The most iconic makeup moments in cinema Katinka in Zoolander, Sugar and Spice from Batman Forever and much more

Let’s be honest: when it comes to certain films, we don’t really remember the plot or even the name of the usual alpha male lead, but we absolutely remember that lipstick, that eyeliner, that insane full face worn by the female characters (and rightly so). Because, just like hair, makeup on the big screen is never just makeup: it’s personality, style, identity. So here’s a small hall of fame of the most iconic makeup moments in cinema.

Makeup in movies: the most iconic looks worn by female characters

Milla Jovovich in Zoolander

Choosing just one makeup look worn by Katinka, played by Milla Jovovich in Zoolander, is extremely difficult. Her aesthetic revolves around a villain charm that wouldn’t look out of place in a Mugler runway queue, and the makeup follows suit. Intense black eyeliner, red lips with an eccentric overlip, and bold eyeshadows. Behind those beauty details is a professional makeup team: Naomi Donne as makeup designer alongside Kate Biscoe, Karen Dahl, Zoe Hay, Michael Laudati, and many other artists credited in the film’s makeup department.

Shelley Duvall in Brewster McCloud

If there’s one thing you never forget about Shelley Duvall, it’s those super-long, extra false lashes she wore in Brewster McCloud. With her wide-eyed, theatrically framed gaze, she looked almost like a rag doll. The rest of the makeup is nearly minimal, but that single detail is enough to turn a simple look into an iconic makeup moment.

Elizabeth Hurley in Bedazzled

In Bedazzled, Elizabeth Hurley’s makeup is a perfect example of early-2000s aesthetics: glowing skin, gallons of lip gloss, and flawless smokey eyes. A full glam look that never feels “too much.” Among the makeup artists involved are Margie Kaklamanos, Patricia Messina, Kate Biscoe, and many others.

Tamara Dobson in Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold

Tamara Dobson’s makeup in Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold is pure 1970s: a luminous base enhanced by a bold satin pink blush, colorful eyeshadows (from green to light blue) blended all the way out to the temples, and straight, sharply defined brows that follow the eye makeup. The finishing touch is a pearly peach lipstick. A powerful look perfectly suited to this glam-action film.

Drew Berrymore e Debi Mazar in Batman Forever

In Batman Forever, Drew Barrymore and Debi Mazar (or rather, Sugar and Spice) wear makeup looks that still echo throughout Gotham. Sugar plays with a sweet, innocent gold eyeshadow, paired with black eyeliner and ultra-thin brows. Spice, on the other hand, goes all in on purple: lilac eyes, dark lips, and dramatically arched eyebrows. Behind these beauty looks are Rick Baker, Ve Neill, along with an entire department of assistants and hairstylists.