In a recent display of her stunning skills, makeup artiste extraordinaire Nob Dane transformed pop star Tep Boprek into a striking, bald-headed character for her latest photo shoot.

Her intricate work showcases Dane's mastery of special effects makeup. 

The transformation was not just a testament to Dane's talent but also marked a significant milestone in her journey. She aims to revolutionise the Cambodian movie industry with her unique skills.

“I was just getting interested in learning special effects makeup and prosthetic skills for the film industry when I discovered that a professional special effects artist who works in Los Angeles was running a training workshop right here in Cambodia,” said Dane, an established professional make-up artist who runs her own successful business.

The influence of a Hollywood mentor

Behind Dane's success is the guiding hand of her mentor, Dou Poth Molita, affectionately known as Apple Love. She is a Cambodian makeup artist who has achieved remarkable success in the US.

Born in Stung Treng province, she discovered her passion for makeup during her college years and decided to pursue it, despite initial doubts and discouragement from her family. 

Apple initially gained recognition for her work on local film projects and eventually received a scholarship to study special effects makeup at the Cinema Makeup School in the US.

Her work saw her in demand for photoshoots across Asia and in 2016, she worked on Angelina Jolie’s Golden Globe-nominated movie, First They Killed My Father.

She has since worked on numerous film and TV projects, including notable collaborations with high-profile celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Angelina Jolie. 

“I did make up for her [Kardashian] and her children. I had to be very careful preparing her daughter North West’s hair,” Apple told The Post in 2022. 

She is now particularly known for her special effects makeup, which involves transforming actors into imaginative creatures for various productions. 

Apple is committed to sharing her skills and knowledge with aspiring makeup artists in Cambodia and hopes to contribute to the development of the local film industry by offering special classes and training workshops.

A rising star: Nob Dane

Inspired by Apple’s journey and dedication to the craft, Dane saw an opportunity to learn and master the art of special effects makeup.

At 38, Dane already had a successful career as a professional makeup artist but was eager to expand her skills into a new realm.

Her fascination with this unique form of artistry was driven by a desire to bring more diversity and creativity to the Cambodian film industry.

“I am fascinated by special effects makeup. I already have the skills to beautify my customers, but most importantly, my passion for this work comes from the bottom of my heart,” she said.

She believes that the Cambodian film industry has the potential to grow with the inclusion of special effects makeup, which can create more diverse and compelling characters.

One of Dane's biggest challenges in mastering special effects makeup is the limited availability of high-quality materials. 

“Special effect makeup involves creating wounds, hair, bumps, and other effects that require materials that do not harm the skin," she explained. 

“These materials are not readily available in our country, and even in America, there is limited access to specialised film-quality products,” she added.

Despite these challenges, Dane's dedication to her craft remains unwavering. She recalls an instance where a film production required a bald head effect for a cast member, but the production could not afford the costs involved. 

“The cost of materials is one thing, and the time spent on creating the bald effect is another issue," she said.

“If we are in an air-conditioned room, the work takes just over an hour, and in an outdoor environment, it takes more than two,” she added.

Rising to the challenge

Dane's love for special effects makeup and her desire to improve the quality of the Kingdom’s film industry drive her to continue pursuing her art, despite the high costs and lack of local interest. 

She acknowledged that ugly, fictional makeup is more challenging than traditional beauty makeup, but explained that this challenge is precisely what fuels her passion.

Recently, Dane had the opportunity to showcase her skills in a project involving the pop star Tep Boprek. 

The singer needed a scene highlighting her bald head for a music video, but finding an expert in this field proved difficult. 

Dane stepped in, and her work was met with acclaim. 

“Creating the effect of a bald head is difficult, time-consuming, and demands patience,” she explained. 

“The glue must stick gradually, like a construction process. It works with the scalp, which takes a long time,” she noted.

Dane's latest work with Tep Boprek, has earned her recognition and respect in the local industry. 

Her dedication to her craft and her willingness to tackle challenging projects set her apart from other makeup artists.

Looking Ahead

Her journey is a story of passion, dedication and the transformative power of mentorship. 

Under the guidance of Apple Love, Dane has developed her skills and emerged as a rising star in the world of special effects makeup. 

Her work not only showcases her talent but also highlights the potential for growth and innovation in the Cambodian film industry.

As Dane continues to push the boundaries of her art, she is committed to sharing her knowledge and skills with others. 

“I hope to inspire the next generation of makeup artists in Cambodia, just as Apple Love inspired me,” she said.

“With my talent, determination, and the support of my mentor, I'm set to leave an indelible mark on the world of special effects makeup,” she added.