Makeup artist Katie Oja reveals how a simple trick created Nikki’s terrifying look in the horror film Obsession. With a <£1 million budget, the team behind the movie relied on carefully placed shadows and highlights to enhance Nikki's eyes and mouth, making her features appear unnervingly non-human. “So simple but it triggered my fight or flight,” commented one viewer.

The technique used in Obsession highlights the power of practical effects over CGI. Other examples include a perplexing Kylie Jenner billboard in London and optical illusion makeup that breaks your brain. For more spooky tricks, follow Creative Bloq’s daily newsletter for inspiration from the worlds of art, design and technology.

Apart from the film industry, this also questions whether creativity can truly replace technological advancements in achieving a desired effect. It’s not just about looks; it's about how our minds perceive these illusions.