From Glam to Gore: Owensboro Make-up Artist Slays SFX Looks

Local content creator and freelance make-up artist, Heaven Maddox, has been having some fun with her creativity and incredible skills this October. I know I'm not alone in saying that every time she drops a new special effects look on social media, I am blown away. Look at this:

Absolutely incredible. This kind of talent takes years of practice, and I would even say at least a hint of natural ability, because some of her looks are so perfect you'd think it was AI. If you know Heaven, though, she's as real as it gets. Her makeup journey started in 2015 when live tutorials became popular online.

"I actually just watched other people and learned that way," Heaven told me. She earned a degree in cosmetology, but other than that, she is totally self-taught. When it comes to SFX makeup, it's a whole different ballgame. You're working with latex, foam, papier-mache, and other products that may have a bit of a learning curve.

"I have been doing SFX makeup for about eight years," Heaven said, "I actually saw one of my favorite creators on TikTok doing Halloween makeup, and it inspired me to start." She told me she is constantly critiquing her looks, trying to become better

I know how long it takes to do a full face of glam, so I could only guess the time it takes to transform into a skeleton queen or Frankenstein. Heaven confirmed my suspicions, "My SFX makeup looks usually take me anywhere from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the details."

That's dedication to her craft! This is more than mascara and a powder puff, though. This artist is sculpting pieces with clay, prepping her skin with multiple products, and gluing down her eyebrows. All while documenting the process for us to enjoy! Heaven goes live sometimes, too, while she is "painting" her face. So you can see how she works her magic.

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"The Grinch usually takes me the longest because it’s not only face makeup, but I do wig and outfit, etc." She told me that one of her biggest challenges is that she doesn't wear contacts. If you are in the same boat, you understand. She can see up close with a magnifying mirror and lights, but backing up to see the full look without her lenses isn't easy.

She turns it out every time, though! I asked Heaven if she had any favorite looks that she's done so far. She said that her zombie and the Lisa Frank-inspired leopard are at the top for her. There is no way I'd be able to choose. They are all amazing. Keep scrolling to see a gallery of them.

Overall, this is Heaven's hobby. She does offer freelance services, but this is her creative outlet to play around with and learn new things. "I honestly just enjoy the process of the artwork. It’s very calming for me, and I love being artistic and exploring, learning."

Heaven said, "I just enjoy entertaining people and seeing people enjoy my artwork and people supporting the process of me becoming what I am today, and hopefully even better next year." You can follow Heaven on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to show her the love! NOW, without further ado, let me show you all of these stunning SFX makeup looks Heaven has created...