Makeup

Industry Secrets: Here's What REALLY Happens Backstage at Makeup Shoots

Spoiler: It's not all glamourous

by Lindsay Tigar | COMMENT

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Makeup artists have to know how to fix every detail—fast. In addition to understanding every last curve of the face and how to recreate magic day-in and day-out, makeup artist and hairstylist Sophia Porter says the true test of a pro is how quickly they adapt in stressful situations. With early call times and long days, not only are they responsible for every item in their toolkit—the eyeshadows, the brushes, you name it—but they have to react quickly when an image isn't translating in the way the client desired. "You must be extremely attentive to your work by watching and analyzing what's shown on the monitor and know how to fix basically any issue in a jiffy," she says.

One example from celebrity makeup artist Daniel Koye's experience was on the set of a movie, where he and other professionals were tasked with the job of covering the faces and hair of actors in one solid color. The catch, though, is that it needed to be non-permanent and washable—and yet, can be recreated over and over in the same shade. "We mixed tons‐and I mean mean tons—of Manic Panic dye hard gel to create these looks. We had to use different gels to mold the hair and make it look like their hair is completely dyed, several times throughout several days," he shared. And because the application of the particular shots required many takes, his team was always in the process of creating—and recreating—the concoction on repeat, serving as a stretch from the typical job duties.

Image via Imaxtree

SEE NEXT PAGE: Models aren't always glam from head-to-toe.

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