Blush Episode Five: Blind Man’s Brush and Fashion Icons

With the remaining four contestants vying to compete in next week’s grand finale, the Max Challenge was nothing short of insanity. This week’s Max Challenge tested both the makeup artists’ ability to communicate and, of course, their makeup skills.

Working in pairs, each makeup artist was required to accurately recreate an avant garde makeup look based on photos that were chosen for them. The twist? They weren’t allowed to look at the picture.

Todd created this makeup look (right) without ever seeing the original photo (left). PHOTO: Hannah Ross / Lifetime

Instead, they were to rely purely on the description and directions given by their partner.

Unsurprisingly, drama ensued as Todd and Maxi struggled to work together. Farah and Nolan, however, made an efficient pair (even despite the distraction of Maxi screaming to Todd with words of crazed encouragement like, “Oh my God, you’re such a good listener, bitch!”).

Thanks to Farah’s excellent directions and his ability to execute elaborate makeup looks under pressure, Nolan took the Max Challenge and won the advantage of determining the order in which the makeup artists would choose their models in the elimination challenge.

Nolan’s winning makeup look (left) was remarkably accurate copy of the makeup in the original photo (right). PHOTO: Hannah Ross / Lifetime

Elimination Challenge: Hollywood Icons
Similar to past challenges that tested the contestants’ knowledge of iconic makeup looks from past decades, this week’s elimination challenge tested the artists’ ability to recreate the look of Hollywood’s most famous faces: Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe and Greta Garbo.

Unlike previous challenges, the makeup artists were responsible not only for their models’ hair and makeup, but also for their wardrobe. Furthermore, the challenge’s requirement of a complete transformation was made even more difficult by the fact that the models didn’t bear much resemblance to the famous actresses whom they were supposed to look like.

In the end, the judges based their decision on which makeup looks made the model instantly recognizable as a Hollywood icon.

The Winners
Earning high praise for his ability to capture what guest judge and the Academy Awards Fashion Coordinator Patty Fox described as the “essence of Greta Garbo,” Maxi won the elimination challenge, giving him the winningest record out of the remaining contestants (he won the Max Challenges in episodes one and four).

Maxi had the challenge of making this model look like Greta Garbo. PHOTO: Hannah Ross / Lifetime

Todd also made his way into the waiting room’s “safe” seats for his makeup rendition of Marilyn Monroe.

The Bottom Two
According to the judges, neither Nolan nor Farah were successful in capturing the looks of their Hollywood icons. Both resident judge Joanna Schlip and guest judge Patty Fox felt that Nolan missed the mark when it came to creating Audrey Hepburn’s squared-off brows.

Farah’s Sophia-Loren-inspired makeup look was also criticized for its inaccuracy. While Joanna praised Farah’s ability to create flawless skin, all the judges agreed that the makeup, particularly the brow, was too heavy. As a result, it was Farah’s last look.

The judges said that Farah’s model was missing the “essence” of Sophia Loren. PHOTO: Hannah Ross / Lifetime

Next Week: The Winner of Blush!!
Can you believe that the final episode of Blush is next week?! So who do you think is going to be The Next Great Makeup Arist?

Looking for past episodes? Be sure to check out Blush: The Search for the Next Great Makeup Artist.