Certainly! Here’s a curated list of additional examples where actors’ modern appearances, makeup, or cosmetic choices felt out of place in period or historical settings, adding to the phenomenon known as “iPhone face”:
1. **Henry Cavill in The Witcher (Netflix)**
Despite the show’s medieval fantasy setting, Cavill’s heavily styled modern beard and hair made him stand out rather than blend in with the period aesthetics.
2. **Claire Foy in The Crown (Season 4)**
While the series strives for historical accuracy, Foy’s perfectly applied contouring and natural makeup sometimes felt too contemporary for the 1950s and 60s looks the show aimed for.
3. **Margot Robbie in Mary Queen of Scots (2018)**
Her flawless skin and defined makeup appeared more 21st century glam rather than 16th-century royal court style, distracting viewers from the historical context.
4. **Lily James in Pam & Tommy**
Although set in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Lily James’ makeup and styling drew criticism for looking too polished and modern, clashing with the show’s period accuracy.
5. **Sebastian Stan in Pam & Tommy**
Similar critiques emerged about his appearance, especially regarding hair and makeup choices that felt more suited to contemporary red carpets than a 90s TV drama.
6. **Elizabeth Debicki in The Crown (Season 5)**
Her modern makeup style, especially the heavy eye makeup and contouring, sometimes clashed with the mid-20th-century aesthetics, pulling viewers out of the era.
7. **Timothée Chalamet in Little Women (2019)**
Chalamet’s tousled, slightly messy hair and light makeup felt too modern for the 1860s setting, especially compared to traditional period styles.
8. **Saoirse Ronan in Mary Queen of Scots (2018)**
Her subtle makeup was noted as being more modern than expected for the 16th-century setting, especially for viewers familiar with the period’s typical beauty standards.
9. **Tom Hardy in Taboo (FX)**
Masculine makeup, including subtle contouring and hair styling that felt more like contemporary grooming than 19th-century fashion, drew some criticism.
10. **Actors in the BBC’s Dickens adaptations**
Multiple performances across various adaptations have featured actors with very polished, modern makeup looks, especially on screen at night or under certain lighting, that seem out of place alongside period costumes.
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This phenomenon continues to spark debate among viewers and costume designers alike, highlighting how even small choices in makeup, hair, or cosmetic work can shift the perception of authenticity in period storytelling. Do you have any favorites or have you noticed other examples? Feel free to share!
