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Often, when we think of makeup – especially makeup in the space of influencing – we tend to think of “glam.” Glam is typically a full coverage look embellished by dazzling eyes and bold lips. Think Meredith Duxbury. However, makeup is a multifaceted art that encompasses far more than a wing and a lash.
For content creator Ella Grimmant (@elladoesfx), makeup knows no bounds. Specializing in special effects (SFX) makeup, Ella has shared with the TikTok community a gruesome yet beautiful portfolio of looks that are sure to drive a chill down your spine. TheThings chatted with Ella about her horrifyingly amazing work, favorite looks, and aspirations.
Why Ella Does Fx
Special effects makeup can take many forms, though typically, it centers around the creation of an illusion. Remember the Night King from HBO’s Game of Thrones? Well, his incredible team of makeup artists (MUAs) spent a grueling 4.5 hours completing his look.
SFX makeup requires extreme precision, especially when applying prosthetics. Becoming a successful special effects makeup artist is a demanding feat that must be practiced continuously. As these considerations culminated, we asked Ella why and how she got into SFX makeup.
“I’ve always loved glam makeup from a young age, however I started to show interest in SFX makeup when I began working as a scare actor in our local haunt attraction during Halloween. I loved sitting in the makeup chair and coming out completely transformed. I soon decided I wanted to take up SFX makeup as a hobby, learning all the tricks of the trade from YouTube tutorials and through other SFX creators.”
The power of YouTube is not one to be overlooked! Many influential creators like Ella look to the video platform to help refine and mature their skills. Since downloading TikTok in 2019, Ella herself has become an icon for those who inspire to be SFX makeup artists themselves. So, what made her inclined to start posting on the platform?
“TikTok was becoming more and more popular at this point, and it encouraged me to try something new and film some video content. I never in a million years thought that my first video would blow up like it did. My very first post got 18.5M views, surpassing 180K followers just after a few days.”
Well, 2019 Ella would be absolutely baffled to find out 2023 Ella has now accrued over 4.2 million followers on TikTok.
“It still doesn’t feel real most of the time. It’s overwhelming but in the best way, I couldn’t be more grateful for the support I’ve received from my followers.”
Clowns vs. Pirates
If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing Ella’s content on your fyp (for you page), you’re familiar with her affinity for all things creepy. From black widows to The Black Phone, Ella has designed unique, realistically terrifying looks that have deservedly earned her the support aforementioned.
So, what possesses Ella to create these ghoulish looks?
“I’ve always been a bit of a horror geek! I grew up watching horror movies with my family, and would even love to watch my brother play horror games for hours on his Xbox. After experimenting with SFX, I instantly fell in love with it, I love the positive reactions I get from my followers when I post my creepy content.”
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Now, for us horror fans, the next burning question is: do you have a favorite horror film?
“There’s so many to choose from! I don’t currently have a favorite movie, but my favorite horror movie character would probably be Art The Clown from the movie franchise Terrifier. There’s just something so unsettling about that character, which I love!”
Oh, Terrifier. The movie franchise that is, quite literally, terrifying. I’m glad Ella reveres rather than abhors the unsettling nature of his character, because I, for one, am on the opposing side!
Speaking of terrifying and favorites, we asked Ella which of her hair-raising looks was her most beloved.
“That’s a difficult one! There’s so many looks that I’m so proud of, but if I had to choose I’d say my current favorite is my “washed up pirate” makeup I did last October. This was so much fun to shoot outside my usual environment, me and my photographer friend, Jessica Kuiper Photography, went down to the beach at 5am! It was absolutely freezing but so worth it.”
Hoist the colors!
What’s Next for @Elladoesfx
On the side of content creation, Ella has begun digging into the world of freelance work which has allowed her exciting opportunities in the world of makeup.
“I was recently the Head Designer and MUA of Clean Bandit’s music video ‘Everything But You’. It was such a change of scenery for me, but I loved every second. I’d love to do more freelance work and get my name out there!”
In addition to connecting to previously out-of-reach folks, one of the most exciting perks of becoming a successful influencer in the makeup and beauty industry is the ability to create diverse new brands or collaborations. From lips, to highlighter, to face paint, to prosthetics, there are endless ways to break into the market with a well-tested product.
“I would love to have my own makeup line one day. I’d love to bring out affordable yet high quality products that everybody could use and love. A downside to becoming an SFX creator is that a lot of the products/tools needed can be quite expensive! So to launch my own affordable, high quality brand would be a dream come true!”
Yo ho, thieves and beggars – we know we’ll be walking the plank to get our hands on Ella’s products once her vision comes to life…or death.
