How to Make Fake Bruises for Halloween Using Movie Makeup

Whether you're adding the finishing touches to your undead Halloween costume or creating a special effects look for the latest movie you're working on, the art of creating fake bruises is one that every special effects makeup artist should know.

Instructions

1. Buy a special effects bruise kit, or use your favorite makeup in shade of yellow, red, purple and blue to create a bruise. You can purchase these kits at most major retailers during the Halloween season or visit your local costume shop year round.

2. Attach any prosthetics or appliances that go with your look with spirit gum and let them set before you add bruising.

3. Apply a layer of yellow base flesh tone makeup to the desired area with a makeup sponge.

4. Go over the area lightly with red special effects makeup on a makeup sponge, being sure to blend the red naturally into the desired area as well as into the area around the bruise for added effect.

5. Create deeper bruising effects by adding purple and blue tones in small areas as well as brown for older bruises.

6. Pay attention to the bone structure of the face when creating facial bruises. Use the bones of the face as a guideline for highlighting the impact area for the illusion of a particularly nasty bruise.

7. Complete the fake bruise by going back over the area with a small sponge and yellow, white, or flesh tone makeup to further blend in the area around the bruise. Avoid going overboard with too much red or purple unless you're also creating a fake wound to go with the fake bruise.