The beautiful dead: Beauticians in the death care industry

I watch as the sculptor plays with the Plaster of Paris, twirling the white, thick paste in her hands. The mixture will hold the bones in place, avoiding displacement and tearage. She takes a cherry red Revlon lipstick and using a thin paintbrush, delicately applies it onto the dead woman's clammy lips. Using photographs and information from the family, she knows it's her signature look, one she never left home without wearing. Before stepping back to assess her handiwork, the artist checks the Tan Glo that was sprayed on 20 minutes ago to liven up the skin with a healthy summertime finish. She refines her handiwork, plucking hairs from the eyebrows to give them the perfect arch. Once she's satisfied with her work, she shows me the photograph of the lady alongside the life-sized doll. I can't believe how realistic the lady's face looks. It's almost as if she's alive, except she isn't.