Makeup artist Mimi Choy slices, disjoints, stretches, blurs and otherwise radically transforms her own face in stunningly realistic optical illusions using nothing but makeup. No templates, prosthetics or Photoshop go into the creation of her surreal photos – she freehand them all, often using standard cosmetics from brands like MakeupForever and Kryolan theater makeup. The Vancouver, Canada-based artist shows off her trippy looks on Instagram alongside her more standard everyday makeup looks.

Mostly using herself as a canvas for her optical illusions, Mimi says, “To be honest, I never thought anybody would be interested in following my bizarre late-night creations a few years ago because it wasn’t ‘on trend.’ But I continued because illusion art is challenging and I like having to push limits each time. Later on, I realized it’s not about creating looks that are ‘popular’ or would guarantee likes/follows, it’s about creating our own trend and breaking barriers.”

Mimi says she rarely even has a specific plan in mind when she starts painting – she just goes for it, and allows the result to come about spontaneously. Check out her Instagram @mimles for lots more wild and intricate makeup creations.

The word ‘eyeteeth’ has taken on a new meaning with a set of surreal and disconcerting images from Swedish makeup artist Sandra Holmbom. While most of Holmbom’s looks are much more conventional, the artist occasionally creates dramatic effects that incite a double-take. The image of an eyeball parting to reveal a set of teeth seems like something from a nightmare.

“Pretty, it’s not, but I had fun anyway,” Holmbom says of the look.

The makeup artist has also created gory effects like exposed musculature and wounds, as well as more humorous looks, like the character ‘Timon’ from the animated Disney movie ‘The Lion King.’ See more at her blog.

Illusion relies on expectation – we glance but only glimpse what is familiar and the rest blends neatly into the background, particularly as we go about our busy lives in a bustling urban center.

As nifty as these body-painted costumes by Carolyn Roper (via DailyMail) are, the reactions of passers by are the best part – a shocked bus rider or fruit-stand shopper caught in their moment of surprise by waiting photographers.

To complete the spectacle, every element is critical, from the lines of reflection on a vehicle to the details of fresh vegetables drawn on to carefully mimic tomatoes, beets, pumpkins and lettuce.

The stunts were a marketing move by Really TV for a CIA drama titled Covert Affairs – it is hard to say how well such guerrilla marketing campaigns translate to new viewers for television shows, but thanks to publishers picking up the story, well, surely a few of those spooked by these urban camouflaging antics will check out this show about spooks.