Header image (left to right): Head of Makeup Rebecca Lee and actors Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara. (Photo courtesy of Rebecca Lee.)
As Head of Makeup on “The Last of Us,” Rebecca Lee knows what it takes to care for skin during tough shoots — from facing the elements to creating award-winning looks. With two Emmys for makeup design, we asked Rebecca how she keeps actors’ skin healthy during long outdoor days and which Eminence Organic Skin Care products she always brings to set.
Image: Head of Makeup Rebecca Lee
Rebecca Lee Shares Her On-Set Secrets
Congratulations on your recent Emmy for Outstanding Period or Fantasy Makeup for Shōgun! How did you get started as a professional makeup artist?
Thank you. I started in the Theatre Department at the University of British Columbia. I was a student actor but found myself more interested in the work backstage and creating looks with makeup. After an apprenticeship in the theatre, my first job was designing looks for plays and teaching actors to do their own stage makeup. Moving into film and TV in Vancouver felt like a natural step. Winning an Emmy felt like the result of 30 years of work across Canada, Europe and Asia — and a confirmation that leaving performance to focus on makeup was the right choice.
For a series like “The Last of Us,” where actors face wind, dirt, sun and long hours outdoors, how do you protect and care for their skin during production?
I make a clear skin care plan for each actor and stick to it. Eminence Organics was key in helping us create routines so actors could remove makeup, calm, moisturize and protect their skin both in the trailer and at home. We relied on the Lemon Grass Cleanser because it’s gentle, works well on sensitive skin and didn’t cause reactions. After long days in extreme weather we used Echinacea Recovery Cream to nourish and soothe — Bella Ramsey especially loved it after removing makeup.
Do you have any skin care tips or on-set tricks people can use at home to keep skin healthy and makeup fresh through long days?
Yes — I like a tiny drop of Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil on my fingertip or a small soft brush to refresh concealer around the eyes. Pat the oil into the concealer instead of adding more product or powder; it removes cakiness and helps smooth fine lines. Another go-to is Sun Defense Minerals. On outdoor shoots I can touch up shine and refresh SPF at the same time — it protects and mattifies the skin for camera.
Which Eminence Organics products do you rely on personally while working on location?
On location I love adding a few drops of Apricot Body Oil to a hot bath after long, cold days. The scent feels luxurious and it leaves skin deeply hydrated.
Looking back at your work on “The Last of Us” and “Shōgun,” what are you most proud of?
For “Shōgun,” I’m most proud of the authenticity we achieved. Every department wanted accurate representation, and as makeup artists we researched the period, consulted experts and recreated those looks repeatedly over months of filming. That attention to detail leading to an Emmy made me very proud.
Final Touches From “The Last of Us” Set
From harsh outdoor scenes to close-up moments, the cast of “The Last of Us” needed skin care that worked as hard as they did. On set, Eminence Organics supported skin health and glow with products made to soothe, protect and nourish through long days outdoors. Inspired by Rebecca’s award-winning work, you can add these essentials to your routine — whether you face unpredictable weather or want skin that looks camera-ready every day. Find out more at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.