As we sailed across the Atlantic, I found myself deep in one of the most challenging and exciting chapters of my career as an international makeup artist. Designing the hair and makeup for Odyssey—a headline performance aboard a luxury cruise liner—was nothing short of an epic adventure.
Odyssey wasn’t just another shipboard show. It was the must-see event at sea, with three performances in one day to ensure every guest could experience the magic. But as is often the case in live entertainment, things didn’t go quite according to plan.
Due to scheduling conflicts and other show priorities, our production was constantly being rescheduled and shifted. While extra time can be a blessing, it’s only useful if the creative team is onboard long enough to use it. Unfortunately, most of us—myself included—had fixed departure dates. We had to get everything ready ahead of time and trust that the performers and tech teams could carry it through.
Lee, our visionary wardrobe and set designer, had his hands full with fittings, costume tweaks, and headpieces—all while the performers juggled multiple other entertainment duties. And our tech rehearsals, initially planned for our transatlantic crossing, were delayed by two weeks and pushed into late-night slots. To make things more complicated, the lighting engineer would board the ship after I had already disembarked.
If you're not familiar with how stage productions work, here’s a quick overview. Before a show goes live, performers rehearse in studios with the director and choreographer. Behind the scenes, professionals like myself—makeup designers and hair stylists—are busy crafting the visual identity of each character. Then, during “tech,” all departments come together: sound, lights, stage management, wardrobe, and of course, makeup. It’s when the show truly comes to life.
But with key departments missing during that final phase, we had to adapt—and quickly.
The cast of Odyssey included dancers and circus performers, often switching roles with only seconds to change costumes. There were no dressers or makeup artists backstage, so the looks had to be easy to maintain, quick to change, and still visually stunning under stage lights.
I simplified my designs, focusing on performance makeup that could work across multiple roles. Working hand in hand with Lee, the director, and the cast, we landed on styles that were bold but practical. Braided hairstyles could be hidden under costume hoods, with dramatic clip-in ponytails added when needed. Eye makeup remained consistent throughout, while lip colors shifted to signal character changes—from sirens and seagulls to moon maidens and humans.
As a destination makeup artist, I’ve learned that flexibility is everything. You can plan every detail, but when you’re working at sea, or abroad, you must be ready to pivot. That’s especially true when you're not there to do the touch-ups or adjust under the lights yourself.
This project was an emotional mix of creative highs and logistical frustrations. I was surrounded by talented artists, eager to make every element of the show shine. As a makeup designer, I wanted to enhance the costume and set design, support the performers, and meet the vision of both the show director and the cruise director—who ultimately have the final say.
After three nail-biting weeks at home, wondering if the looks would translate, I received photos from the premiere. Odyssey had opened to a full house—and the cast looked incredible. The makeup, though adapted and executed without me, came to life under the lights. It moved with the dancers, complemented the costumes, and helped tell the story.
And just like that, my event makeup artist journey at sea came to a close. A truly unforgettable experience in my career as an international and bridal makeup artist—one that reminded me why I love this work. Whether it’s a bride on a beach, a stage performer in the spotlight, or a show at sea, I’m always chasing that perfect moment where makeup becomes magic.
