Embark on a fascinating journey into the realm of makeup artistry, where centuries-old traditions of using cosmetics as warpaint or personal expression meet the cutting-edge creativity of today’s skilled artists.
Prepare to be enthralled by the awe-inspiring creations of these talented individuals as they push the boundaries of 3D art, crafting mind-bending optical illusions and surreal masterpieces that challenge perception and captivate the imagination. Join us as we delve deeper into the mesmerizing world of makeup art and explore the boundless possibilities it offers for self-expression and artistic innovation.
Mimi Choi
Mimi Choi, a renowned makeup artist from Canada, possesses a remarkable talent for crafting captivating optical illusions directly on her own face. Her creations, ranging from stunning to surreal to downright baffling, defy conventional expectations of makeup artistry.
What sets Choi apart is her commitment to authenticity; despite the allure of digital manipulation, she exclusively relies on traditional makeup techniques to bring her visions to life. One of her early masterpieces, titled “Worlds Within Me,” dates back to 2017 and draws inspiration from a surreal drawing. This piece exemplifies Choi’s ability to seamlessly blend artistic inspiration with technical skill, resulting in mesmerizing and thought-provoking works of art.
Dain Yoon
Dain Yoon, a highly skilled makeup artist hailing from South Korea, has garnered widespread acclaim for her intricate face and body painting creations, amassing over half a million followers on Instagram. Yoon’s artistic journey began at a tender age, where her innate talent for artistry quickly became apparent.
It comes as no surprise, then, that she graduated at the pinnacle of her class from two of Korea’s most esteemed art institutions. Among her repertoire of stunning designs, Yoon frequently incorporates a mesmerizing wavy effect that mimics the appearance of a painting, despite being crafted solely with makeup. This unique technique showcases Yoon’s innovative approach to makeup artistry, blurring the lines between traditional painting and cosmetic application.
Luca Luce
Meet Luca Luce, a talented artist based in Milan, Italy, one of the globe’s fashion hubs. On his Instagram profile, Luca proudly declares himself as the “First hand and head painter 3D in the world.”
While the claim might raise some eyebrows considering the longstanding tradition of head painting, particularly evident in Mexican culture during the Day of the Dead festival, Luca’s remarkable designs speak for themselves. His creations showcase an impressive blend of creativity and skill, debunking any doubts about the power of reading to stimulate the mind. With Luca’s inventive approach to 3D painting, he continues to captivate audiences with his innovative artistry.
21st Century Boy
Andy, an emerging makeup artist, showcases his impressive 3D designs across various social media platforms, boasting a considerable following on both Instagram and TikTok. While his full name remains unknown, Andy is recognized for his penchant for horror-themed creations.
In this particular design, he draws inspiration from the traditional Mexican Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead festival, infusing it with contemporary neon elements. Noteworthy features include striking red contact lenses and vibrant green hair dye, adding a modern twist to the classic skull motif.
Cakeface RJ
Cakeface RJ, a talented makeup influencer hailing from the United States, has amassed a significant following on various social media platforms, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the makeup industry. Reflecting on her career, RJ expresses gratitude for the opportunities provided by Instagram, where her journey began.
Despite only three years in the industry, RJ has made remarkable progress, attributing much of her success to the platform. Her innovative designs, such as this one portraying a surreal image of her appearing to crawl out of her own face, capture the imagination and resonate with audiences.
Say Hello to My Little Sis
Mimi Choi, originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, began her career as a kindergarten teacher before pursuing her passion for makeup artistry. She honed her skills at Blanche Macdonald, renowned as Canada’s premier college for makeup artistry, hair design, fashion aesthetics, and nail artistry.
The photo featured does not depict Mimi but her younger sister, Kendahl ‘Lahbra’ Jung, who is also an artist. Despite not being Mimi herself, Kendahl certainly made a bold statement by stepping out for dinner adorned in such striking makeup. Undoubtedly, her presence turned heads and captured the attention of everyone in the restaurant!
Oprah Winfrey
In addition to her imaginative designs, Cakeface RJ demonstrates a knack for painting portraits of famous individuals, using her own face as the canvas. At first glance, one might mistake this creation for an oil painting of the beloved talk show host, Oprah Winfrey.
However, RJ has ingeniously painted Oprah’s face over her own, meticulously capturing every detail, from the hair to the smile lines around Oprah’s mouth, and even the reflection in her glasses. It’s a remarkable achievement, showcasing RJ’s talent and attention to detail. Well done, RJ — this is truly impressive!
Bird Brain
Luca Luce has enjoyed a successful career as a TV celebrity makeup artist for over two decades. However, in 2014, he ventured into creating optical illusion makeup designs. Initially, he used his own hands as a canvas, but soon transitioned to using his head and face to showcase his mind-boggling 3D artwork.
In one particularly creative display, Luca utilized his bald head as a canvas to create an illusion of laying an egg, from which a baby chick has just hatched. It’s a whimsical and inventive piece that highlights Luca’s imagination and skill in creating optical illusions.
Salvador Dali’s Surrealism
Mimi Choi draws inspiration from various sources, including photography, paintings, and emotions. Her creation of a melting face is reminiscent of Salvador Dali’s works, which often feature melting objects, particularly clocks, symbolizing the impermanence and meaninglessness of time, especially in the abstract dream world.
While the exact symbolism of Mimi’s melting face remains open to interpretation, it could reflect transient emotions or experiences, perhaps inspired by a late night out with friends.
Pablo Picasso’s Cubism
In this photo, Mimi Choi showcases her inspiration from Pablo Picasso by incorporating elements of cubism into her face. Cubism, one of the most influential visual art styles of the early 20th century, was pioneered by Picasso and French painter Georges Braque.
The movement sought to depict subjects from multiple perspectives simultaneously, breaking away from traditional forms of representation. Picasso’s iconic painting “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” which he shared with Braque in 1907, marked the beginning of the Cubist movement.
It’s Hip to Be Square
In this innovative design, Luca Luce embraces the cubist style of the early 20th century, joining the ranks of artists like Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Mimi Choi. With geometric shapes and bold lines, Luca creates a cubist interpretation on his face and head.
By blending his hair and beard with black paint to form a dark background, he enhances the illusion of depth, making the blocky, cubist cheek appear to jut out from the darkness. This attention to detail elevates the 3D effect of the design, showcasing Luca’s skill and creativity as a makeup artist.
Korea Cube
Dain Yoon’s experimentation with cubism took a literal turn as she adorned her face and body with cubes, showcasing her unique interpretation of the art style. This bold choice likely turned heads on the streets of Seoul, evoking a sense of surrealism akin to a Korean horror movie brought to life.
Dain’s fascination with illusions stems from her belief that people live in illusions, each perceiving reality subjectively. Through her illusionary artwork, she distorts reality and challenges shared perceptions, inviting viewers to reconsider their understanding of the world around them.
Faceless
Mimi’s mind-boggling optical illusion indeed leaves viewers scratching their heads in wonder. While it’s clear that her real arm appears to enter the side of her head while her hand is cleverly painted onto her face, the true marvel lies in how her fingers seemingly extend beyond her face
The mystery deepens as observers ponder whether she painted her fingers onto her hair or employed another ingenious technique to achieve this perplexing effect. Truly, Mimi’s artistic prowess transcends conventional understanding, leaving us all captivated by her mesmerizing illusions.
Freddie Mercury
Indeed, Luca Luce’s transformation in this makeup design bears a striking resemblance to Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of Queen. Despite any pressure he may face, Luca channels his inspiration and creativity to bring his stunning designs to life.
His dedication to his craft ensures that “the show must go on,” capturing the essence of Freddie Mercury’s iconic performances. Luca’s mastery of 3D makeup is truly “a kind of magic,” reminiscent of the timeless appeal of Queen’s music.
I Want to Break Free
Mimi’s illusion makeup looks truly leave us feeling like we’re waking up to a surreal dream every morning! Despite the mind-bending effect, you can still catch a glimpse of her real hair, adding to the illusion’s complexity. Mimi achieves these incredible looks using a combination of regular beauty makeup products, along with specialized tools like Cozzette vegan makeup brushes.
Her go-to products include the Make Up for Ever Flash Palette, various eyeshadows from brands like Stila and NYX, as well as Kryolan aqua colors. With her skillful use of these tools and products, Mimi brings her artistic vision to life in stunning detail.
An Apple a Day
In this image, Dain Yoon showcases her creativity by blending seamlessly with her laptop screen. However, amidst her remarkable illusion, one can’t help but notice the cluttered state of her desktop.
While she may need some time to tidy up her digital workspace, Dain’s focus remains on her artistic endeavors. She emphasizes that illusions, far from being deceptive, offer a unique perspective on reality, challenging our perceptions and inviting us to explore the boundaries of our imagination.
Cheeky Waterfalls
Cakeface RJ returns with yet another mesmerizing optical illusion, this time featuring a captivating water-themed design. While the hand and glass of water are tangible, RJ has skillfully painted the remaining elements on her face and body, creating a stunning visual effect.
The painted water appears to flow seamlessly from her forehead, cascading down her cheeks in a series of miniature waterfalls before pooling elegantly on her neck. RJ’s mastery of this technique leaves viewers in awe, prompting some to wonder if her water-flushing illusion could be applied to other contexts.
Sunglasses
Mimi, like many creative individuals, finds her inspiration during the late hours of the night when the world is quiet and asleep. Working through the night, she crafts her incredible pieces of art, drawing from the stillness and solitude that surrounds her.
To conceal the telltale signs of her nocturnal habits, Mimi often dons sunglasses during the day to disguise the dark circles under her eyes from staying up late.
Happy Birthday to Me!
Luca draws inspiration from various sources, including magic and fantasy. Despite never attending art school, he developed a passion for makeup and 3D art. His experimentation led him to paint images on his hand using makeup, starting with simple designs like a spider resting on the face, which takes just half an hour.
More complex creations, such as cubism on the entire face, can take two hours or more to complete. And on his birthday, Luca indulges his creativity by making himself a birthday cake… on his own head!
She’s Got Seoul
Dain Yoon, like many artists, took some time to discover her unique style. Once she found her footing, she created this mesmerizing nocturnal artwork. While it may not function well as camouflage, she seamlessly integrates into the Korean sunset backdrop behind her.
While it’s unclear if she drew inspiration from Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpiece “Starry Night,” we’d like to imagine so. Therefore, we’ll affectionately name this piece “Starry Seoul Night.”
Avatar
After further investigation, we’ve learned that Andy originates from Poitiers in western France. Here’s his rendition of a male Na’vi from James Cameron’s blockbuster Avatar film series. He undeniably embodies the fearless warrior vibe, with impeccable color choices, tones, and shading.
Those cheekbones, expertly highlighted, surely took considerable effort. However, the ears raise some questions. Have male Na’vi always sported such cute little pink pixie ears? And as for the nose, it appears a bit, well, unconventional!
Avatar 2
Here’s Cakeface RJ’s interpretation of a female Na’vi from the Avatar films. RJ opted for a distinctively feminine style with a soft, ethereal quality, differing from Andy’s portrayal.
Rather than using colored contact lenses, RJ painted large anime-style eyes onto her eyelids. Interestingly, our research indicates that female Na’vi indeed have some pink in their ears, though perhaps not as vibrant as depicted by Andy or RJ.
Beautiful Butterflies
Mimi’s stunning portrayal of blue butterflies escaping from her face is indeed captivating. However, the logistics of how they appear to be flying away remain a mystery, unless they are somehow affixed to her hair with wires or another method. Creating such a beautiful design likely required a considerable amount of time and effort.
Mimi has expressed her affinity for challenges, stating that her optical illusion artworks typically take anywhere from one to five hours to complete. She finds creating optical illusions with makeup to be particularly challenging but rewarding, making it her preferred makeup style among the various techniques she has explored.
Jack Skellington
Luca Luce’s boundless creativity is truly remarkable. Here he is, with the iconic Jack Skellington seemingly rattling around in his brain, serving as a wellspring of inspiration for the talented makeup artist. Whether it’s Halloween or Christmas, Luca is always concocting imaginative designs.
Jack Skellington, also known as The Pumpkin King, first appeared in Henry Selick’s 1993 stop-motion animation classic, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” It’s worth noting that while many attribute the film to Tim Burton, it was actually directed by Henry Selick.
Qinghua China
In this stunning creation, Mimi has ingeniously turned her face into a fragment of shattered Chinese pottery. Drawing inspiration from the renowned blue and white Qinghua porcelain, celebrated for its intricate designs spanning over a millennium, Mimi’s rendition features a striking dragon motif.
The broken pieces of crockery spill out across the table, while Mimi’s face appears hollow, showcasing the intricate cracks and patterns with remarkable realism.
Chris Brown
Cakeface RJ once again showcases her incredible talent by transforming herself into the renowned rapper Chris Brown. This lifelike rendition is so impeccably executed that RJ could easily pass for the celebrity himself.
Spending hours perfecting every detail, RJ particularly struggled with capturing Chris Brown’s signature red hair. Nevertheless, her dedication and skill shine through in this photorealistic portrayal, demonstrating her mastery of makeup artistry.
Anyone Up for a Cup of Tea?
Mimi’s creation of a cup of tea in the process of spilling is truly stunning and undoubtedly required a significant amount of time and effort, likely stretching into the late hours of the night. This remarkable piece depicts a milky cup of tea cascading from a considerable height, splashing across the table.
What makes this optical illusion so captivating is that Mimi’s face serves as the barrier between the cup and the table. Amidst the liquid tea, strands of her hair are visible, and upon closer inspection, her facial features – including her eyes, nose, and mouth – can still be discerned, adding an extra layer of intricacy to the artwork.
Lizard Brain
Luca Luce’s design featuring a creepy, alien lizard crawling out of his brain is both fascinating and eerie. It appears to draw inspiration from the concept of the pineal gland, often referred to as the “third eye,” which in ancient evolutionary history, was indeed a real eye with an eyelid, a trait still present in lizards today.
The depiction of the lizard emerging from Luca’s brain may symbolize the primal and instinctual aspects of human nature associated with the reptilian complex or basal ganglia, sometimes colloquially referred to as the “lizard brain.” This design provokes thought about the complex relationship between human biology and evolutionary history, as well as the mysterious and often enigmatic nature of the human mind.
Fish Face
Mimi’s fishy face artwork bears resemblance to Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s 1591 portrait titled “Vertumnus,” which depicted the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II using fruits, vegetables, and flowers. In Arcimboldo’s painting, the use of natural elements symbolized various aspects of the Roman god Vertumnus, who represented seasons, change, plant growth, and fruit trees.
Similarly, Mimi’s creation incorporates a variety of marine life, including flatfish, shrimp, starfish, and shellfish, with an eel wrapped around her neck. This fusion of marine creatures on her face creates a visually captivating and imaginative piece that reflects the diversity and beauty of aquatic ecosystems. Just as Vertumnus represented the natural world in Arcimboldo’s painting, Mimi’s fishy face celebrates the wonders of marine life in a creative and artistic manner.
Dark Elf
Here’s one of Andy’s horror-themed designs. We think he’s half been possessed by some sort of Dark Elf from another far-off, fantastical, and other-worldly realm. That fantasy realm, of course, exists only in Andy’s imagination.
The makeup is fantastic, especially the black neck and jaw with silver lips, and the contact lenses make him look extremely devilish. However, we’re unsure what’s going on with all those beads and the wire getup around his face. It looks great, though, Andy!
Life Is a Carousel
Mimi’s carousel design was quite an undertaking, especially considering she painted it while she was 30 weeks pregnant. Despite experiencing morning sickness during the process, she managed to create this intricate and colorful look.
In British English, carousels are commonly referred to as “merry-go-rounds,” adding a touch of charm to the term. However, revealing this nickname to Mimi might inadvertently trigger more morning sickness episodes, so it’s best to keep it to ourselves!
I Scream for Ice Cream
Cakeface RJ’s sweet tooth is evident not just in her name but also in her love for ice cream. With a penchant for devouring three ice creams at once, her passion for the frozen treat is undeniable.
It’s no wonder her ice cream-themed makeup design took a whopping six hours to create. As she completed the design, she had to hurry to capture the final photos before the ice cream pops melted. Without her beloved ice cream, she might just have to compensate with three times the volume of screams!
Big Mouth
Mimi Choi’s ability to power through her extensive nighttime art sessions is no secret. Caught in the act, she’s seen fueling her creativity with a rather lackluster pizza.
However, her resourcefulness shines through as she reveals her technique of painting a piece of paper and seamlessly blending it onto her skin to mimic her lips. This clever tactic not only allows for a more proportionate tongue but also enables her to extend her designs beyond the edges of her face seamlessly.
Jackson Pollock
In this piece, Andy has truly gone all out. While it may seem like he’s transformed himself into a living Jackson Pollock painting, the truth is far more intricate.
Andy’s meticulous style shines through as he likely spent hours carefully painting every detail, resulting in the striking array of pinks and yellows. Despite the chaotic appearance, each element is deliberately placed, from the essential contact lenses to the eye-catching eyelashes that add to the overall effect.
Slice of Life
Mimi Choi never fails to impress with her creative makeup designs. In this piece, she takes the concept of slicing into a whole new level by transforming her face into strips of pasta, resembling linguini.
Despite the surreal appearance, it’s all achieved through the skillful application of makeup. Even the eyes, which appear large and almond-shaped like those in anime characters, are cleverly drawn on using makeup, showcasing Mimi’s incredible attention to detail and artistic talent.
Not Just a Pretty Face
Dain Yoon’s artistic philosophy revolves around using her face as a powerful medium for expressing individuality. Her hand-painted designs, which can take several hours to complete, aim to convey the message that the initial impression of a person may not reveal their entire story.
In a captivating display of creativity, Dain even incorporates her face into her fingernail art, showcasing her innovative approach to self-expression.
Black Panther
Cakeface RJ’s remarkable talent extends beyond transforming herself into celebrities; she also possesses the ability to become iconic superheroes. In this stunning portrayal, she embodies Marvel’s Black Panther, paying tribute to the legendary Chadwick Boseman.
With her face as the canvas, Cakeface RJ captures the essence of the beloved character, inviting viewers to join in the iconic salute, “Wakanda Forever!”
Cubist Cleopatra
After dedicating herself to art from a young age, with a career in the industry since the age of 10 and years of training at two prestigious colleges, Dain Yoon’s perseverance has yielded remarkable results. Her talent has caught the attention of major brands like Apple and BMW, affording her opportunities to showcase her designs worldwide.
Pictured here outside The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt, her blue face and body art evoke the image of a cubist Cleopatra, though the camel’s reaction remains a mystery. Perhaps he’s simply in “de Nile” about her artistic prowess!
Jeff Goldblum
In a unique moment, we are treated to a glimpse of Mimi in her natural state, basking in her glory. Having reached the pinnacle of her career, she has made it to Hollywood, where she is captured painting beloved actor and all-around superstar Jeff Goldblum.
Mimi shared the behind-the-scenes experience on Instagram, stating, “Watch me transform Jeff in The World According to Jeff Goldblum by streaming the episode ‘Cosmetics’ on Disney+.” Now fans know where to catch Mimi’s work on TV.
Hollywood Calling
Dain Yoon’s artistic endeavors have landed her in Hollywood with a guest appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Seated on Ellen’s armchair, the Korean artist showcased her creation featuring six eyes and three mouths. During the interview, Ellen inquired if Dain ever ventured out in public wearing her elaborate designs.
Dain shared that she occasionally does so and recounted an amusing anecdote where she inadvertently frightened a baby, causing them to cry. The story reflects the timeless wisdom encapsulated in Joseph Campbell’s famous quote, “Follow your bliss,” encouraging individuals to pursue their passions, which can lead to remarkable journeys and experiences.
The Eyes Are the Window to the Soul
This captivating photo stands out as one of our favorites. In this mesmerizing image, the incredibly talented makeup artist Mimi has adorned her face with dozens of eyes, complete with eyelashes, drawing inspiration from Guillermo Del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth. While many admire Mimi’s artistry, it’s worth noting that not everyone is a fan of her work.
Mimi acknowledges this reality, stating, “I think all artists who display their work publicly are susceptible to critique because art is subjective. I tend to turn negativity into a positive force to improve on my craft.” This attitude reflects her resilience and dedication to continuous growth and excellence in her artistic endeavors.
Hey, Hands Off!
It’s truly fascinating to discover that only two of the hands in this image are real, belonging to Dain Yoon. The ambiguity of the design invites multiple interpretations, each offering a unique perspective. One interpretation leans towards sensuality, influenced by Dain’s expression and the positioning of the hands.
However, another interpretation takes on a more sinister tone, evoking imagery reminiscent of Thing from The Addams Family, suggesting a sense of captivity or intrusion. The versatility of art allows for diverse interpretations, adding depth and complexity to the viewer’s experience.
She’s Gone Bananas!
Mimi Choi’s creativity extends beyond her face, as demonstrated by her transformation of her legs into a pair of bananas. The attention to detail is remarkable, with the bananas, peeling skins, and even the sticker appearing incredibly realistic.
However, some might find the texture of the banana slightly off, resembling corn on the cob. Nonetheless, the overall effect is impressive, showcasing Choi’s talent for optical illusion makeup.
Hieronymous Bosch
Indeed, there’s a surreal and otherworldly quality to Dain Yoon’s creation, reminiscent of the fantastical landscapes depicted in the works of Hieronymous Bosch.
Yoon’s background in scenography and diverse range of part-time jobs have contributed to her unique artistic style, which blends elements of styling, teaching, graphic design, film and theater makeup, costume design, and modeling. This eclectic mix of experiences has undoubtedly influenced her artistic vision and allowed her to carve out her own distinct niche in the world of art.
I Like Candy
Mimi Choi’s imaginative creation certainly sparks the imagination, offering a whimsical and surreal take on the idea of indulging one’s sweet tooth. The concept of having multiple mouths to enjoy various candies adds an element of playful fantasy to her makeup art.
While the image may appear digitally altered at first glance, Mimi’s consistent dedication to traditional makeup techniques underscores the authenticity of her work, challenging viewers to rethink what is possible with makeup as a medium of artistic expression.
