Marilyn Manson’s Look as The Way for Self-expression

Throughout the years, several metal and rock artists have impressed the world with their lyrics and looks, but only such an eccentric man as Marilyn Manson knows how to take things right to the next level. Well-known for his polemic thoughts deliberately against Christianity, the singer, songwriter, actor and painter Marilyn Manson gives a lot to talk about. His lyrics inspired by chapters of the Bible describing Lucifer are also reasons of criticism among the norteamerican community as well as the rest of the world. Marilyn Manson's peculiar and extravagant way of thinking and expressing is clearly reflected on his looks and physical appearance.

Starting with his face that though it has no major modifications impresses for a death-like look. Manson’s use of makeup to get a white snow-like skin impresses anyone who sees him. This characteristic use of makeup is used mostly to perform on stage but also sometimes in public events. His eyes also characterize him due to makeup usage to highlight them by using different colors from the characteristic black, going through green and to a striking red. His single crystal-blue eye contributes to his dark and somehow vampiric appearance, for he is well-known. Always dark red or black lips are the closure of his characteristic look. His lips plus his silly faces certainly give them a scary appearance that goes along with his musical likes and style. White skin, really dark eyes, and dark red or black lips characterize Manson's looks anywhere he goes.

Though not always visible, Manson’s tattoos take part in his dark-like appearance too. The numerous tattoos covering his body but mostly his arms represent various aspects of his life as his religious beliefs and likes. For example, the sabbatic goat, tattoo that Manson got when he was twenty one, is a satanic symbol meaning. However, some of his tattoos have a more sentimental meaning as the letter 'l' on his hand for his dead cat Lily White. The polemic artist also shares friendship tattoos with the famous actor Johnny Depp as a proof of their long friendship. As an artist himself, Manson has designed some of his tattoos making reference to some popular songs and successful albums from his musical career. Four letters “M” are tattooed on his chest as a representation of his artistic name and public person. Having different meanings as death, religious beliefs, and the devil himself, Manson’s tattoos make a perfect match to his scary and peculiar appearance.

Manson's way of dressing, as dark as his song lyrics, gives the final touch to the polemic artist on and off stage. His dark and creepy style is clearly reflected on his mostly black looks. Tight black leather pants accompanied by black shoes take part of most of his looks. Black jackets and ties are also components of his wardrobe. Though the famous metal start style is simple, accessories like hats and big rings make part of his personal style. His outfits also take part in his video content and musical performance; his costume-like outfits on stage perfectly match his extravagant style also reflected in music and the scenery in concerts. Either on or off stage and through his songs and looks Manson reflects his eccentric way of thinking.

From several things that have contributed to make Marilyn Manson’s reputation, like his lyrics and video content, the most obvious one at first sight is his appearance. The combination of his striking and characteristic makeup plus his silly faces is undoubtedly scary. His tattoos with satanic meaning representations do not do something else than help to create the very own style of this “antichrist” start. Finally, his way of dressing gives the final touch to Manson’s look as a reflection of him as an artist. Not only the look but also the eccentric personality of this artist make him the emblematic and polemic person he is: fearless to express what he believes and to criticize the society in which we live in. The polemic and darkness that Marilyn Manson represents can be noticed from the very first look at him.