Westworld: Evan Rachel Wood’s transformation into Dolores

Westworld is a place of robotic hosts–but what does it take to give them that robotic look?

Ever wondered how Dolores manages to keep the look of pristine beauty on her face amidst a dusty, dirty, crazy world? Well, the makeup artist of Westworld, Rachel Hoke, has a certain trick to making it work, as she discussed with Refinery 29. Of course, the reality here is that Evan Rachel Wood isn’t actually a host, so to pull off a particular look has to be extremely challenging.

"“The character of Dolores was created to look very porcelain-like. As the oldest host in the park (and as a host in general), her appearance is meant to remain consistent, so we don’t see her change her overall look. That meant experimenting with nearly everything that was put on Wood’s skin. We shoot in heat, dirt, wind, and sun, so keeping Dolores fresh-faced during filming is challenging. When we first started filming, it felt like a science experiment learning how to keep Evan’s skin protected, her body makeup and face looking flawless, and her tattoos covered.”"

But the most interesting aspect about the makeup regiment is that even the sunscreen that was being put on Wood was interfering with the perfectly flawless robotic look Hoke was trying to achieve. She attempted to use liquid sunscreen which was a bust but then she switched to iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50+. And voila! Evan Rachel Wood began to look more robotic–despite her human nature.

So if you’re into the whole robotic look, it seems like Hoke has the sunscreen for you!

Next: Westworld season 2, episode 6 recap: Phase Space

We have to take a minute to think about just how much work goes into the makeup design (along with all the other departments) for creating such unique characters. We take it for granted as viewers, but it is such a magical transformation, and unknowingly is the foundation for the characters and story we are all so obsessed with.

Kudos to the makeup artists, hair design, costume design, amongst all other departments for bringing to life the characters of such an epic show–we appreciate you!

Westworld airs every Sunday on HBO at 9 PM EST!