Look Behind The Look
NY Times recommended podcast Look Behind The Look, hosted by filmmaker Tiffany Bartok (Larger Than Life: The Kevyn Aucoin Story), breaks down the most creative looks across TV, film, music, and fashion in exclusive conversations with the artists that created them. Oscar and BAFTA Award Winning makeup and hair artists & costume designers share their process and stories from set with A-List talent, while fashion's elite makeup and hair stylists, photographers and stylists recount tales behind their VOGUE covers. You'll even hear from Beauty Brand Founders about how they created their empires. Join us to Look Behind the Look.
Bite-Sized Episodes
Bite-sized deep dives into some of my favorite hair, makeup, and style moments in film history.
27
Dec. 9, 2025
Prosthetics Master Mike Hill on the Glamorous Gore In Frankenstein
We’ve all seen Frankenstein by now and those who have seen it in the theater (hi!) have no doubt shamed those who watched on Netflix, but we can all agree that the film is GORGEOUS and we no doubt found ourselves confusingly (or maybe not so confusingly) attracted to The Creature. In this episode, Prosthetic Designer Mike Hill talks in delightful detail about every detail of the creation and evolution of The Creature and explains how Jacob Elordi, Guillermo del Toro and more all collaborated to
30
Feb. 2, 2026
The Art of the Glow: Unveiling Circa 1970's Face Oil Magic
In this episode of Look Behind the Look, host Tiffany Bartok welcomes the dynamic duo Barbara Guillaume & Amy Komorowski , renowned groomers who have worked with Hollywood's elite, including Bradley Cooper, Adam Driver and Leo DiCaprio. Together, they unveil the secrets behind their innovative product, Circa 1970 face oil, a, gender-neutral skincare product, formulated with bakuchiol to serve as a natural, non-irritating alternative to retinol. The women are transparent with their struggles (tha
32
Feb. 18, 2026
Supremely Styled: Miyako Bellizzi’s Oscar Nominated Costume Design
To be fair, my interview with Miyako was before Marty came to our screens…. you’ve seen in previous posts my excuse for the dog eating my homework; I’ve been producing a film in Philadelphia and the timing is less than stellar. I was also waiting to speak to Mike Fontaine and Kyra Panchenko about their makeup work on Marty which has since been recognized by BAFTA, but Kyra is insanely busy and our schedules did not align. So I am finally releasing my talk with Miyako mostly for bragging rights t
31
Feb. 15, 2026
Built for the Academy: Mike Fontaine's Oscar-Nominated Prosthetics of Sinners
Currently, Mike Fontaine is Oscar Nominated for his work in SINNERS, and his work in Marty Supreme is BAFTA Nominated. I loved hearing Mike talking about knowing what he wanted before he hit double digits and how he became a protégé of Dick Smith—the legendary makeup artist behind The Exorcist and The Godfather—who mentored him into adulthood. Mike shares his experiences collaborating with director Ryan Coogler and the challenges of creating authentic characters. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes
23
Oct. 20, 2025
Unraveling the Beauty Secrets Behind Kiss of the Spider Woman With the Creative Team
Please Welcome Scott Barnes, the personal makeup artist to Jennifer Lopez, Makeup Department Head Maya Hardinge, and Hair Department Head Michelle Johnson. Kiss of the Spider Woman opened this weekend and now we need to talk about some of those gorgeous looks. In this episode, I am joined the talented team behind the Hair and Makeup in the film, including Scott Barnes, the personal makeup artist to Jennifer Lopez, Makeup Department Head Maya Hardinge, and Hair Department Head Michelle Johnson
5
April 10, 2025
The Substance Hair Designer Frédérique Arguello Talks About Her Work... And That Oscar Plot Twist
You may think that we have already covered The Substance enough for the next 10 years… but I wanted to have Frédérique Aguello on the show because believe it or not… there were still some questions that I had. I also wanted to bluntly ask her about the awards process and find out more about why she was on stage for the BAFTA acceptance, but was absent for the Oscar win. In fact, her name was not even on the ballot… In addition to speaking to me about her inspiration and process on The Substan
July 21, 2024
PRINCE & 1984's PURPLE RAIN 40th Anniversary Special
Being the level of Prince Fan that I am, this was one I was hesitant to put out, but it had to be done and I hope you like it! More Prince https://amzn.to/3WtvAd2 Other People's Purple Rain Creations https://creatoriq.cc/4clsLQy More Storytelling https://lookbehindthelook.substack.com The BEST way to Support is to SUBSCRIBE !! https://www.youtube.com/lookbehindthelookpodcast INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/lookbehindthelook/ Get full access to Look Behind The Look's Substack from Tiffany B
July 27, 2024
Bite-Sized Ep Bonus: Unveiling Chinatown - Faye Dunaway's Iconic Look
Join me to celebrate the Icon that is Faye Dunaway by taking a closer look into CHINATOWN's Evelyn Mulwray. Let's look at what the collaboration of artists like costume designer Anthea Sylbert, and makeup artist and hair designers Lee Harman and Hank Edds resulted in and hear about the detail that went into the unforgettable look of Evelyn. *Don't forget to watch the documentary that is out right now on HBO about the incredible career of Faye Dunaway. There is also a LOT MORE BTS about Chinatow
Sept. 5, 2024
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Where is Ve Neill
Where is Ve Neill in this sequel and what do you think happened? Those of us who grew up with the original want answers, Mr. Burton. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice comes out today and I'll of course be seeing it with the fam... let me know your thoughts in the comments! Get full access to Look Behind The Look's Substack from Tiffany Bartok at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe
Sept. 6, 2024
Inside Whitney Houston's Makeup, Costumes and Music in The Bodyguard
Welcome back, Lookers! In this bite-sized edition of Look Behind The Look, we dive into the iconic 90s film, The Bodyguard, starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. From Whitney's unforgettable performance of "I Will Always Love You" to the behind-the-scenes magic, this episode is packed with nostalgia and fascinating insights. I had the honor of speaking with Academy Award-winning makeup artist Valli O'Reilly, who shared her journey of becoming Whitney's makeup artist for the film. Valli
1
Sept. 27, 2024
More The Creatives Behind Xanadu... Plus Xanadu on Broadway
Welcome back, Lookers! This week's Bite-Sized episode of Look Behind The Look is all about the cult classic, Xanadu. You loved Martin Samuel's interview so much that we decided to dive deeper into the film and share some delightful tidbits and behind-the-scenes stories. I also talk to the star of 2007's "Xanadu on Broadway" about her unforgettable time as Kira. We discuss Kenny Ortega's choreography, take a look at the makeup and Bobbie Mannix's costumes, and I share my interview with Kerry B
Jan. 8, 2025
Less Than Zero | Gen X's 1987 Gem in its Stunning Excess
As Gen Z slowly but surely unearths gems in film history, one of our beloved Gen X films, Less Than Zero, always seems to escape their discovery. This is because the film is not available anywhere- when it is streaming for a few months on MAX, my various text threads light up, but alas, it leaves as quickly as it comes. One of my top 10 gifts ever received was the Vinyl LP for my Birthday 5 years ago and they can pry my burned DVD of the film from my cold dead hands. It's one of my all-time f
Feb. 14, 2025
The Unfortunate Timelessness of Heathers Starring Winona Ryder
Happy Valentine's Day from JD and Veronica! Heathers is an undeniable classic. We take a look at the creative elements that came together to bring us the first and arguably the best Mean Girls, and the first appearance of the ultimate bad boy that you have to fight everything to resist. Before toxic relationships became an overused phrase, we had Veronica and JD. Unfortunately, the plot of Heathers has become all too real, but the film is still a favorite of Gen X, and here, we try to explain
April 22, 2025
The Spike Lee Joint GIRL 6 | Desperately Seeking Theresa Randle
In this Bite-Sized Edition of Look Behind the Look, we’re diving deep into one of Spike Lee’s most overlooked and most fascinating films: Girl 6 (1996). This isn’t just a story about a phone sex operator—it’s a layered exploration of race, femininity, exploitation, identity, and survival in an industry that wasn’t built for Black women. Featuring a groundbreaking soundtrack by Prince and a stunning performance by Theresa Randle, Girl 6 was misunderstood when it was released but today, it dese
16
May 28, 2025
Reconnecting With Erica Taylor | IT Cosmetics Makeup Coach and Powerhouse Educator
So... a couple of weeks ago, I was headed to a brand event with fellow makeup artist Eva Perry. It was for IT Cosmetics and I go more into detail about the event on my substack (hint... head there and hit subscribe - it's free) At the event, Jenna Bush Hager along with IT Cosmetics Global Makeup Coach Erica Taylor presented all the ways in which women do it all which launching the new IT Cosmetics Do It All Radiant Concealer. I noticed Erica and I squinting at each other that way you do when you
18
June 12, 2025
Makeup Artist James Kaliardos Shares Stories From The Set of Something Beautiful With Miley Cyrus
Hello from the Tribeca Film Festival While I await for my dispute to clear on YouTube, please feel free to listen to the audio version of my interview with James Kaliardos, who is Miley Cyrus’ makeup artist among MANY other things. A legend in this industry and founder and director of Visionaire, he carved out some time to talk all things Beautiful. To have been at the premier of this creation was an other worldly experience. It was an explosion of the senses to be sure. And to let us in on s
Oct. 8, 2025
The Show Must Go On And So Does Elizabeth Berkley: SHOWGIRLS and Beyond
Where were you when you first saw the most expensive NC-17 Film ever made? Have you seen it since? What is your relationship with this iconic box office disaster? In this Bite-Sized Episode we examine SHOWGIRLS and celebrate Elizabeth Berkley’s strength despite it’s devastating reception. Even The Academy has come around to acknowledge this film’s place in our pop culture history. Enjoy this look back into the film that is a delicious disaster and let me know about your experience with
25
Nov. 11, 2025
Oscar Winning Hair Designer Mia Neal On The Smashing Machine
#MiaNeal #TheSmashingMachine #BehindTheScenes Get ready for one of my most favorite episodes ever. Firstly, WHY HAVEN’T YOU SEEN THE SMASHING MACHINE? I saw this film on opening weekend as a #BennySafdi die hard, and was lucky enough to get to pick Oscar Winner, Mia Neal’s beautiful brain about the work she did in the Hair Department for it right after. Let me just tell you, I had NO IDEA what she was about to tell me. Holy Smokes, did Ms. Neal conquer some challenges- in fact, I believe t
26
Nov. 23, 2025
No, I Did NOT Forget To Interview the Hair and Makeup Team Responsible for Aunt Gladys in Weapons
Go behind the scenes of Weapons as Look Behind The Look with Melizah Wheat, Leo Satkovich and Jason Collins. They reveal how the hair, makeup, and SFX team created the unforgettable Aunt Gladys. From the offset wig to the prosthetics and makeup that shaped her entire character arc, this episode breaks down every creative choice that brought her to life. 0:00 Intro 5:08 Meeting Aunt Gladys 7:12 Wig Creation 11:30 Makeup Design 15:30 Debunking Theories 17:55 Character Arc Through
5
June 22, 2026
Spider-Noir Unmasked: Hair, Makeup, and the Art of Noir Storytelling
What does it take to create the striking world of Spider-Noir? In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the stunning Marvel series to explore the artistry of hair, makeup, and character design that helped bring this dark, 1930s-inspired superhero universe to life. Hair Department Head Theraesa Rivers, Makeup Department Head, Lana Horochowski and Prosthetic Designer Vincent Van Dyke, reveal how classic film noir aesthetics, vintage Hollywood influences, and comic book source material were blen
Recent Episodes
5
June 22, 2026
Spider-Noir Unmasked: Hair, Makeup, and the Art of Noir Storytelling
What does it take to create the striking world of Spider-Noir? In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the stunning Marvel series to explore the artistry of hair, makeup, and character design that helped bring this dark, 1930s-inspired superhero universe to life. Hair Department Head Theraesa Rivers, Makeup Department Head, Lana Horochowski and Prosthetic Designer Vincent Van Dyke, reveal how classic film noir aesthetics, vintage Hollywood influences, and comic book source material were blen
June 12, 2026
Yes, I'm Still Talking About Madonna, Kate Moss, and the Tribeca Premier at The Beacon.
Jayce wrote the episode, but I’m writing this… We know that we live in a world where emotions are fleeting- they roll through us like 2 second electric shock waves from distraction to distraction, but I STILL have not forgotten the night of June 5th where I sold my tickets to see Lorde at Gov Ball in exchange for a night in the presence of Madonna. It caused 2 days of silent treatment in my home when I sold the Gov Ball tickets and a mental health check since I LOVE Lorde. But… I also LOVE Ma
33
Feb. 25, 2026
Windburned and Wild: Hair & Makeup as Storytelling in Wuthering Heights with Siân Miller
I love any opportunity I can get to speak with Siân Miller, and what luck it was to have her on for "Wuthering Heights" to discuss all things wild... and contained. Braids for days, vacuum masks, intricate hairstyles only to never have film coverage, and yes... sigh... windburned cheeks. I have known Siân since she worked on Cyrano- a beautiful treasure of a film that many people might not know about, and we dug into all things Saltburn last time, but today we will talk about the film that has u
32
Feb. 18, 2026
Supremely Styled: Miyako Bellizzi’s Oscar Nominated Costume Design
To be fair, my interview with Miyako was before Marty came to our screens…. you’ve seen in previous posts my excuse for the dog eating my homework; I’ve been producing a film in Philadelphia and the timing is less than stellar. I was also waiting to speak to Mike Fontaine and Kyra Panchenko about their makeup work on Marty which has since been recognized by BAFTA, but Kyra is insanely busy and our schedules did not align. So I am finally releasing my talk with Miyako mostly for bragging rights t
31
Feb. 15, 2026
Built for the Academy: Mike Fontaine's Oscar-Nominated Prosthetics of Sinners
Currently, Mike Fontaine is Oscar Nominated for his work in SINNERS, and his work in Marty Supreme is BAFTA Nominated. I loved hearing Mike talking about knowing what he wanted before he hit double digits and how he became a protégé of Dick Smith—the legendary makeup artist behind The Exorcist and The Godfather—who mentored him into adulthood. Mike shares his experiences collaborating with director Ryan Coogler and the challenges of creating authentic characters. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes
30
Feb. 2, 2026
The Art of the Glow: Unveiling Circa 1970's Face Oil Magic
In this episode of Look Behind the Look, host Tiffany Bartok welcomes the dynamic duo Barbara Guillaume & Amy Komorowski , renowned groomers who have worked with Hollywood's elite, including Bradley Cooper, Adam Driver and Leo DiCaprio. Together, they unveil the secrets behind their innovative product, Circa 1970 face oil, a, gender-neutral skincare product, formulated with bakuchiol to serve as a natural, non-irritating alternative to retinol. The women are transparent with their struggles (tha
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