An Ottawa creator blending technical skill with imagination, Ginette Belisle brings cinematic artistry to her growing body of Special FX work.
From eerie Halloween transformations to cinematic character work, Ottawa’s Ginette Belisle turns imagination into art through the lens of special FX makeup. A self-taught creator who balances her full-time healthcare career with a passion for makeup artistry, Belisle has built a growing following online for her intricate, otherworldly designs.
What began as a creative outlet during the pandemic has since become a platform for teaching, experimenting, and inspiring others to explore the world of makeup as an art form. Whether she’s transforming herself into The Corpse Bride, designing textured prosthetics, or creating her annual “12 Days of Christmas” series, Belisle’s work captures the magic—and the messiness—behind every transformation.
What first sparked your interest in special FX makeup, and how did you turn that passion into a career?
In high school I took a few summer courses in drama and one week, they had a class on makeup application and techniques. I remember we had to create these masks with all kinds of different materials. I think that’s when my love for creative makeup began.
Can you share one of your most memorable or challenging projects… something that really pushed your creativity?
I would have to say my most challenging project was The Corpse Bride makeup. It was one of my earliest works and it took nearly three hours to create! I struggled to paint the eyes and make them look somewhat symmetrical and realistic. I can’t even count how many times I started over, but I think that’s the look that taught me to trust the process.
Are there any surprising or little-known aspects of FX makeup that people might not realize until they see it up close?
Up close, FX makeup can look rough, exaggerated, or even a bit fake. It’s designed primarily for how it will look on camera, under specific lighting. FX makeup tends to trap heat and sweat, so sometimes it can look like it’s breaking down or melting. But sometimes the messiest looks are the most successful.
Who or what inspires you most when you’re creating, whether it’s other artists, films, or even things from everyday life?
I get inspiration from literally everything! I’ve always loved old Hollywood films and classic glam makeup like Marilyn Monroe’s. Other artists definitely inspire me as well. My daughter even inspires me to create some of her favourite characters.
What advice would you give to someone who’s curious about getting into special FX makeup but doesn’t know where to start?
Start with curiosity, not perfection. FX makeup is all about trial and error. I am a self-taught artist and I mess things up often. It’s all about experimenting and learning how makeup and materials work together. You can also find lots of videos on YouTube or MasterClass to learn about application and techniques. The goal is to try something different every time and just have fun with it!
Since this is our Holiday Issue, what type of work do you do around the holidays or for Christmas productions in Ottawa?
Every year I do a 12 Days of Christmas series where I create a holiday-inspired makeup look or theme for each day until Christmas. You can see all of my creations on my socials @beautybyginette.
