Film makeup artists have recently been propelled into the limelight courtesy of popular TV shows like Euphoria on Max and the countless TikTok portrayals of niche character archetypes influenced by beloved movies and TV series. The ongoing allure of shows and films that feature zombies, vampires, aliens, fairies, and other fantastical creatures persist in satisfying our appetite for thrill and frightful delights that are made possible by skilled special effects makeup (SFX). From beauty to SFX, Gabby Navarrete is a film makeup artist that creates some of our favorite creatures and characters. Navarrete’s work can be seen on Netflix shows like Gentefied, Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3, Grimes’ music videos known for outstanding fantasy and sci-fi characters, and several others. Navarrete gives us a sneak peek into her personal voyage as a TV/film makeup artist, where she unveils tips and tricks to achieve movie magic with skincare and makeup products found at Ulta Beauty.
One day, post high-school graduation, Navarrete had an “aha!” moment while watching the movie Legend. “Tim Curry played a demon character called the Lord of Darkness, his whole body was covered in prosthetics and he had these huge horns. His entire face shape was completely transformed and I was like, ‘Wow! Someone had to paint, sculpt, and design that makeup. I can create a living out of all of the artistic things I love to do while in the film industry and then it gets to be seen around the world!” Navarrete gleams as she recalls. The Mexican-American makeup artist, who grew up near the Los Angeles film studios, immediately searched makeup schools and found the Makeup Designory in Burbank, CA. There, she learned to enhance her beauty makeup and special effect techniques.
After makeup school, Navarrete recalls having a rough start. A nine-to-five, special effects lab internship she worked at – to gain experience – offered no pay and the temporary non-union jobs she found would sometimes only amount to $50-$100 a day. She supplemented with odd jobs and bartending to keep herself afloat. These barriers to entry in many creative industries can often circumvent focus on the career path. “In 2015 I had a friend who advised, ‘You need to quit all your side jobs and focus on makeup,’ that moment shifted my perspective and dedication to take a leap of faith,” says Navarrete. She went on a self-development journey and directed her energy to achieve her dreams as a Hollywood film makeup artist and she began garnering more jobs in the industry.
One non-union project she landed was a stepping stone into the coveted film union when it suddenly flipped from non-union to a union-backed film. After completing the prerequisite of 30 days and paying the hefty $7,000 dues she was ushered in as a new IATSE Local 706 makeup artist. In February 2020, Navarrete was invited to day play (daily film work upon request) on her first major Netflix feature The Prom, a musical boasting big-name stars such as Ariana Debose, Meryl Streep, James Cordon, etc.
She felt like her career was finally taking off – then the pandemic hit, and with all of her savings having gone toward union dues Navarrete was devastated. Nevertheless, she once again relied on self-development work, reading books such as You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay, listening to make-up-informed podcasts, and studying films and T.V. At the time, she felt particularly connected to Netflix’s Gentefied. “There was finally some good Chicano representation that didn’t rely on the ‘cholo’ trope and had a broad spectrum of what the Latine immigrant journey and experience is, because it’s not the same for everyone. It also showed how gentrification is impacting our neighborhoods and themes about what our responsibility to these neighborhoods are as first generation or second generation kids once we’ve grown up,” Navarrete shares as the impetus to work on that series.
After four to five months when the pandemic restrictions were lifted, Navarrete got a career affirming call notifying her that a second season of a Netflix series is shooting for three months–and get this– it’s Gentefied. They requested a third makeup artist role that Navarrete would fill. She was ecstatic about the opportunity and felt newly aligned with her purpose.
For beauty and everyday looks in series and films such as The Prom and Gentefied, the makeup artist says it’s especially important to work with the director of photography to make sure lighting on the talent is complementary with the makeup. Navarrete usually starts with skin prep by using Pixi FortifEYE Firming Eye Patches to help reduce puffiness and rejuvenate the undereye area. She makes sure the skin is fully cleansed and free of any natural oils. Afterwards, she applies Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 which Navarrete says is gorgeous for protecting the skin and minimizing pores under makeup. She then loves to apply Tarte Shape Tape Radiant Concealer because it helps brighten up the eyes and blends nicely to even out skin tone before applying foundation. She follows that up with a moisturizing foundation that will last through a long day of film sequences and won’t cause too much shine under hot film lights. Navarrete suggests FENTY BEAUTY Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint for its smooth application and matte finish, topped off with Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder for a camera-ready shine free set. For eyebrows Navarrete opts to use Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Waterproof, Smudge Proof Brow Pomade for building fullness and defined brow precision. To accent a realistic eyelash look full of volume she recommends ARDELL Trios Lash in small and medium. For removal of prosthetics, Navarrete uses Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes.
Often for background talent, Navarrete uses a lipstick that has great pigmentation and build such as Milani Color Festish Matte Lipstick, a creamy, velvet matte lipstick that glides onto lips which can be followed by Milani Fruit Fetish Lip Oil for a touch of lip shine and hydration. “Urban Decay Naked Palettes such as the Naked Metals Eye Palette are great to have in your kit for using on background to do a quick quality job since they are versatile with a range of shades that blend seamlessly. I prefer to use IT Brushes for my own application because the plush dual ended brush tips are multipurpose and handy for gliding on makeup to create a variety of looks,” Navarrete confides.
After filming Gentefied, Navarrete’s career was on a roll and she went to work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, known for its alien and superhero characters “On a project like Guardians of the Galaxy where you’re doing a lot of prosthetics, there are more touch-ups throughout the day because the skin is warm and produces oil, so prosthetics can start lifting around certain areas and creases. Usually to prepare for prosthetics you thoroughly cleanse the skin… You then add an adhesive so that the prosthetic will stick to the skin and use either alcohol or cream-based paints, then I’ll add another layer of adhesive so it all sticks and blends well. You want to make sure the edges look seamless so that it isn’t obvious that any prosthetics have been applied,” says the special effects artist.
Having a cleanser that is gentle and soft on your skin is essential for taking care of your face, especially after using special effects makeup, which can be drying and harsh. Similarly, regular long-wear makeup formulas are excellent for their lasting power, but a tough removal process at the end of the day can also lead to irritation. Therefore, opting for a gentle cleanser can help maintain the health of your skin. Navarrete says that a face cleanser like Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser is great for melting away all traces of dirt & makeup and Kiehls Since 1851 Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion effectively balances and calms oily-prone areas, which is especially helpful with soothing the skin during the makeup removal process. She’ll apply aloe to any minor abrasions that may be caused by prosthetic wear. Afterwards, Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream is a helpful solution to add moisture back in to restore the skin barrier along with PIXI Rose Oil Blend to help revitalize its appearance, leaving skin dewy and rejuvenated.
Amidst the highs and lows of the process, Navarrete finally feels like she’s gaining the career highlights she’s always dreamed of. Although currently she’s out of work – like many others working in film, due to the writer’s strike – she feels optimistic that both she and the industry as a whole will emerge stronger than before along with improved conditions for aspiring newcomers striving to make it big in Hollywood.
On advice for breaking into the film industry, Navarrete says, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable, put yourself in situations that you wouldn’t necessarily put yourself in because you don’t think you’re good enough or talented enough, etc. Get out there and do it because if you don’t you’ll never know what that situation can lead you to and make sure to work on different skin types, textures, and complexions to gain experience with various looks. Also, make sure to talk to everyone. You never know who in your makeup chair can introduce you to the next big opportunity!”
Navarrete hopes her next big career moment will be working on a film with director Guillermo Del Toro, who’s known for his exquisite fantasy film monsters. She is also currently manifesting to one day be part of a months-long forest fantasy film project based in Japan. Until then, she along with movie-goers can look forward to seeing her name in the credits for her make-up work in The Joker sequel and Godzilla x Kong releasing in 2024.
