How to Use Gelled Alcohol Movie Makeup for Halloween Special Effects

If you're planning on taking your Halloween makeup to the next level this year, or are looking for better products to create special effects looks that can compete with the best of Hollywood, then alcohol activated makeup is the way to go. It stays put, is waterproof, doesn't crack and a little goes a long way.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buy an alcohol activated (AA) makeup kit and some Iso-gel, which is a gelled alcohol product that can be used with AA makeup instead of or in addition to the standard 99% isopropyl alcohol that is needed to activate and use the AA makeup. It can also be used to reactivate and remove the makeup afterward. Also invest in a set of makeup brushes and applicators to apply the product.

2. Use a mixing tray or palette with the AA makeup and gelled alcohol to mix the colors you'd like to apply. When you've got it to the correct color and consistency, apply to the skin with a makeup brush.

3. Paint in layers over appliances and latex pieces and mix different shades of color to get the most realistic effects just like with any other FX makeup. The gelled alcohol will dry almost as soon as it hits the body, which makes it easy to work quickly and handle more complicated applications.

4. Apply straight gelled alcohol with a makeup brush to the body to blend the makeup that you've just applied. This gives you the ability to further control the makeup application and get the look that you want without much extra time or hassle.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using makeup sponges with these products because a lot of it will go to waste and be absorbed right into the sponge.