Table of Contents
- Key Highlights:
- Introduction
- The Foundation of the Undead: Skin Tone and Texture
- The Eyes: Windows to the Undead Soul
- The Finishing Touches: Subtle Undead Details
- The Evolution of Makeup Throughout the Series
Key Highlights:
- The makeup team behind iZombie intricately blended traditional and modern techniques to create a believable portrayal of Liv Moore's undead look.
- Key elements like skin tone, texture, and eye design were meticulously crafted, allowing for an evolution of Liv's appearance throughout the series.
- Collaboration between makeup artists and actor Rose McIver ensured a perfect balance between the undead aesthetic and the character's inherent humanity.
Introduction
In the realm of supernatural television, few transformations captivate audiences quite like that of Liv Moore, the whimsical yet gritty protagonist of the CW's iZombie. As a forensic pathologist turned undead, Liv navigates a dual existence—part regular human and part brain-munching zombie—while maintaining a relatable identity that keeps viewers invested. The magic behind this transformation lies primarily in the artistry of the show’s makeup team, led by head makeup artist Cory Roberts. Utilizing an array of techniques that blended realism with fantasy, iZombie’s makeup ensured Liv’s undead appearance was not only convincing but also dynamic, reflecting her emotional journey and the impacts of her peculiar diet.
As we delve into the intricate artistry that shaped Liv Moore's look, we'll explore the multifaceted approach that went into creating the signs of decay and a character that audiences could still connect with on a human level.
The Foundation of the Undead: Skin Tone and Texture
Liv’s portrayal hinges on her signature pale complexion. This isn't merely a byproduct of a single white foundation but rather a careful layering of colors designed to mimic the physical effects of being undead.
Mastering the Pale Palette
Cory Roberts and his dedicated team approached Liv's makeup with a clear objective: create a palette that tells a story. Rather than slap on a stark layer of white, they cultivated a blend of cool-toned, greyish-purple, and blue hues beneath a sheer foundation. This process not only heightened the realism of her undead appearance but also allowed the color to subtly shift according to Liv's character development, influenced by the brains she consumed and her ever-evolving emotional state.
Achieving the Texture of Decay
In early iterations of zombie makeup, practitioners often resorted to heavy applications that resulted in a mask-like effect. The iZombie team sought to avoid this pitfall. Using advanced airbrushing techniques, they applied layers of makeup that preserved McIver’s natural skin texture. The later seasons introduced thin silicone prosthetics that lent her features a more gaunt, sunken quality, subtly indicating her state of decay while ensuring the transformation remained believable.
The Eyes: Windows to the Undead Soul
One of the defining features of Liv’s transformation is her eyes—an essential element communicating her undead status, balancing between captivating and chilling.
The Devil in the Details: Contact Lenses
Custom-molded contact lenses played a significant role in her eye makeup. These were tailored not simply to appear pale but were designed with intricate textures to evoke a clouded, decaying appearance that hints at Liv's unnatural condition. The makeup team prioritized comfort, considering the lengthy filming days and ensuring that McIver could wear them without distress.
Shadow and Light: Creating Depth
Attention to detail extends beyond coloring. The application of dark shadows in the inner corners and lower lash lines created an illusion of hollowness, while hints of purple and red reflected the nuanced realities of a corpse. The strategic use of highlight on the brow bone further accentuated the tension and drama in Liv's gaze, adding depth to the character's representation.
The Finishing Touches: Subtle Undead Details
Beyond the primary elements of skin and eyes, it’s often the smallest details that provide the finishing touches to Liv’s appearance, enhancing the authenticity of her undead character.
Lipstick and Lip Color
Despite her undead status, Liv needed to maintain a semblance of professionalism in her role at the morgue. The makeup team crafted her lips with shades of pale pinks, mauves, and nude colors with grey undertones, ensuring they evoked the natural paleness of death without appearing entirely devoid of life. Lip balms were occasionally applied to keep her appearance fresh and avoid a cracked look.
Blood and Bite Marks: When Necessary
On certain occasions, the addition of blood and bite marks was essential for dramatic effect. The blood used was a finely crafted, water-based formula, preventing staining while reflecting the gruesome realities of her lifestyle. Bite marks, whether hand-painted or applied through prosthetic transfers, were meticulously crafted to enhance the overall portrayal of decay and urgency without crossing into gratuitous territory.
The Evolution of Makeup Throughout the Series
One of the most intriguing aspects of iZombie is how Liv's makeup evolved alongside her character's mental journey. This evolution reflects not merely a change in physicality but an intricate portrayal of her internal struggles and triumphs.
Early Seasons: A Focus on Undead Authenticity
In the initial seasons, the makeup was centered around a straightforward illusion of the undead—conveying premature death and decay. The focus was on ensuring that the portrayal remained relatable while still communicating her status as a zombie.
Later Seasons: Complexity in Appearance
As the series progressed, and with Liv’s consumption of diverse brains, her makeup became increasingly nuanced. The team incorporated darker shadows and noticeable veining in later seasons. These subtle additions not only mirrored her tragic circumstances but also highlighted the emotional toll her existence exacted on her—and the audience's perception of her as a character.
FAQ
What brand of makeup did they primarily use on Rose McIver?
The iZombie makeup team relied on multiple professional brands, including MAC, Make Up For Ever, and Kryolan, known for their high pigmentation and durability. They also creatively used more accessible brands like NYX for certain effects, tailoring the makeup selection to each episode's demands.
How long did it take to apply Liv’s makeup each day?
The daily makeup process typically required 45 minutes to an hour, with the time increasing when additional prosthetics were involved, occasionally extending up to two hours for particularly complex looks.
Were any special effects artists involved in the makeup process?
Yes, while Cory Roberts led the makeup department, special effects artists were integral to creating and applying prosthetics that enhanced Liv's zombie aesthetics—such as bite marks—and elaborated makeups for background characters.
How did the makeup evolve throughout the series?
iZombie’s makeup evolved significantly to illustrate Liv’s journey through life as a zombie. Initial seasons focused on achieving a simple but effective undead look, but as Liv consumed more brains, the makeup reflected more psychological nuances, with darker shadows and features that revealed more of her internal struggle.
Were different makeup looks created based on the brain Liv ate?
Indeed, the makeup team carefully adapted her look based on the personality traits of the individual brains she consumed. For instance, a brighter blush might signify a more extroverted brain, while darker, subdued colors could reflect introverted or troubled characters, effectively demonstrating Liv's internal conflict.
What was the biggest challenge in creating Liv’s zombie makeup?
Striking the right balance was paramount; the challenge lay in crafting a believable undead look while preserving Rose McIver's natural beauty. The makeup needed to be striking yet subtle enough to allow viewers to maintain their connection with a character navigating a unique existential dilemma.
Did Rose McIver have any input on the design of her makeup?
Rose McIver played an active role in the makeup design process, working closely with Cory Roberts. Her collaboration helped refine looks that were not only visually captivating but also aligned with her character's emotional depth and credibility.
How did they keep the makeup looking consistent across multiple episodes?
Consistency was key, achieved through detailed notes and photographs documenting each makeup application. This meticulous tracking allowed the artists to replicate looks accurately between filming days, ensuring that audiences enjoyed a seamless viewing experience.
What are some tips for recreating Liv Moore’s makeup for cosplay or Halloween?
To emulate Liv’s undead appearance, the essential steps include achieving a pale, cool-toned complexion, layering in shades of grey, purple, and blue around the eyes for added depth. Custom-made contact lenses boost authenticity, while pale lip colors with subtle undertones complete the look.
Where can I find more information about the makeup artists who worked on iZombie?
For additional insights into the work of iZombie’s makeup team, look for interviews, articles, and behind-the-scenes features that highlight their creative processes. Social media also serves as a platform where various artists showcase their work and accomplishments within the industry.