Cher & T. Rex Inspire 'Ugly Stepsister' Makeup Magic

The film 'The Ugly Stepsister' features makeup and hairstyling inspired by 70s glam rock and icons like Cher and T. Rex singer Marc Bolan. Hair and makeup designer Anne Cathrine Sauerberg aimed for a unique look, referencing Cher's 70s era for a 'spidery eye' effect and incorporating the flamboyant style of artists like Marc Bolan.

Prosthetic makeup effects designer Thomas Foldberg detailed the meticulous process behind the film's notable effects. He described creating a realistic zit pop scene using a silicone prop and carefully controlled pus, a process that required extensive experimentation to achieve the desired visual outcome.

Achieving authentic period hairstyles presented another challenge. Initially planned without wigs, the team ultimately sourced custom hair from Paris. Sauerberg modified these to match the specific blonde tone associated with Scandinavia, facing significant challenges to achieve the precise look required.

For the film's climax, Elvira undergoes a grotesque metamorphosis, involving extreme measures to fit a slipper. This transformation included hair loss effects, discolored eye lenses, dentures, and a broken nose, creating a visceral body-horror aesthetic inspired by Italian giallo films.