Header Image (left to right): Head of Makeup Rebecca Lee & Actors Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara (Photo courtesy of Rebecca Lee.)
As Head of Makeup for “The Last of Us,” Rebecca Lee knows what it takes to care for skin during the most demanding productions, from battling the elements on set to creating award-winning looks. With two Emmys on her shelf for makeup design, we sat down with Rebecca to learn her secrets behind caring for actors’ skin through long days outdoors. Plus, we explore her favorite Eminence Organic Skin Care essentials she never visits set without.
Image: Head Of Makeup Rebecca Lee
Rebecca Lee Shares Her On-Set Secrets
Congratulations on your recent Emmy win for Outstanding Period or Fantasy Makeup for Shōgun! Can you tell us how your journey as a professional makeup artist began?
Thank you … I began my journey as a makeup artist at the Theatre Department of The University of British Columbia. There, I was a student actor and found myself more drawn to the work backstage and creating looks with makeup. My first job after apprenticing at the theatre was designing looks for plays and teaching actors to apply their own makeup. The growing film and television industry in Vancouver was a natural next step. Winning an Emmy was such an honor and I think was a culmination of my 30 years in the business working across Canada, in Europe and in Asia. Just as important, it was confirmation that I chose the right path when leaving the performer roles behind.
For a series like “The Last Of Us,” where actors are exposed to wind, dirt, sun or long hours outdoors, how do you protect and care for their skin throughout production?
My approach to skin care throughout any production is to design a strong skin care plan for each actor and to be diligent with it. Eminence Organics was essential in helping to plan these routines so the actors could always cleanse away makeup, soothe, moisturize and protect the skin, in the makeup trailer and at home. We relied heavily on the Lemon Grass Cleanser because no one ever reacted to it and it is so gentle, even on sensitive skin, yet so effective. We also used Echinacea Recovery Cream to nourish and soothe the skin after a long day on set in extreme weather. Bella Ramsey loved this cream after removing all their makeup.
Do you have any skin care tips or on-set tricks that everyday people could use at home — especially for keeping skin healthy and makeup fresh through long days?
I absolutely love using a tiny drop of the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil on my finger or a soft, small brush to refresh concealer around the eyes. I pat the oil gently into the concealer, instead of adding more product and powder. This technique removes any cakey-ness and has the added benefit of helping smooth the look of fine lines.
My other go-to product is Sun Defense Minerals SPF 30. For exterior shoots, I love being able to touch up for shine and refresh an actor’s SPF at the same time. It’s perfect to protect and mattify the skin for the camera.
Which Eminence Organics products do you consistently rely on for personal use while working on location?
When on location for a production, I adore using a few drops of the Apricot Body Oil in a nice hot bath. Nothing is better after long hours in cold weather and I love the fragrance. It’s pure luxury and leaves the skin so hydrated.
Looking back at your work on”The Last Of Us” and “Shōgun,” what are you most proud of as a makeup artist?
Looking back on “Shōgun,” specifically, I’m most proud of the level of authenticity that we achieved as a makeup team. Authentic representation was extremely important to all the departments collaborating on the show. As makeup artists, I think we were able to take that directive and really research the period, source other experts in the makeup style of the time and recreate the looks many times over, for months of filming. And I’m so proud that this attention to detail resulted in an Emmy for the makeup department.
Final Touches From “The Last of Us” Set
From harsh outdoor scenes to close-up moments on camera, the cast of “The Last Of Us” needed skin care that worked as hard as they did. On set, Eminence Organics helped support their skin’s health and glow with products designed to soothe, protect and nourish through every long day outdoors.
Inspired by Rebecca’s award-winning artistry, you can bring these same skin care essentials into your own routine — whether you’re facing unpredictable weather or you want skin that looks camera-ready every day. Discover more by visiting an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.
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