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Paladini PePe (32) is a Brazilian-born makeup artist in Tokyo, Japan. Whether it be photo shootings or film sets, they are a true master of their craft, and behind the visual effects of famous Japanese movies such as "Diner" and "Sadako vs Kayako". Highly skilled in special effects makeup, Paladini PePe will share with us their world of horror, beauty, and art.

What do you like most about makeup?

The thing that I like most about makeup is the power of change. I do special effects makeup, which allows you to completely change the person's face. With the special effects you can make them into monsters. Beauty makeup, on the other hand, can as the name says, make a person more beautiful.

Where do you get your inspirations from?

I usually get my inspiration from various sources. If it is special effects makeup I get inspiration from movies or magazines. For ordinary makeup the internet provides an infinite pool of creativity. For instance, pictures that I see from makeup artists, or a beautiful picture from a photo shooting.

What are the benefits and challenges of working as a makeup artist in Japan?

The benefit is being able to just do whatever you like. Working with the things that you like, is a huge benefit to me. I guess that they pay well too (laughs). If you do a big project or a movie, you can earn a pretty decent amount. The challenge is also to find people that pay well. Because sometimes their production does not have a big budget, so you end up earning less. In my case, I am a freelancer. To get constant work is difficult. If you are not a big name in the industry it is not very likely to have jobs everyday.

How did you become a makeup artist?

I studied in a makeup school back in Brazil. I got interested in makeup for the first time when I went to an amusement park. They had something called “Hollywood Horror Night'' from Universal Studio. Monsters and zombies were walking around, and the moment I saw the make up I was so impressed. I thought “Oh my God, how do they do that?” After seeing that I decided to study makeup. It started with special effect makeup, and was not really interested in beauty makeup at first. But after studying special effects makeup I thought it would be great to acquire more skills in order to have more job opportunities, and at the same time learn more about makeup. After a while I came to Japan, and I met people who introduced me to all the makeup artists, who later offered me jobs, and called me for their projects.

So when you say special effects makeup is it only horror makeup or what else could be considered special effect makeup?

Everything that uses prosthetics, transforming people into different characters. There is this very famous Japanese makeup artist, who changes people to a degree that they become completely unrecognizable. He uses prosthetics to change the facial features.
But my main thing is creating monsters, zombies, or all kinds of creatures. But I also love the art of changing somebody's face.
Special effects makeup requires much more technical skills. Beauty makeup only has brushes, and you just apply it to the person's face. With special effects makeup, you have to take the mold of the person’s face, sculpt on top of this, and you create a piece that you will apply on the person. This process takes a lot of time.

What has been your biggest achievement so far?

That is a difficult question because all projects that I do are big achievements to me. But I would say it is the first movie that I was able to do. I did the body paint of the female ghosts for the movie “Sadako vs Kayako”. I have always been a huge fan of Sadako, since she is my main horror reference. I really love her. So when they invited me to do that, I was so excited. The head makeup artist of the set asked me to help her.
Few years later I did a movie called “Diner”, which was in theaters all around Japan. This enabled me to do famous peoples’ makeup. It was a big budget production, so for me this was a big step in my career. I got to meet one of the biggest actors in Japan, Fujiwara Tatsuya. Although I did not do his makeup, I was still able to do the other cast members'. For me that was also a big achievement. All movie projects mean a lot to me, since I always get to do different things and improve my skills. However, I would have to say that "Sadako vs Kayaka" will always have a special place in my heart. And I have my name on the credits. (laughs)

Diner - movie trailer

Three must have items in any woman’s purse.

Lipstick. Usually a lot of women who do not want to do their makeup, at least would put on some lipstick. The second one would be face powder. Because you can quickly cover up some imperfections with it. I think it is easy to use. The third one would be eyeliner. Whenever I go out, I have to put on eyeliner. It does not matter if I do not have full face makeup, but eyeliner has to be there. Especially nowadays, since we have to wear masks outside, you can hide the rest but not your eyes. Therefore, I try to focus on the eyes. Eyeliner and lipstick can always be found in my purse.

What is the future of makeup according to you?

It depends because most of the time I am working for movie production or fashion photoshoots. However, if you talk about special effects makeup I think there might be change, frankly speaking it is already going on. There is a lot of CG and animation, especially in big productions. There is a tendency of relying on less makeup. Special effects makeup might be surpassed by those technical advancements.

At the same time, I like the idea of women not feeling enslaved, and having the pressure of applying makeup everyday. Few years ago people would wear full coverage makeup, yet nowadays it is changing, and a more natural look is preferred. You do not have to be trapped in the feeling that if you go out without makeup you are not beautiful enough. It can become an addiction though.
Especially in Japan, I know many girls that spend the night with their boyfriends but on the next day they wake up early to put on makeup so the guy would not see them without it. Even I have had the same issue with my ex-boyfriend. Sometimes I would sleep with makeup because I did not want him to see my face without it. That is why I like this idea of being natural. And let's be honest, most guys will never notice a difference anyway. (laughs)

Any insider tips for women to improve their makeup?

I think you should just try. Try everyday and experiment with different things. A lot of people think they cannot do it. Of course if you do it for the first time it is difficult and it does not go the way you want. Do not give up. Practice makes perfect. I definitely recommend watching YouTube tutorial videos. Follow their advice, and practice on your face. One day you will be able to find your own style. This is how I started. In the past I would wear a lot of glitter, but now not anymore because I have realized that it is not my style. Once you have found your own style you will be ready in less than 15 minutes.

We really want to thank Paladini PePe for their time and interesting insights of her fascinating job. Do not miss to check out their Instagram below for more scary content.

(By Stefan)

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Paladinimakeup - Instagram