Muse Album Cover Series - Absolution

Today's look is inspired by Muse's third studio album, Absolution. This album is hands down, my personal favorite. This has also been the hardest album cover for me so far to interpret into a look. This was my third attempt at creating something inspired by the album art, and I am finally content with it. I wanted something dark and smokey, which fits in well with the theme of the album.

Absolution was released worldwide during September 2003, and was Muse's first album to reach gold status in the US (and it has gone double platinum in the UK). Absolution reached #1 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart and #107 on the Billboard 200. The album has received many positive reviews from critics, magazines, and fans alike, and for good reason too. Absolution introduces many musical and lyrical themes which would later become Muse's trademarks, such as symphonic rock influences on "Butterflies and Hurricanes", classical music influences on "Blackout" and electronic music influences on "Endlessly". Lyrically, the album incorporates themes of fear, mistrust, personal achievement and joy. Bellamy said that the beginning of the Iraq War had an effect on their songwriting. 

The artwork was designed by Storm Thorgerson. Dominic Howard: "The artwork can either been seen as people coming down to Earth or leaving the Earth, it's open to interpretation". Personally, I see it as bad seeds leaving the earth, and I remember blasting this album during the "rapture" last year!

I took my inspiration from the theme of the album, and of course, the colors. I used dark blues, blacks and silvers to represent the shadows and darkness, and the bronze from the man's hair, and to warm up the look a bit. If you look closely, the guy on the cover is holding a gas mask. I thought a dark, smokey look would be appropriate. This album has a dark and intense feel to it, and I think this look symbolizes that vibe pretty well!

Once again, I had a hard time choosing a favorite song from this album. It's one of those albums that you can listen to from start to finish without having to skip any tracks. I'm going to have to go with one of their fan favorites, "Hysteria". It's just an all around sexy song, that's sure to make you shout. 

FACE:

• Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Buff and Sand Beige (2:1 ratio)
• Make Up For Ever Powder Foundation in #200

EYES:

• Maybelline Color Tattoo in Audacious Asphalt
• Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Corrupt on outer and inner corners (top and bottom lids)
• Wet N Wild Color Icon Palette in Pride (shimmery dark blue shade) next to Corrupt, leaving center bare 
• Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Mercury on center of lids
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Smog on crease and lower lids
• Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Shimma Shimma and brow bone and tear duct
• Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeshadow in Jet Black
• Wet N Wild Liquid Liner in Black with MUG Corrupt patted on top for a softer finish
• FAUX Lashes in Sasha

CHEEKS:

• MAC Fafi Blush in Hipness

LIPS:

• Makeup Geek Lipstick in Delightful

I really hope you guys liked this look! Even though it's inspired by Muse, I think this look is totally holiday appropriate and would look great on just about anyone. Take care, and I'll see you next time!