Makeup artists aren't only responsible for makeup.
On the set of a movie, it's not only the skin on an actor's face that's the responsibility of the makeup artist but rather, um, everywhere. This means their all-over, flawless and camera-ready complexion needs to be fluid from their head to their toes — and sometimes, even their bums. As Koye shared about one experience he had on set: "While the actor had a baby face, his behind was a beast. He had to expose his butt to the camera, so I was asked to wax him. It was a crazy experience but hey, it made the shot look amazing," he shared.
Image via Imaxtree
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Makeup artists apply more than just makeup.
Especially over the course of several days using a variety of products and consistently cleansing a model's face, eventually, her skin is bound to dry out. While moisturizer might seem like a no-brainer, Porter explains it can sometimes take too long to seep into the skin, when the shot is needed ASAP. That's when she turns to an ingredient you might have in your kitchen: vegetable glycerine. To pull this off, she mixes a quarter-size serving with a dash of thermal water (her go-to is La Roche Posay) and massage thoroughly. Especially in the coolest, harshest days of winter, she's found this to be a life-saver, both for the model's skin health and her ability to pull off a look.
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Editors have to sort through hundreds (and hundreds) of photos for one that works.
The next time it takes, say, 20 photos—and the dear patience of your best friend—to finally take a photo that is Instagram-worthy, don't beat yourself up over the outtakes. Even though it's widely known that Photoshop is an exercised practice for many cosmetic companies, Blasi says it's less reported just how many photos are taken before selecting and editing the one that is published. She estimates hundreds&mdashupon hundreds—are taken in a single-day makeup shoot and the one photo that we see plastered on magazines and billboards was at least an hour or more behind the camera. And for a day where they're hoping to have 10 printable images? You do the math.
Image via Imaxtree
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Hairstylists often carry equipment from the hardware store.
Since no makeup look is complete without a great blow-out or up-do, hair stylists are often called on set, too. Porter dabbles in both hair and makeup and has learned tricks of the trade that are far out of the ordinary. One essential she swears by is a small leaf blower, which helps master the windswept style in a way that no mega fan can pull off. She's also witnessed professional-grade bags and other equipment from hardware stores, all meant to somehow create the look a client lusts after.
Image via Imaxtree
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Shoots sometimes require florists — and snake handlers.
While models receive the TLC treatment for makeup brands, prop shoots are often just as detail-oriented and obsessed over. Blasi was amazed at the amount of design, care and time that went into compiling a dozen lipstick bullets for a product shot. In fact, it usually required bringing in outside experts to pull off the image. "We once hired a professional florist to sort through 6 a.m. markets in New York City to pick the perfect flowers to accompany the shot. The amount of work that goes into your packaging shots you see are extensive," she shared.
It's not just flower pros who are called in for their wisdom, either, as Porter once had a snake as a co-worker for a day. Yep, you read that right: "The handler told me to not move quickly by the snake for touch-ups and adjustments on the model, or it'll think I'm a threat and bite me. Thankfully, none of us had a fear of snakes!," she shared.
