Look Behind The Look

I love any opportunity I can get to speak with Siân Miller, and what luck it was to have her on for "Wuthering Heights" to discuss all things wild... and contained. Braids for days, vacuum masks, intricate hairstyles only to never have film coverage, and yes... sigh... windburned cheeks. I have known Siân since she worked on Cyrano- a beautiful treasure of a film that many people might not know about, and we dug into all things Saltburn last time, but today we will talk about the film that has us all in the beauty world swooning. What did you think of Wuthering Heights? Have you tried any of the looks yourself? Siân and I also talked about where Hair and Makeup Falls on the priority list of time on shoot days- I’d love to hear from other craft departments about this topic. Makeup and Hair is often disregarded as a chunk of time allotted to vanity, when it is actually vital to the character creation and needs to be reestablished every shoot day. What are your thoughts on this as filmmakers and artists yourselves? Learn more about the products Siân used on-set here: ShopMy 0:00 - Intro 4:04 - When to Modernize the Story 6:12 - Working with Emerald Fennel 9:13 - Creating Cathy’s Hair 12:41 - The Thought Behind The Skin Room 14:17 - Matching Cathy to the Dining Room 17:17 - The Making Of Siân’s Favorite Scene 19:56 - Meaning Behind the Freckles 22:27 - Makeup is an Underappreciated Art 28:10 - Working with Jacob Elordi Again 30:26 - Outro Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

To be fair, my interview with Miyako was before Marty came to our screens…. you’ve seen in previous posts my excuse for the dog eating my homework; I’ve been producing a film in Philadelphia and the timing is less than stellar. I was also waiting to speak to Mike Fontaine and Kyra Panchenko about their makeup work on Marty which has since been recognized by BAFTA, but Kyra is insanely busy and our schedules did not align. So I am finally releasing my talk with Miyako mostly for bragging rights that I, too was granted the honor of having this superstar on the show. Miyako Bellizzi is THAT GIRL that you want to friends with. She is impossibly cool and effortlessly chic, and above all, spectacularly talented. Josh Safdi's Marty Supreme is without a doubt a polarizing film, but the one fact that is undisputed is it looked flawless. The authenticity, detail, and style are deserving of their Academy Award Nominations and we all knew from the moment this film was released that Bellizzi would be among those craftspeople who were recognized during awards season. I spoke to Miyako early in the film's release so we talked about the press tour a lot. I am not ashamed to admit that I have all the Marty Merch including the Wheaties Box. So while you may have seen this beautiful woman and her extraordinary work in this film featured everywhere from Vogue to Vanity Fair, we had a great time speaking off the cuff about the excitement of the cultural influence of an A24 press tour. Enjoy! Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

Currently, Mike Fontaine is Oscar Nominated for his work in SINNERS, and his work in Marty Supreme is BAFTA Nominated. I loved hearing Mike talking about knowing what he wanted before he hit double digits and how he became a protégé of Dick Smith—the legendary makeup artist behind The Exorcist and The Godfather—who mentored him into adulthood. Mike shares his experiences collaborating with director Ryan Coogler and the challenges of creating authentic characters. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and passion that goes into making unforgettable cinematic moments and learn about Mike's deep appreciation of nature and how it is reflected in his work. Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Look Behind the Look, host Tiffany Bartok welcomes the dynamic duo Barbara Guillaume & Amy Komorowski , renowned groomers who have worked with Hollywood's elite, including Bradley Cooper, Adam Driver and Leo DiCaprio. Together, they unveil the secrets behind their innovative product, Circa 1970 face oil, a, gender-neutral skincare product, formulated with bakuchiol to serve as a natural, non-irritating alternative to retinol. The women are transparent with their struggles (thank you, ladies, we are not alone it seems:), and reveal why their (ahem) very famous clients pay retail to secure this magic potion for themselves. Entirely self-funded and deeply inspirational, Amy and Barbara tell all about this extraordinary product and how it found it's way to the most elite vanities in Hollywood and beyond. I’ve used this magic potion and the smell alone is heaven-on-earth, not to mention the power of the product… and it’s two founders. Head Here for Circa 1970 Oil Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

In this holiday edition of Look Behind the Look, we unwrap the layers of Terry Gilliam's 1985 film Brazil, a retro futurist fever dream that cleverly disguises its incisive critique of bureaucracy and authoritarianism as a Christmas movie. Join us as we explore the film's rich aesthetics, from its elaborate production design to the campy hair and makeup, revealing how these visuals reflect the emotional machinery of a society struggling under the weight of conformity and denial. Discover how Brazil remains relevant today, echoing our contemporary challenges with digital systems and the normalization of crisis. 0:00 - Intro 1:28 - Gilliam After Python: The Architect of Beautiful Nightmares 3:05 - The Look: A World Styled for Breakdown 4:12 - Camp as Survival & Bureaucratic Beauty 5:25 - Imagination as a Last Resort: Sam Dreams 6:18 - The Restaurant Scene: Elegance at the Edge of Collapse 7:05 - When Help Becomes Theater 7:41 - When Emptiness Becomes Violence 8:27 - The Christmas Setting: Festivity as Emotional Camouflage 9:36 - If Brazil Were Made Today 13:27 - Closing Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

I finally had the chance to have Frances Hannon on the show and yes, you have heard from her by now, but I know there are some tid-bits you will learn from our talk... perhaps you haven’t learned about John Chu’s bespokeiridescent blue for his horses...? How would you like to get your hands on that creation? And for those of you who aren’t besieged with Wicked in your feed, this may be the first time you are learning about Frances’ process working with Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, John Chu on this epic adventure of WICKED and WICKED:FOR GOOD. Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Look Behind the Look, I chat with makeup designer Sharon Tabb, who shares her creative journey behind the scenes of the hit series “The Lowdown” and the important film “Sarah’s Oil.” Sharon shared with me her origin story and while I always love a “how did you get here” exchange, this one is truly remarkable as serendipity and a leap of faith were powerful players in Sharon’s arrival to her career. If you are just getting started in your career, this episode is full of words of wisdom, and if you are far along in your journey, you will love hearing about what keeps Sharon motivated as I am sure you can relate. I was truly recharged after spending time with her and I know you will be too. Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

We’ve all seen Frankenstein by now and those who have seen it in the theater (hi!) have no doubt shamed those who watched on Netflix, but we can all agree that the film is GORGEOUS and we no doubt found ourselves confusingly (or maybe not so confusingly) attracted to The Creature. In this episode, Prosthetic Designer Mike Hill talks in delightful detail about every detail of the creation and evolution of The Creature and explains how Jacob Elordi, Guillermo del Toro and more all collaborated to bring this work of art to life. Enjoy! And let me know what you think as always… 0:00 - Intro 2:44 - Building a New Frankenstein 8:15 - The Creature’s Bold First Impression 9:20 - Creativity Through Color 12:29 - The Rush To Get The Job Done 15:50 - Seeing The Creature Come To Life 16:50 - Response to Frankenstein’s Release 18:56 - Mike and Guillermo: From Monsterpalooza to Partners 24:29 - Victor’s Artistry And Influence On The Creature 27:33 - How The Creature’s Eyes Came To Be 29:49 - Jacob Elordi’s 10 Hour Transformation Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

Go behind the scenes of Weapons as Look Behind The Look with Melizah Wheat, Leo Satkovich and Jason Collins. They reveal how the hair, makeup, and SFX team created the unforgettable Aunt Gladys. From the offset wig to the prosthetics and makeup that shaped her entire character arc, this episode breaks down every creative choice that brought her to life. 0:00 Intro 5:08 Meeting Aunt Gladys 7:12 Wig Creation 11:30 Makeup Design 15:30 Debunking Theories 17:55 Character Arc Through Makeup 19:55 Prosthetics 23:00 Origin of the Offset Wig 27:00 The Lasting Impact of Aunt Gladys WATCH WEAPONS But wait! There’s more... https://linktr.ee/lookbehindthelook Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

#MiaNeal #TheSmashingMachine #BehindTheScenes Get ready for one of my most favorite episodes ever. Firstly, WHY HAVEN’T YOU SEEN THE SMASHING MACHINE? I saw this film on opening weekend as a #BennySafdi die hard, and was lucky enough to get to pick Oscar Winner, Mia Neal’s beautiful brain about the work she did in the Hair Department for it right after. Let me just tell you, I had NO IDEA what she was about to tell me. Holy Smokes, did Ms. Neal conquer some challenges- in fact, I believe the quote she ended with when I turned off the zoom was “I’m going to be in so much trouble when this airs”... You are going to LOVE this episode, the sound advice Mia shares and examples of sheer bravery she provides in this packed hour. Watch THE SMASHING MACHINE HERE But wait! There’s more... https://linktr.ee/lookbehindthelook Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

Presenting a new fest special. Jayce Bartok guest hosts to speak to the filmmakers of Pretty/Dirty which you can see at DOCNYC this year. Filmmakers Jennifer Ash Rudick and Amanda M. Benchley speak on their new documentary, Pretty/Dirty, diving deep into Minter’s provocative art, exploring themes of beauty, power, and the female gaze. Jayce, Jennifer, and Amanda discuss how Minter’s work challenges societal norms while simultaneously celebrating the intricacies of glamour and rebellion. Listen in as they share insights about the creative process behind the film, the challenges of documentary filmmaking, and the significance of Minter’s unique perspective in the art world. With an emphasis on the importance of chosen family and the impact of ageism, this episode reveals the layers of Minter’s artistry and the cultural conversations it ignites. See PRETTY/DIRTY at DOC NYC November 20 in NYC. Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

THE ROSES Starring Olivia Coleman and Benedict Cumberbatch is available on Disney Plus beginning this weekend, and as you settle in to watch, enjoy this interview with PC Williams, the brilliant costume designer behind the film. PC shares her creative journey in designing captivating looks for Colman and Cumberbatch. Hear how the costumes evolve alongside the characters, reflecting their descent into madness within the narrative of their tumultuous marriage. Beyond The Roses, in our talk, PC also shares valuable insights for aspiring creatives on navigating the industry, the importance of collaboration, and how to handle meetings that may not feel like the right fit. PC is candid and gives amazing advice about how align with the right job for your career creatively and professionally. 00:00 Hello! 02:35 PC discusses the effort behind “effortless” looks. 09:06 How do you collaborate with talent on the job 14:35 Valuable career advice from PC 19:42 When you don’t get something, do you seek feedback or let it go 22:14 PC and her BAFTA win! Watch THE ROSES Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

Please Welcome Scott Barnes, the personal makeup artist to Jennifer Lopez, Makeup Department Head Maya Hardinge, and Hair Department Head Michelle Johnson. Kiss of the Spider Woman opened this weekend and now we need to talk about some of those gorgeous looks. In this episode, I am joined the talented team behind the Hair and Makeup in the film, including Scott Barnes, the personal makeup artist to Jennifer Lopez, Makeup Department Head Maya Hardinge, and Hair Department Head Michelle Johnson. Discover how the team came together, the creative challenges they faced, and the intricate details that brought the characters to life. From the vibrant nightclub scenes to the delicate balance of period authenticity and modern flair, the conversation touches on the artistry and collaboration that make this film a visual feast. Get ready for behind-the-scenes stories, insights into the creative process, and a heartfelt tribute to the incredible work that goes into film production. KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN ** From this interview I discovered a couple of things I’m really excited about: 1. The name of the RED that Scott Barnes used in the film on Jennifer. 2. Maya revealed that there will be a Special DVD coming for the film that will have gorgeous deleted scenes. Tactile Media is making a comeback, people, BELIEVE! 00:00 Hello 01:03 Scott says Colleen Atwood recommended him for Kiss of Spider Woman 03:39 What are some of the main differences between movies and the beauty, makeup world 11:59 The hair team. 16:41 Challenges of working in Uruguay. 17:18 The teams’ favorite scenes. 20:23 The secret weapon for selling the era. 23:16 Scott, are you gonna put together a little Kiss the Spider Woman package 24:18 The making of The Spider Woman 27:40 The teams favorite looks in the film. 31:13 Maya: Diego looked great in that one scene. He really looked like, uh. He came off like. He had been through it 33:05 Who’s audition tape made Michelle cry? But wait! There’s more... https://linktr.ee/lookbehindthelook Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

Let’s take a closer look at the work of Erica Villanueva in this little gem WALTZING WITH BRANDO. The film may have snuck past you, but the Hair and Makeup work is extraordinary. Erica was the head of the hair department for the enchanting film. Join us as Erica shares her incredible journey of transforming Billy Zane into the iconic Marlon Brando with her team, capturing the essence of the late 60s with stunning period looks. From the landscapes of Tahiti to the intricate details of replicating Brando’s legendary hairstyles, Erica reveals the challenges and joys experienced on set. Erica also discusses the unique experiences of filming in paradise, the creative process behind the work, and the importance of communication in the intimate world of hair and makeup. With stories of teamwork, and the thrill of being shortlisted for an Oscar, Erica and I had a great time talking about this film. 00:00 Hello! 03:18 Filming in Tahiti 04:08 Billy Zane’s hair and navigating the wig 06:07 Working with Cici Anderson of the makeup department 07:58 The challenges of the elements 10:22 Let’s talk about replicating The Godfather 12:36 The impact that Brando has had on the island. 14:03 Workng with the local crew But wait! There’s more... https://linktr.ee/lookbehindthelook Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

Where were you when you first saw the most expensive NC-17 Film ever made? Have you seen it since? What is your relationship with this iconic box office disaster? In this Bite-Sized Episode we examine SHOWGIRLS and celebrate Elizabeth Berkley’s strength despite it’s devastating reception. Even The Academy has come around to acknowledge this film’s place in our pop culture history. Enjoy this look back into the film that is a delicious disaster and let me know about your experience with SHOWGIRLS. 0:00 Hi! 0:53 Hair, Makeup and Costumes of SHOWGIRLS 3:19 The push and pull of Showgirls 4:06 The Backlash 5:45 Gina Ravera and her negative personal experience on set 7:16 Tropes and Colorism in SHOWGIRLS 9:52 Justice for SHOWGIRLS- how the film found success through Camp and triumphed on Home Video Also: See below for a link to the documentary YOU DON’T NOMI for more! Watch SHOWGIRLS Watch the documentary YOU DON’T NOMI Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

Known for her stunning work on iconic series MAD MEN and her Emmy Award Winning work on Deadwood, Janie shares her journey from a childhood surrounded by textiles to crafting unforgettable looks for the hit show 1923. Discover how family influences shaped her career, the creative process behind designing period costumes, and the challenges of dressing 5,000 extras. Janie reflects on her favorite characters to design for, the importance of authenticity, and the emotional journey of her latest projects. *Weird, wild episode treat? Listen details about for Janie’s love for socks. Yes, SOCKS:) 00:00 Welcome! 01:24 Janie Bryant on her family upbringing in the world of textiles 04:05 Janie's surprising passion for women's business suites! 07:06 The beauty of creating with the show creators 11:29 All things Deadwood 12:00 All things Mad Men 15:28 Janie's favorite characters to design for on Mad Men 17:27 All things 1923 But wait! There's more... Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

Step behind the scenes of Apple TV’s hit series "The Studio" in this special 2025 Emmy-Nominees episode of Look Behind the Look! Host Tiffany Bartok sits down with Emmy-nominated costume designer Cameron Lennox to uncover the creative process, inspirations, and secrets behind the show’s unforgettable looks. Discover how Cameron collaborates with stars like Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, and Katheryn Hahn, crafts character-defining wardrobes, and brings unexpected Hollywood glamour into the modern era. A deep dive into the artistry of costume design, this episode is a must-listen for fans of film, television, and style. Don’t miss your chance to learn what it takes to create award-worthy costumes and iconic on-screen moments! For more, check out the Look Behind the Look episode on The Studio’s Hair and Makeup Design with myself, Jorgee Douglass and Vanessa Price. 0:00 Introduction to Look Behind the Look 1:58 Meeting Cameron Lennox 3:47 Cameron's History with Seth Rogen 7:22 Cameron's Hollywood Connection 8:59 Development of The Studio 12:07 Film Noir Episode Discussion 15:23 Seth Rogen's Costume Design 17:35 Catherine O'Hara's Character Style 20:38 Katherine Hahn's Character Design 26:06 Quinn's Character Development and Wardrobe 33:16 Closing Remarks Watch The Studio Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

It's Season 4 of Abbott Elementary, and Moira Frazier is going for her third Emmy Nomination. I had her back for a third time to discuss, guinea pig wigs, Halloween Looks, and more. Moira earned two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling in 2023 and 2024. Her work on the show also earned her two Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Awards for Best Contemporary Hairstyling. Enjoy our chat about the show, the cast and the industry as we manifest that 3rd nomination- happy voting! Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

Hello from the Tribeca Film Festival While I await for my dispute to clear on YouTube, please feel free to listen to the audio version of my interview with James Kaliardos, who is Miley Cyrus’ makeup artist among MANY other things. A legend in this industry and founder and director of Visionaire, he carved out some time to talk all things Beautiful. To have been at the premier of this creation was an other worldly experience. It was an explosion of the senses to be sure. And to let us in on some of the behind the scenes stories from set, James is here to oblige. Again, the video version of this is currently blocked, but I wanted to get this to you even if it is via mp3. Enjoy! Something Beautiful Showtimes James Kaliardos IG Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe

This is it, you guys.... This is the RAVEN episode! I was thrilled to find myself spending time with Raven to discuss the new season of "Touch Ups with Raven" premiering on WOW Presents Plus June 10. We delved into Raven's journey in the world of drag and makeup artistry. Raven's career began much earlier than her time on Drag Race, with a passion for makeup that sparked at a young age. Growing up in Victorville, California, captivated by the transformative power of makeup, experimenting with cosmetics... a star was born. This early fascination paved the way for a remarkable career that now includes working side by side with royalty- RuPaul. During our conversation, Raven shared the emotional experience of receiving the call to become RuPaul's personal makeup artist and we also learn the elements involved in the signature "Raven Beat". We also discussed the importance of energy matching in the makeup chair, highlighting how Raven and RuPaul create a comfortable and collaborative atmosphere. This synergy allows them to enjoy the process while achieving stunning results, demonstrating the significance of a positive working relationship in the beauty industry. As Raven prepares for the new season of "Touch Ups with Raven," we talked about the importance of continuous learning and experimentation in makeup artistry. Raven reminds us that aspiring artists need to embrace trial and error, as this is the key to finding one's unique style. With so much excitement surrounding Raven's work and the upcoming season, listeners are in for a treat. Join us as we celebrate the artistry of makeup and the vibrant world of drag. Be sure to catch the new season of "Touch Ups with Raven" on WOW Presents Plus! But wait! There's more... https://linktr.ee/lookbehindthelook Watch Touch Ups With Raven Season 2 Starting TODAY, June 10 on World of Wonder Plus Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe