How to Make Special Effects Scars

Household products can be used to create special effects scars.

Special effects scars can help make your movie production or Halloween costume come to life. While many people may think you need professional equipment and a team of makeup artists, you can actually create the scars at home with household supplies. Whether you're playing a member of the undead or a trauma victim, your scars will seal the deal and give everyone you come into contact with a fright.

Things You'll Need

• Petroleum jelly
• Water
• Pot
• Stove
• Spatula
• Cream makeup
• Skin tone makeup
• Barbecue sauce
• Molasses

Instructions

1. Turn on one of the burners on your stove to low heat. Set a small pot on top. Size may vary with how much product you'll need, but select a quart-size pot to start.

2. Pour in a cup of water into the pot. Add two cups of petroleum jelly. Allow the two to heat up for a couple minutes.

3. Mix in some white cream makeup with a spatula. Two tablespoons should be enough. Mix the entire concoction together and allow it to heat up for a couple more minutes.

4. Take the pot off the stove when the mixture looks congealed. Make sure the color matches your skin tone; heating it longer and mixing more will create a darker tone. Set the mixture aside and let it dry.

5. Create blood by mixing together two cups of barbecue sauce and a tablespoon of molasses. Mix the two together in a small bowl with a spatula. Mix in a teaspoon of black or red non-toxic paint to alter the color.

6. Roll the first mixture into a small sausage-like shape once it has hardened. Press the sausage on to your skin and flatten it with your hand.

7. Use a paint brush to carve out a crease or crevice in the center of the skin. Dip the paint brush in the blood and add some to the center of the cut and a bit around the sides. Allow the scar to dry for 20 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Commercial products for both the scar tissue and blood can be purchased at most department or Halloween stores.

References

• Face Painting Designs: Special Effects Scars