Movie Magic: Death Becomes Her

Let's face it...makeup isn't always "pretty".

For one, the cosmetic concepts for independent sci-fi thriller "SlipPage" is far from glam; from its weary-ridden characters to the very paranormal beings, the film's focus is on its intriguing characters. As one of the picture's makeup artists, I am having fun with every new curveball thrown! You may also recall my previous post on the film's tattoo concealment process seen here. 

The vivacious-in-real-life actress featured in these photos plays lead character "Sanders'" deathly ill mother, (whom we will ironically refer to as M.A. for bloggin' purposes). Nonetheless, M.A.'s character lies mostly on her death bed and required a look less than appealing. The step-by-step process follows how I achieved this effect.

Take a minute to feast your eyes on the "SlipPage" trailer below, directed by Bryan Hiltner. Also, be sure to check out their sweet new website for heaps more about the indie flick and learn how you can become an investor for a local film maker's epic project. A special thanks to M.A. for letting me document this less than flattering feature!

BEFORE + AFTER

"Deathly Ill" Makeup Process:

• I prepped the skin with an exfoliating toner but left out the essential moisturizers so the actress' complexion will appear more dehydrated and lifeless as the makeup builds on this dry texture.  
• I used one of the lightest shades in my RCMA "Shinto" Foundation Palette, (about two shades lighter than her natural skin tone), and applied it all over the face and decolotte with a foundation brush and blended it evenly with a sponge. M.A.'s hand was also to be shown in the scene so her hand and wrist also received the same lighter foundation treatment.
• Jane Iredale's Mineral Powder Foundation in "Bisque" was applied next for fuller coverage. To achieve the sickly, aging skin tone, I contoured with Ben Nye's Color Cake Foundation in both "Sollow Green" and "Coolover Grey" with my favorite double-ended Stila #24 Illumuniating Blush Brush.  I also contoured the cheekbones and hairline with Clinique's Colour Surge Eyeshadow Quad in "Teddy Bear" for added depth.
• To create the eye's deep and sunken-in effect, I mixed Yaby Eye Shadows in  shades of dark taupe and purple-grey hues that were blended all around the eye socket (the photos here unfortunately do not reflect the intensity shown in real life!). Reddish eyeshadow tones were applied very close to the upper and lower lash line with a fine eyeliner brush.
• No lip conditioner used here, the more cracked, the better. The same light RCMA foundation shade was also applied to the mouth for an ultimate lack of color.
• Set the entire face and neck with Ben Nye's Translucent Loose Powder and spray Model in a Bottle for a long-lasting finish.

PHOTO: Michelle