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Graphic Novel Glam: Makeup Looks Inspired by 'Traveling to Mars' and 'Sweet Paprika'

ffeminine

2026-02-10

10 min read

Bold, wearable makeup tutorials inspired by Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika — color stories, step-by-step looks, and 2026 beauty trends.

Graphic Novel Glam: Makeup Looks Inspired by Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika

Overwhelmed by tutorials that promise bold looks but leave you unsure how to adapt them for real life? You're not alone. Between endless product options, conflicting tips, and limited time, finding a graphic-novel-inspired look that’s both editorial and wearable can feel impossible. This guide cuts through the noise with evidence-backed skincare prep, step-by-step color-story tutorials inspired by Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika, and 2026-forward beauty tech and sustainability tips so you can create runway-ready or everyday adaptations with confidence.

Why these graphic novels matter for beauty in 2026

In 2026, transmedia IP studios like The Orangery — now newly signed with WME — are driving cross-industry trends. Their hits Traveling to Mars (sci‑fi futurism) and Sweet Paprika (warm, cinematic sensuality) have spawned a rising search interest for graphic novel makeup and character-inspired editorials. Expect bold color-blocking, mixed textures (metallics + dewy skin), and cinematic lighting techniques to be central to beauty editorials this year.

How to plan a character-inspired color story (the visual method)

Stop copying one-off looks — build a color story. Visual thinking makes transformation easier and faster.

Pick a panel or character mood: For Traveling to Mars, choose panels with Martian skies, oxidized teal tech, or rusted metal memories. For Sweet Paprika, select close-up panels with candlelight hues, paprika spice tones, and glossy accents.
Extract 3 core colors: Primary (dominant), Accent (pop), and Anchor (neutral). Example: Mars = Primary: Martian Brick (burnt red), Accent: Celestial Teal, Anchor: Soft Chrome/Charcoal. Paprika = Primary: Deep Paprika Red, Accent: Rose Gold, Anchor: Warm Cocoa.
Texture map: Assign textures to zones — metallic lid, satin cheek, glossy lip, matte anchor. Graphic novel panels often pair flat ink with glossy highlights; emulate that contrast.
Scale for wearability: Pick one bold element as the showstopper (eye, lip, or liner) and adapt other zones to complement rather than compete.

2026 Trends to lean on (and what they mean for your look)

AI and AR try‑ons: Virtual color mapping and AR apps now let you preview exact palettes against your skin tone. Use them to test Martian teal or paprika reds before buying pigments.
High-pigment cream products: Cream-to-powder hybrids give editorial color payoff with blendability — essential for dramatic graphic edges.
Sustainable, skin-friendly formulas: Refillable compacts, biodegradable glitters, and microbiome-friendly skincare are mainstream. Choose these to reduce waste and irritation.
Multifunctional products: Sticks and balms that work on eyes, lips, and cheeks speed up routines and travel well for cosplay or shoots.

Prep: Skin care and base for long-wear graphic looks (2026 best practices)

Editorial makeup starts with skin that supports pigment. In 2026 the focus is barrier-first skincare and blue-light protection for lit shoots and camera apps.

Cleanse gently: Use a balm or micellar cleanser to remove build-up without stripping. Quick double-cleanse only if needed.
Hydrate + barrier repair: Apply a lightweight barrier serum with peptides or azelaic/niacinamide combo — these calm redness and balance texture for smooth color application.
Targeted priming: Use a silicone-light eye primer for crisp graphic edges, and a breathable mattifying primer on oily zones. For dewy looks, choose a dew-enhancing gel primer.
SPF and blue-light shield: If you’ll be on camera, use a thin photoprotective serum or moisturizer with visible light filters to prevent pigment shift under LED or phone lighting.
Set a base strategy: Choose a light, buildable foundation or tinted balm (depending on coverage needs). For editorial, consider using a thin layer of cream foundation and set only zones that crease.

Look 1 — Traveling to Mars: Editorial runway & wearable adaptation

Inspired by oxidized metals, Martian dust, and neon tech — this look balances hard-edged graphic details with wearable warmth.

Color story

Primary: Martian Brick (deep burnt red)
Accent: Celestial Teal (muted metallic teal)
Anchor: Soft Chrome / Charcoal
Texture map: metallic lid, matte sepia crease, glossy metallic liner

Editorial (runway) step-by-step

Prep: Prime eyelid with a cream primer. Use a neutral tone to even lid shade.
Block the shape: Use a flat synthetic brush to create a stiff, extended wing in Martian Brick across the lid. Think graphic panel: straight edges, high placement.
Define depth: Blend a matte sepia into the socket to fade the brick into the skin. Keep the lower edge sharp with a concealer mop-up.
Accent: Paint a thin Celestial Teal liner along the inner rim and across the outer third of the lower lashline. Use a liquid metallic for true shimmer.
Chrome highlight: Dot soft chrome on the inner corner and center lid — use a fingertip to gently press for foil effect.
Skin: Keep skin semi-matte; use a subtle sculpt under cheekbones with a cool taupe. A single swipe of warm terracotta on the apples ties to the Martian brick.
Lips: Neutralized nude with a glossy topcoat — let the eyes remain the focal point.
Finish: Use a long-wear setting spray and blot the T-zone to avoid shine during camera lights. For on-the-go or phone-shot prep, test under field lighting rigs (see our picks for budget portable lighting & phone kits).

Wearable adaptation (everyday, office-friendly)

Mini wing: Use the Martian Brick as a short, soft wing across the outer lid. Smudge slightly for a lived-in feel.
Teal pop: Replace metallic teal with a matte teal pencil at the lower waterline for subtle intrigue.
Natural skin: Opt for tinted moisturizer and cream bronzer; keep lips tinted balm.
Tip: For sensitive eyes, use cream shadows with high pigment rather than metallic powders to reduce fallout.

Look 2 — Sweet Paprika: Editorial sultry & wearable adaptation

This look channels the novel’s warm, spicy palette — think candlelight, glossy textures, and cinematic liner.

Color story

Primary: Deep Paprika Red
Accent: Rose Gold Glow
Anchor: Warm Cocoa
Texture map: satin lid, glossy accents, plush matte lip

Editorial (steamy close-up) step-by-step

Prep: Hydrate lips and cheeks with a balm for the glossy finishes to read smoothly.
Smoke the eye: Use Warm Cocoa to build a soft, sultry sweep across the lid and under the lower lashline.
Anchor color: Pack Deep Paprika at the lashline and slightly into the outer lid as a color gradient.
Highlight: Press a Rose Gold cream on the center lid and inner corner for candlelit shimmer.
Liner: Draw a precise, slightly elongated liner with a deep brown-black gel for warmth rather than stark black.
Lip: Use a plush matte Paprika lip stain topped with a warm rose-gold gloss in the center to create volume and texture interplay.
Cheek: A baked terracotta highlighter on the high points mimics cinematic glow.
Finish: Use a dewy setting spray for that intimate sheen; control shine only at the nostril area to keep the look sultry but not oily.

Wearable adaptation (date night / everyday glamour)

Subtle Paprika liner: Smudge a Paprika pencil close to lashes and soften with a brush.
Lip shortcut: Blend a warm brick stain with balm for an all-day wearable finish.
Low-maintenance glow: Swap baked highlighter for a skin tint with reflective pigments for easier touchups.

Product types and shade guidance (including for deeper skin tones)

Choose formulas that give true pigment payoff and complement melanin-rich skin:

Cream pigments: Best for saturated color and longevity. Use tacky primers for metallics.
Highly pigmented liners: Gel and cream liners in teal, burnt red, and deep brown are safer than liquid for graphic shapes.
Powder blush/bronzer with warm undertones: Look for deep terracotta and warm chocolate for contour and blush on deeper skin.
Sheer layering tools: Sheer balms or tints to balance bold elements without losing glow.
Biodegradable glitter or shimmer: For high-impact panels, choose plant-based glitters to avoid microplastics.

Cosplay and longevity tips (practical, actionable)

Patch test bold pigments: Do a 24-hour test behind the ear for new pigments and adhesives.
Use barrier products: A thin cream barrier or balm protects skin from heavy pigments during long cosplay days.
Layer smartly: Start with cream pigments, set with a matching powder, then lock with spray. This combo prevents migration under hot lights.
Adhesive safety: Use medical-grade adhesives for any appliqués and follow removal instructions to protect skin.
Contacts and eye safety: If using colored contacts, get a prescription fit and sanitize properly; avoid glitter in the immediate eye contour.

Tools & pro techniques to master the graphic effect

Tape or sculpting guides: Use low-tack tape to map edges for precise wings and panel lines.
Flat synthetic brushes: For sharp color blocks. Clean them often to keep edges crisp.
Blending sponge: For diffusing harsh joins between color blocks on the skin.
Small detail brushes: For metallic dots, center-lid accents, and liner micro-work.
Fingertip application: For metallic foils and creamy high-shine, fingertip pressure gives the most reflective payoff.

Pro tip: In 2026, using an AR app to map your chosen panel’s color story onto your face saves trial-and-error. It’s now common practice for MUAs before physical application.

Safety, sustainability, and inclusivity checklist

Check ingredients: Avoid allergens and fragrances if you have sensitive skin. Favor microbiome-friendly product labels.
Pick refillable and recyclable packaging: Many brands now offer refill pods for high-pigment palettes.
Adapt shades inclusively: For deep skin tones, choose high-contrast metallics and rich pigments rather than pastels that can appear ashy.
Mind lighting: Test your look under the same lighting you’ll be photographed or filmed in — phone lights and LEDs can shift warm tones. For on-set or pop-up lighting, our field picks can help (see budget portable lighting & phone kits).

Mini case study: Editorial shoot test (2025–26 styling sessions)

In styling sessions with beauty editors and freelance MUAs during late 2025 and early 2026, the most successful graphic-novel looks followed three rules: one dominant color, mixed textures, and a skin-forward base. When we mapped a Traveling to Mars panel onto a model with medium-deep skin using the Mars color story, swapping powder metallics for cream foils reduced fallout and retained vibrancy under studio lights. For a Sweet Paprika inspired shoot, adding a rose-gold gloss on the center lid made a single-lip look read as multi-dimensional on camera.

Actionable takeaways: Your 10-step quick plan

Choose a panel and extract 3 colors (Primary, Accent, Anchor).
Decide the showstopper zone (eyes, lips, or liner).
Prep skin with barrier-first skincare and targeted primers.
Use cream pigments for base color and powders to set where needed.
Map textures: metallic + matte + gloss for depth.
Use tape and flat brushes for crisp edges.
Test look with an AR try-on app before purchasing shades.
Layer (cream → powder → spray) for longevity.
Patch-test new pigments and adhesives 24 hours prior.
Document and adapt: photograph in target lighting and tweak color saturation accordingly.

Graphic novel makeup is powerful because it tells a story. Whether you're channeling the oxidized futurism of Traveling to Mars or the warm spice of Sweet Paprika, the magic is in the color story, texture contrast, and confident application. In 2026, mix AR tools, sustainable products, and multifunctional formulas to make these looks practical for everyday life or cosplay events.

Ready to try it? Save one panel from Traveling to Mars or Sweet Paprika, extract your three colors, and follow the 10-step plan above. Snap a before-and-after in the same light and share it tagged with #GraphicNovelGlam — our editors and MUAs will highlight standout recreations.

Call-to-action: Sign up for Feminine.Live’s free Graphic Novel Glam kit — a curated, refillable mini-palette and step sheet for both looks (Mars + Paprika), plus an AR try-on code — and get monthly tutorials and community features delivered to your inbox.

feminine

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.