When it comes to the beauty industry, the subject can't be reduced to just YouTube videos or beauty tutorials, it is an industry of many outlets. The beauty industry has flourished in the last few decades, and now doesn't only include makeup, but special effects too, often with the lines between the two quite blurry. Streaming channels and production companies have picked up on this popular industry and have made some of the best shows that involve these two industries.
Even though the below shows might not be strictly about either makeup or special effects, they show how they can be used creatively, and tell their amazing stories through the use of makeup, fashion, or special effects.
Face Off
Originally released on The SyFy Channel, Face Off remains one of the best special effects/makeup artistry shows out there. Unfortunately, as of now, the show ended at 13 seasons, but the past seasons can keep fans entertained and fascinated for hours. Hosted by American actress McKenzie Westmore, she guides a group of skilled make-up artists through challenges where they compete for the top prize that includes a makeup contract and cash.
The contestants show their work to a panel of established judges in the hopes of being the top make-up artist that wins it all. The competitions involve concept designs, sculpting, and extensive makeup work that will make or break their chances.
Glow Up
In 2019, a reality show named Glow Up was released, which highlights a group of skilled makeup artists vying for the winning spot. The top prize includes a contract assisting the world's top makeup artists, and a chance to prove themselves in the professional world.
Hosted by Stacey Dooley, the makeup artists go through grueling rounds of tasks where they have the chance to prove to the judges, Dominic Skinner and Val Garland, that they have what it takes in the makeup industry. So far, there are two seasons available on Netflix, and hopefully, there will be many more seasons to come.
Skin Wars
From 2014 to 2016, Skin Wars was a top-notch show that explored skin painting, and the incredible talent that calls this skill their day job. Judged by an incredible panel of judges, including RuPaul, Craig Tracy, and Robin Slonina, Skin Wars is an hour-long competition that gives talented contestants the chance to show their skills in front of the world.
So far there are only three seasons, but judging on the fanbase, and binge-worthy episodes, hopefully, there are lots more to come.
America's Next Top Model
One of the longest-running shows involving fashion and makeup, America's Next Top Model has been a show that inspires young models, makeup artists, and anyone interested in the fashion industry. Hosted by the iconic Tyra Banks and a panel of judges, America's Next Top Model is a show that gives young and hopeful models a chance to learn and prove their natural talent.
Throughout the show, the group of models goes through makeovers and challenging tasks for the opportunity to be the next top model in the industry. America's Next Top Model has been running since 2003 and has enough episodes that are binge-worthy. It has also given some recognizable A-listers a platform to become top models, actresses, and spokespeople to continue their careers.
GLOW
Netflix has churned out a lot of amazing television shows in the last few years, and GLOW is definitely one of them. Even though GLOW isn't a reality show based on fashion or makeup, it definitely has the costuming and makeup effects that anyone in the industry will appreciate and enjoy. This show revolves around characters from the 1980s who are involved in professional wrestling.
Set in Los Angeles, viewers get a colorful look inside the world of female wrestling, and although GLOW, Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, was a real wrestling business, the show is based on fictional events.
RuPaul's Drag Race
If viewers haven't heard of RuPaul yet, they will become true fans of him when they watch RuPaul's Drag Race. Since 2009 and 171 episodes later, RuPaul has gained a huge following as he searches for America's next drag superstar, season after season. RuPaul is the most famous drag queen in the world, and as a host, mentor, and inspiration to his show, he gives drag queens the chance to live their dream, and a platform to transform themselves via makeup and fashion.
Working with the drag queens are a panel of models, designers, and influencers. Each episode highlights the highs and lows of the glitz and glam of the industry and what it takes to be the next best drag queen. Since there have been several seasons, there are now documentaries featuring some of the queens that have been on the show.
The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead is one of the longest-running shows on AMC, and it's not only because of the acting and storylines but due to the special effects, as well. Without a doubt, The Walking Dead has some of the best makeup when it comes to zombies, and any makeup artist will appreciate the show for this, even if they aren't fans of the genre.
Since 2010, some of the best makeup and special effects artists have worked hard at creating a show that is so loved by fans, as Rick and his group battle this post-apocalyptic world. However, although The Walking Dead will go down as one of the most-loved shows, it is unfortunately amongst one of the shows that will end in 2021 or 2022.
Euphoria
Throughout the years, HBO has released many iconic television shows and characters, and in 2019, they did it again with Euphoria. Anyone who hasn't heard of this breakout show should get right on binging the first season before late-January, when the second season is set to release. This show doesn't necessarily focus on makeup, but it does make quite the impression.
Even though the show focuses on Rue and her classmates, there is a subtle nod to the creative masterminds behind the show. From Rue to Jules, and to the rest of the female cast, the fashion and makeup are extremely well-done and original.
Larger Than Life: The Kevyn Aucoin Story
Larger Than Life is not a reality show or television show, but an amazing documentary about one of the most pivotal makeup artists of his time, Kevyn Aucoin. Aucoin was an iconic makeup artist in the 1980s and 1990s and was the most in-demand makeup artist of his time. He worked with clients such as Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss, and Janet Jackson.
Larger Than Life explores the life of Aucoin, told by Tiffany Bartok, a fellow makeup artist. This documentary highlights Aucoin's life as an LGBTQ+ advocate, his love of the makeup industry, and the tragic ending of his life.
Fantastic Flesh
Fantastic Flesh is another documentary that dives into the art of makeup effects, as well as special effects. The documentary also focuses on the best of the best in the industry, and their experience so far. The documentary has a strong focus on Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger, who are involved in KNB Make-Up EFX, and it is well worth a watch for any fan of the industry.