5 Minute Face Talk - Pro Makeup Tips for Film and TV

5 Minute Face Talk - Pro Makeup Tips for Film and TV

Welcome to 5 Minute Face Talk, the podcast that is its name - short, easy-to-digest episodes inside which I indulge you in the world and art of makeup. With over 25 years of experience as a film and tv makeup artist, a bunch of Emmy nominations, and a film credit or two under my belt, needless to say, makeup is pretty much all I know. Makeup has been in my life for most of my life, so now it's time to share all that I've learned with you. And now that I'm over 40, well, I'm sure we’ll touch on a thing or two for my over-40s friends, so if that's you, stay tuned, my friend. If you struggle with your skincare or you don't know where to go with your makeup now that you're in your 40s or older, then you are in the right place. So get ready because it's not just fluff and powder puffs here, I’ll share my product picks, top tips, techniques and no-nos, and hopefully even a giggle or two, as we explore the world of skincare, makeup and all things beauty. All wrapped up in bite-sized episodes for you, so welcome to 5 Minute Face Talk!

Episodes

October 21, 2025 6 mins

Episode #093.

This is actually episode 93 (not 90!) and explores a sentimental favorite - the Ben Nye Bruise Wheel.

Sure, it's been around for decades, but it's certainly not getting old.

This product SHOULD be a mainstay in pro makeup artist kits the world over.

Versatile, user-friendly, perfect for artists of all levels, you can't go wrong with the bruise wheel, and there's not a bad word to be said about it. Learn why inside this ep...

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Episode #092.

This episode touches on the often overlooked and underutilized makeup effects material that is foam latex. We focus on how it can be a wonderful material for hairpunching and why it's days are (or should be) long from over.

Loved this episode? Let’s stay connected!


Need a makeup Refresher or Starter Course all about movie makeup?! Start Movie Makeup 101 today - the best FREE makeup course around.

Grab your free gu...

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December 9, 2024 15 mins

Episode #091.

Creating realistic burn makeups and effects can be quite the creative hurdle. After all, we are usually required to leave the performers' eyes, nose, mouth, and oftentimes, hair untouched, as if they are miraculously impervious to the natural effects of physics.

So how do you create a realistic burn look with some serious limitations?

Sometimes, you might have to bend the rules, and sometimes you have to take a bit of a ...

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Episode #90. Listen for a moment, as we delve into a classic yet often overlooked makeup technique: beard cover makeup. I'll share some essential tips, products, and techniques to perfect this skill and ensure your character's look is polished and period-correct.


Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, you'll discover the importance of mastering this technique for achieving a flawless finish, even with today's adv...

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Episode #089.

Inside this episode of 5 Minute Face Talk, we'll explore the essentials of upgrading and streamlining your makeup brush kit without breaking the bank.

Take a look at affordable yet high-quality options for foundation, eyeshadow, and special effects brushes, along with tips on selecting versatile and synthetic brushes. Plus, I’ll share some insider tips on maintaining and caring for your brushes to extend their lifespan...

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Episode #088.

Have you ever felt the pressure of time constraints in our industry? "How long is it going to take?" "How much longer will you be?" Ring any bells?

Inside this episode of 5 Minute Face Talk, we explore how to become faster and more efficient in prosthetic makeup applications without sacrificing quality.


We'll dive into essential tips for preparation, station setup, multitasking, and maintaining focus under pressure.

<...

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Episode #087.

This episode of 5 Minute Face Talk explores a topic that's all too familiar for makeup artists the world over getting caught up in the minutiae. We've all been there - obsessing over that perfect winged eyeliner or the precise blending of prosthetic edges only to find ourselves stuck and unable to move forward.

In this week's episode, I'll share my own experiences and challenges with perfectionism in makeup artistry, of...

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Episode #86.

Take a stroll with me, if you will, into a critical and often overlooked skill for all makeup artists: adaptability.


Whether it's last-minute script changes, unexpected weather, or even working out of an entirely different makeup trailer, the ability to pivot is paramount. How do you keep your cool when everything around you is shifting? How do you maintain your artistry when the environment is less than ideal?


Th...

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Episode #085.

Inside this episode of 5 Minute Face Talk, we'll paint the town red, or at least our eyebrows, well, sort of.


It's been the bane of many a redhead's life, trying to find an eyebrow pencil that not only matches their hair color, but complements their complexion. Remember a time, not too long ago, when that solution was virtually non-existent? Well, thankful times have changed, and now there are plenty of wonderful wa...

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Episode #084.

Want to know the best quick fixes and top tips from the world of movie makeup and skincare?


Inside this episode of 5 Minute Face Talk, I'll be diving into the wonders of Opsite Spray, a versatile medical spray that can step in as a flawless makeup sealer, and some secret alternatives you might not know about yet.

We'll also explore ingenious solutions for unexpected on-set challenges, such as using a humidity blocker...

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September 17, 2024 20 mins

Episode #083.

This episode takes a vital detour from the usual creative discussions to focus on a skill that’s just as essential in the world of professional makeup artistry: the art of negotiation.

We’ll dive into key strategies for securing your worth as a movie makeup artist, especially if you're starting out.

I’ll share a personal anecdote or two (cause you know I love doing that!), valuable tips, and techniques to help you naviga...

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Episode #082.

Inside this, episode 82 of 5 Minute Face Talk, I'm diving into the world of setting sprays and makeup sealers.


You've seen them on the shelves, heard the buzz, and maybe even used one or twelve. But what's the real difference between these two powerhouse products? And more importantly, which one should become your go-to best friend, depending on your skin and makeup needs?


From intense theatrical makeup that must...

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Episode #081.

Let's face it. It feels like everyone's a makeup artist today. From the barrage of (unrealistic) reality tv shows that have made celebrity synonymous with the term makeup.

To the unbalanced ratio of makeup schools and students to actually makeup jobs available, it can feel like makeup artists are truly a dime a dozen.

So what can you do to ensure that you are seen as the serious, dedicated and driven makeup artist that y...

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Episode #080.

Inside this episode of 5 Minute Face Talk, I share a trade "secret" that was taught to me years ago. it involves a lip primer. Just one simple lip primer. But used in a way entirely different, almost opposite to the way its intended on the packaging. But how does that work? How do you make a product work by using it in an entirely opposite fashion to the way it's intended? Well, that's the beauty of makeup - there are ...

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Episode #079.

Inside this episode of 5 Minute Face Talk, we explore a logical, yet sneaky little way to get started building your favorite (and fancy) foundation brands in your kit, without having to take out a loan that could buy you a small island in the Caribbean.

You should be able to use whatever luxury foundation makeup you like. And the fact that some pricetags are triple digit, shouldn't dictate that you can't use them. Or cr...

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Episode #078.

We have gotten to the episode that no one wants to hear about, or really, talk about either. The rather unsexy topic of personal injuries and looking after your body on set as a movie makeup artist.

There seem to be unwritten laws when it comes to working on movie sets. You're not allowed to ever appear to be tired, sore, or injured. And heaven forbid if you are any of these things, that they get to you. This bravado sh...

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Episode #077.

We all start somewhere in this wonderful career of makeup art, don't we.

And for almost all of us (except those elite and utterly gifted few who miraculously rise to the top or higher on their first makeup outing) assisting is the usual first path we tip toe upon.

Makeup assisting is a brilliant way of life in the field of makeup, but there are a shocking amount of misconceptions that seem to be commonplace so I wanted t...

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Episode #076.

Ever got that call to create that character covered in mud? Or perhaps a cracked doll face look? And then they tell you it has to stay on for 8 hours without touch ups? I know, me too. And it seems to happen a lot. And the thing is, when you haven't created this type of mud makeup look before, it can be hard to know the right materials to start with - is it ok to use real face masks on the skin for that long?

So many qu...

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Episode #075.

Showing up for your very first day on set, working as a movie makeup artist can be daunting. It can be overwhelming. Who are all these people? Where do I need to go? And where are the toilets?

Let's get down to basics inside this episode of 5 Minute Face Talk and uncover the single most important piece of information that will get you started on the right foot, and help minimize some of that overwhelm when it comes to w...

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Episode #074.

Inside this episode of 5 Minute Face Talk, we are exploring the crucial topic of basic sanitizing within the world of makeup: why 70% isopropyl alcohol beats 99% when it comes to sanitizing your beauty tools and workspace.


And there will be no chemistry degree required!


Learn why that extra bit of water in the 70% solution makes all the difference, making it a far more effective choice for killing germs. Plus, we...

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