The world of "Poker Face" is a place where characters are transformed almost beyond recognition, and one of the most striking examples of this is Cherry Jones' makeover in Episode 8, titled "The Orpheus Syndrome". In this episode, Jones plays Laura, a big money, power-mad special effects house co-founder who will stop at nothing to maintain her position within the film community – including murder.
To achieve this transformation, costume designer Trayce Gigi Field and hair and makeup departments worked their magic under the guidance of director Natasha Lyonne. The result was a Cruella de Vil-inspired look that perfectly captured Laura's sinister, oh-so-chic persona.
Amy L. Forsythe, head of makeup, and Marcel Dagenais, hair department head, were responsible for transforming Jones' natural beauty into something stark and haughtily haute couture. According to Forsythe, the key was to keep the moisture and suppleness of the skin, as Laura has the money to do so.
The makeup look consisted of a combination of products from various brands, including Gucci brow pencil with Anastasia of Beverly Hills Brow Freeze, Wander Cheeks, and lips, Urban Decay All Night Setting Spray, Ardell Individual Lashes, and Tatcha Moisturizer. The goal was to create a sharp, beautiful, and intimidating look that would give the target a peek at the cow without giving away the milk.
In an interview, Forsythe shared her favorite moment of Episode 8 – the scene where Laura only has half of her face on, which is so bizarrely intentional and off-putting. And, impressively, Jones was there for all of it, showcasing her commitment to her character's transformation.
Meanwhile, Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" music video makeup look has also inspired a makeup tutorial by Reiva Cruze. This two-part tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on how to achieve Lady Gaga's iconic poker face makeup look using specific makeup products and brushes.
Natasha Lyonne's Updo and Red Makeup at Poker Face Premiere
In another striking example of makeup transformation, Natasha Lyonne, the star of "Poker Face", stunned at the show's premiere in Los Angeles with a voluminous beehive updo and red makeup. Her hairstylist, Vernon Francois, helped her channel screen siren Brigitte Bardot with half-up, half-down curls framed by retro pinup bangs.
Lyonne's makeup look consisted of diffused red eyeshadow carried down to her lower lash line, a soft pink color used for blush, and a nude matte lip. This bold beauty look is not new to Lyonne – she has been known to favor striking looks in the past, including her jellyfish ponytail at the recent Golden Globes., "Poker Face" is a show that showcases the power of transformation through makeup, with characters like Laura and Lady Gaga inspiring tutorials and attention from fans.