face to help create the pale, dead look of Helena. Apply a blood-red powder eye shadow to your upper eyelids, blending well to create a soft but haunting look. Add dark shadow to the bottom eyelid to create a dark under-eye shadow.
5. Wear a black party dress complete with lace tulle. Accent the dress with burgundy or red accessories and perhaps a sash. Complete the look by wearing ballet flats on your feet to emphasize the ballerina-like quality of Helena.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible, or at least wear body makeup to make your body appear more pale and lifeless like Helena's.
• Capture some of the emotion of the song in your attitude and demeanor. Notice how the band portrays a sense of longing and despair; Helena is a manifestation of those emotions.
• Search at alternative or vintage clothing stores for goth clothing articles that fit the style of My Chemical Romance's Helena.