Applying Special Effects Make-up
Special effects make-up used for theater and film production differs significantly from make-up used more casually to enhance one's appearance. It is often intended to work a dramatic change--altering the actor's features significantly or even making him appear as a monster or otherworldly creature. It is often based on prosthetic applications made of latex or similar materials. While rarely a day-to-day process, you can apply special effects make-up during local theater or film productions, or as part of a Halloween costume to make your outfit particularly striking.
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Things You'll Need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Stipple sponge
- Cotton swabs
- Spirit gum or similar adhesive
- Make-up brushes
- Latex make-up prosthetics
- Greasepaint or base make-up
- Baby wipes
- Make-up and adhesive remover
Instructions
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1
Clean the part of the face where you wish to apply the adhesive with rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs. You want a clean skin surface.
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2
Apply a base color to your face matching that of the prosthetic you wish to use. This will depend on the effect you want to achieve--a sickly look may involve a gray or yellow base make-up, while a more normal look may be close to your own skin color.
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3
Use a brush to place Spirit gum or similar adhesive down on the spot where you intend to place the prosthetic. Then lay the prosthetic piece over it until it sticks.
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4
Apply base make-up to the prosthetic until it matches the color of the rest of your face. You want it to blend as seamlessly as possible so that the prosthetic appears indistinguishable from the surrounding flesh.
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5
Add highlights as you wish using a stipple sponge or make-up brushes. Again, this will vary according to the look you wish to achieve. Natural skin tone may demand typical highlights, while fake blood can be applied using a stipple sponge for a wound or monster effect.
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6
When you are ready to take the make-up off, apply make-up adhesive remover to your face, or use baby wipes to clear away the prosthetic. Wash your face carefully with soap and water, then use moisturizer or skin cream to keep it from drying out.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have a latex prosthetic, you may be able to create the right look using pliable wax of the proper color. Simply soften it in your hand, then shape it into the desired form and apply it to your face after being treated with Spirit gum as in Step 3. You can use make-up remover if it keeps sticking to your hands while you work it.
Practice makes perfect with special effects make-up. Work on this technique well before your party or theatrical production to iron out any rough spots. That way, you won't be rushing around at the last-minute.
When applying base make-up, it helps to layer things. Multiple applications applied gradually over time will help it look more natural.
Some people may be allergic to Spirit gum or latex applications. Always test the make-up you use on an unobtrusive part of your body, such as your hand before applying it to your face.
