Part 2: Designing the Hair and Makeup for an International Show – Behind the Glam
As an international makeup artist, my journey often begins long before the spotlight hits the stage. This time, it started with a night at the Radisson RED at Gatwick Airport—a vibrant hotel with a super comfy bed and plush pillows that made my pre-dawn wake-up call slightly more bearable.
I caught an early EasyJet flight to Nantes, France. To my surprise, navigating Nantes airport was an absolute breeze—passport control was swift and smooth. A driver awaited both myself and a gentleman named Leo, who had been working on the technical side of the production for months. His insights during our ride were invaluable and gave me a sneak peek into the scale of the show we were about to bring to life.
As we approached the MSC World America, I was stunned by her sheer size and elegance. Standing tall at 20 decks, she’s the eighth-largest cruise ship in the world by tonnage, hosting up to 9,000 passengers and crew. Boarding was quick—security took no more than 10 minutes—and then… I instantly lost my bearings. This ship was a floating city!
Let me take a moment to gush about my cabin. Positioned on the starboard side (deck 10), I had French sliding doors that opened onto a massive balcony. The space was beautifully neutral—nothing over the top. It featured a slim but practical layout with a wardrobe, cupboard, vanity unit, two-seater sofa, and a wonderfully comfy double bed. My ensuite was compact but had everything I needed: toilet, sink, and a powerful shower. It was the perfect retreat for my 12-day stay.
Now, here’s something many outside the industry might not realize: the hair and makeup setup is often the last thing considered in production logistics. Sometimes I genuinely wonder—do designers imagine, makeup artists are some tiny human who carries hundreds of brushes and products strapped to there bodies? That I don’t need a station because I’m constantly running after performers? Or… do they just forget about us altogether?
Thankfully, four of the performers weren't using their dressing room stations, so I was able to claim a spot. It was pristine and fully lit—every single bulb around the mirror worked (it’s always the little things!).
Over the next few days, I focused on eight incredibly talented circus performers. Their beauty and skill were genuinely inspiring.
Johan David and Christopher, an acrobatic duo from Colombia, performed with a synchronicity that comes only from years of working side by side. Watching them anticipate each other’s every leap and twist was spellbinding.
Daiana, a fierce powerhouse from Russia, was a pocket rocket of strength and sass. Her specialty? Handstands—on moving platforms. Her no-nonsense attitude and immense control made her a total joy to work with.
Jessie, a charming Australian with a devil-may-care attitude (especially toward sunscreen!), brought plenty of laughs. I couldn’t believe someone from Australia got sunburnt! But the moment he took to the Chinese pole as Odysseus, he transformed—absolutely commanding the stage.
Matthew and Lorynne, a stunning hand-to-hand duo from Canada, were mesmerizing. Their chemistry was undeniable, each move like a beautifully blooming flower—his power and her grace in perfect harmony.
Arielle, the aerialist, was grace personified. Her flexibility and focus were unreal. Every performance was delivered with fierce precision—and yes, she can kick her leg up beside her head. WOW.
And then there’s Ashara, also from Canada. An all-around performer with an artistic eye. She nailed every aspect—from performance to presentation. Her purple braids were flawless, her makeup always immaculate, and her costume choices spot-on. Watching her soar through the air as the moon in her solo was pure magic.
As a makeup designer and destination makeup artist, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is when performers trust me with their looks. All eight artists were open and enthusiastic, and I knew I could count on them to adapt their makeup when needed.
For the women’s hairstyles, we experimented with high-shine wet looks and various braiding techniques—styles that looked slick and modern while staying practical for the stage.
Makeup-wise, we went bold. The brief called for otherworldly beauty with hues of green, blue, gold, and splashes of red or orange—looks that were unearthly yet readable from afar. The challenge? These designs had to be blendable, striking, and self-applied—some quick changes gave the cast only 1 minute and 20 seconds between scenes! There was no time for a bridal and event makeup artist to swoop in with a touch-up brush—every detail had to be fast, flawless, and flexible.
Thank you for reading, but I'll pause here—but stay tuned for Part 3: At Sea, where the real magic happens under the stage lights and the ocean skies.
Kisses, and Ciao for now
