Pitch Perfect 2 Beauty Breakdowns: How Elizabeth Banks & Hailee Steinfeld’s Makeup Looks Came to Be

See the thought process behind the film’s most profound looks

Not only is Pitch Perfect 2 an explosion of comedy, dance and music, but it features some pretty noteworthy (see what we did there?) makeup looks as well. Whether you're a fan of dramatic makeup or fresh-faced visages, the film's looks run the beauty gamut.

So how did lead makeup artist Melanie Hughes-Weaver conceptualize beauty plans for more than 130 people? To show us her range, the makeup maestro recently shared her thought process behind two characters who couldn't be more different.

On one end of the spectrum is Hailee Steinfeld's Emily, the newest Bella to join the ranks. At the beginning of the movie, Melaine said, "we tried to keep her look very soft as she's eager to be part of the group, but as the movie progresses and she joins the Bellas, you'll see an evolution in her makeup as well." 

As Emily starts to morph into full-fledged Bella, Melanie began to line her eyes and apply lashes to enlarge her eyes. "She's still a fresh-faced freshman, but we added lip colors and smoked out the eye to add a little bit more charisma," she said.

You may know Gail Abernathy-McKadden as the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella commentator, but Melanie has lovingly dubbed Elizabeth Banks' character as an "exaggerated-newscaster-wannabe-pageant princess." And, of course, the makeup had to fit the bill.

"Gail is truly a character," said Melanie. "She really cares about how she looks." Melanie wanted to emphasize this by applying generous amounts of everything, from eyeshadow to foundation to chalky coral lipsticks you might see your grandma wear.

"She really goes too far in everything she does, but that's why it was fun to create that character," Melanie noted.

If aspects of the former Minstrel Cycles member's makeup appeals to you, try softening it by wearing less foundation. To avoid cake-y overload, Melanie suggested always having three shades (light, medium and dark) of foundation on hand; light for the inner parts of your face and darker for the outer. "Then blend, blend, blend!" she advised. "Blend it into your pores until they are nice and tight so your skin looks dewy and full."

Try opting for just one row of fake eyelashes instead of two, and allow your skin to glow with products that have more sheen. If you have a strong eye look, opt for neutral lips, or vice versa. "Play up one or the other but not both," she added. Basically, tone it down a notch. Lest wannabe pageant princess is what you're going for.