A Welsh SFX makeup artist has proven that she can live many lives, ranging from “Harry Potter” villain Bellatrix Lestrange to the Mad Hatter from “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
Alisha Barron-Smith, 29, first started experimenting with makeup when she was 16 years old and would help out applying it to dancers for various performances, reported Medium Drum World.
“Makeup has 100% changed my life,” Barron-Smith told the outlet. “It gives me so much confidence.”
The 29-year-old has created numerous looks, including a blue-skinned creature reminiscent of an “Avatar” franchise character, “Stranger Things” villain Vecna and big, green animated legend Shrek.
Barron-Smith said that all of her visages take from two to 10 hours — and the longest one she’s ever done took a whopping 72 hours since she had to make a prosthetic.
The self-taught artist revealed that she has learned various make-up techniques and ways of applying them to look like different characters.
Barron-Smith also revealed that the products she uses actually don’t cost a lot of money and even can be repurposed multiple times.
Using Mehron Paradise AQ Palette, a Morphe palette for shading, liquid latex and Mehron stage blood, the artist has quickly gone viral on TikTok, where she has topped 145,000 followers.
“I start most of my videos completely bare-faced — which is something I wouldn’t have done 10 years ago,” revealed Barron-Smith. “Now I just don’t care, and I think that’s what makes it relatable.
“My followers are here to see my finished work and have accepted me as I am,” continued Barron-Smith “I get really lovely comments across my social media platforms.”
Despite sharing some jaw-dropping videos that display her talent, Barron-Smith said she does get negative reactions every once in a while.
“I get the odd unkind comment now and then — but I just laugh it off,” said Barron-Smith.
Barron-Smith added that she even is recognized by fans when she’s just out running errands.
“In real life, I get stopped by a lot of people telling me how much they love my work,” gushed the TikTok star. “The best compliment I receive all the time is being told I should work in Hollywood.”
According to Barron-Smith, anyone who is looking to do makeup professionally should “find inspiration in everything,” adding that she would “advise anyone wanting to become an SFX artist to stay creative.”
Barron-Smith also had a tip for getting past “mental block” — which she admitted she gets “often.”
“In those times I look for inspiration elsewhere,” said the makeup artist. “Always be innovative and true to yourself.”
Barron Smith said the key to getting better is to “practice, practice, practice” and to “believe in yourself and don’t let anyone tell you that your passion can’t be your job.”