Behind The Beauty

“I wanted to make wounds and bodies” - Special effects makeup artist Emily Cox tells us why makeup artistry isn't all about making people look beautiful.
by Chloe Harvatt.

Make-up artists are trained in creating flawless, beautiful transformations, but the job can involve so much more. Due to modern technologies such as CGI and special effects, people forget that make-up artists are the real brains behind some of the ghastly looks and scenes that grace our screens. 

Make-up artistry is perceived as a glamorous career, making up the rich and the beautiful. However, budding makeup artist Emily Cox tells us why she prefers the gory side of the industry.

Emily has always had a love for makeup. She first developed an interest at the age of 11, but not the glamorous side that fascinates most young girls.

 “I wanted to make the wounds and bodies on CSI, that’s the bit that interested me the most”.

Emily is studying Media Make-up and Special Effects in Bradford, where she practices skills ranging from 1950’s style beauty to gory special effects. One day she hopes to be recognized in the makeup industry, aspiring to work in film and special effects, or fashion and editorial artistry. 

 “Special effects interests me the most as it’s so creative, I love creating different characters/creatures and wounds, things which will really transform the model”.

To artists like Emily, make-up is a tool that allows them to create huge transformations; models are blank canvases she transforms into works of art. 

Although swaying towards the special effects side of the industry, Emily still can’t resist classic beauty looks. 

"Miranda Kerr' and all the Kardashian sisters’ makeup and hair always look flawless and amazing”.

She also loves individuals who use make-up and style to shock and stand out:

 “I like contemporary figures like lady gaga who use makeup and fashion to shock, as they are expressing their feelings and own creativity through their hair and makeup and their fashion. I think it makes them stand out from the crowd rather than following the latest styles. It gives them their own unique look and style”.

She highly recommends MAC and says they are her personal favourite brand:

“I really like MAC and mainly use it as their eye-shadows are really pigmented and blend well, their brushes and foundations are really good too”.

When creating more obscure looks she loves Kryolan greasepaint palates, which are great for special effects but work really well for normal looks too.

You can see more of Emily’s work on her Facebook page:

 Oh so makeup by Emily Cox https://www.facebook.com/ohsomakeup

And also on her blog:  http://ohsomakeup.wordpress.com/