How Movie Make-up Artists Work

From Spock’s ears in the “Star Trek” movies to Nicole Kidman’s glowing beauty, and Harry Potter’s scar to Hellboy’s red facial prosthetic, all sorts of cinematic magic have relied on the skill and imagination of movie make-up artists.

Depending on the demands of the movie director and the script, a film make-up artist may need to be adept in creating sophisticated, high-fashion looks or need to rely on design, sculpting and creativity to alter an actor’s looks by showing age, injury or characteristics of an alien or cartoon creature.