How to Do Realistic Halloween Makeup
Doing realistic Halloween makeup is easy as long as you have the right tools, practice and patience, and are willing to do some research. What ingredients you use and how you apply them is entirely based on what costume you choose, and each Halloween costume presents its own set of challenges for applying makeup. However, by following a few simple steps, even the least artistic person is capable of doing realistic makeup and creating a memorable Halloween costume in the process.
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Things You'll Need
- Halloween costume
- Pictures of your character
- Makeup sponges (one per color and product, plus one for blending)
- Makeup brushes (specifically eyeliner and shadowing brushes)
- Appropriate hypoallergenic makeup
- Prosthetics (if needed)
- Mirror (lighted makeup mirror is best)
- Overhead light
- Makeup remover
- Towel
- Makeup puff
- Baby powder
Instructions
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Preparation
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Decide on and purchase your character's costume at least three weeks before you plan on wearing it. This will give you time to research and purchase the correct type of makeup you need.
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Look through magazines and books and research images online of people dressed up as your character. Look up special-effects companies online and check for samples of their work. Print out your favorite photos of your character to use as references to copy.
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Research makeup supply companies. Contact suppliers and ask if they have tips on application, what they recommend for your specific costume and how much product you will need for each makeup application.
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Purchase the necessary supplies at least a week in advance of when you plan on using them. If you need to order them, order them at least two weeks in advance of your proposed usage. You will need to purchase enough makeup to cover the number of times you plan on wearing your costume, plus extra for a practice application. You will need a base foundation that is the color of whatever your character's skin tone is, and any other makeup or supplies your character will need (like fake blood, green contacts or warts, for example). Remember -- if you use prosthetics, you also need to purchase adhesive to apply them.
Application
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Perform a skin test at least 24 hours before applying the makeup and/or prosthetics to ensure you aren't allergic to them. Test a small amount on the inside of your wrist. If you develop a rash, you are allergic and should not use the products.
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Pull your hair back so it is completely off of your face (and shave if necessary). Wash and dry your face and hands thoroughly. Prep your makeup, prosthetics and any adhesives you need for your makeup application.
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Practice applying your character's makeup -- sit in front of a well-lit mirror (preferably a lighted makeup mirror) and, using your photos as a reference guide, start by applying any prosthetics first. Allow the adhesive to dry before applying anything else.
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Apply foundation with makeup sponges in a thin coat and let dry. Apply a second coat if necessary to completely cover the skin. Let dry and then continue applying the rest of the makeup, allowing each element to dry before moving on to the next one. For fine lines, detail, texturing and shadowing, use your fingers and makeup brushes. Use the towel dampened with warm water and a small amount of makeup remover to wipe off any excess and clean up any smudges.
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Once the makeup is done and dry, gently puff a small amount of baby powder onto your face with the powder puff to set the makeup.
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Tips & Warnings
Costumes that go over your head must be put on BEFORE you apply your makeup or you risk smudging it.
Ask before you buy. If you know you have a specific allergy to something, be sure to ask the store where you purchase your products from if the products are hypoallergenic. Also, if you are planning to use face paints, make sure they have the required FDA certification.
Carry extra makeup with you when you wear your costume so you can reapply or fix any problems if necessary.
If in doubt, follow the experts. There are many videos online by makeup and special effects experts who can show you step-by-step how to apply each element and exactly what ingredients you need to create your makeup masterpiece.
Clean and dry each brush and sponge after application to prevent bacteria from forming.
Apply thin layers. You always can add more, but it is very difficult to remove a mistake or too much once you've applied it without potentially ruining the rest of your makeup.
You are putting materials on your skin -- always test a small amount first to see if you have an allergic reaction to the makeup or adhesives you are applying.
Don't blend different kinds of makeup. Some makeup is oil-based, some isn't, and these consistencies won't blend.
Don't ever use acrylic makeup on your face.
Don't apply makeup or prosthetics near an open flame.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Dan Kitwood/Getty Images News/Getty Images
