Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein tops Netflix charts with Jacob Elordi’s realistic prosthetic makeup and sparks talk on skincare.
The new version of Frankenstein, written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, premiered on Netflix on November 7 and quickly became one of the platform’s most-watched titles in over 80 countries. Beyond its dark and poetic take on the classic story, the film stands out for its astonishingly realistic prosthetics.
Known for his preference for practical effects over heavy CGI, del Toro opted for a technically demanding makeup process. Actor Jacob Elordi spent 11 hours in the makeup chair to transform into Victor Frankenstein’s iconic creature.
The technical challenge behind the creature
The process required dozens of handcrafted facial and body prosthetics to recreate stitched skin textures and lifelike scars. At the end of each shooting day, it took about 90 minutes just to remove the applied materials.
The result, praised by both audiences and critics, reinforces the power of makeup as an artistic and narrative tool in modern cinema.
Between art and skincare
While visually stunning, such long makeup sessions raise an important topic: the impact on skin health. Just as on film sets, proper makeup removal is essential to keep the skin balanced and irritation-free.
According to Luzia Costa, CEO of Sóbrancelhas — Latin America’s largest facial aesthetics network —, the secret lies in choosing effective yet gentle makeup removers that clean thoroughly without damaging the skin’s barrier.
“Makeup transforms, but post-makeup care is essential. It restores what the skin needs to stay healthy and ready for the next application,” says the CEO.
She recommends a multi-step cleansing routine: start with a remover or cleansing foam for long-lasting products, follow with micellar water or a gentle facial cleanser, and finish with toner and soothing moisturizer to restore the skin barrier.
Thus, the world of beauty meets cinema — uniting the artistry of transformation with the importance of care that keeps skin healthy and balanced.
