Step-by-Step Zombie Makeup

Zombie makeup varies from over the top to subtle.

Some people choose comical, over-the-top zombie costumes that are complete with exaggerated makeup. Other people choose more horrific looking zombie costumes that look eerily realistic. Over-the-top zombie costumes are easy to put together and offer a good laugh. Subdued zombie costumes may take more time but the payoff is worth it. Instead of opting for a quick and easy zombie costume with effortless makeup, opt for a scarier and more professional zombie ensemble, complete with decaying teeth, sunken eyes and plenty of scrapes and bruises.

Things You'll Need

• White base costume paint
• Soft makeup sponge
• Black eyeshadow
• Deep purple eyeshadow
• Talcum powder
• Red costume paint
• Fake blood
• Liquid latex or decoupage paste
• Small paint brush
• Powder pouf

Instructions

Base Paint

1. Dab the sponge into the white cream base to apply the base makeup. Apply a thin layer of white all over the face, including under the eyes.

2. Dust a light layer of talcum powder over the base paint with a powder pouf. Make sure you powder under the eyes and over the mouth.

3. Take a small painters brush and apply green foundation powder underneath the eyes and at the corners of the mouth.

Eye Makeup

1. Apply makeup to the eye area. Mix dark eyeshadow with white talcum powder or white eyeshadow to tone down the darkness of the black eyeshadow.

2. Begin at the corner of the eye and apply a small amount of the eyeshadow mixture. Apply the mixture to the brow bone to create a sunken illusion. Work your way around the eye, applying the mixture at the crease.

3. Add more white powder or shadow to the black eyeshadow to create a lighter gray shadow. Apply the lighter gray shadow to the lid of the eye and just under the lower eyelashes.

4. Add a small amount of deep purple eyeshadow to the lighter gray eyeshadow mixture and apply underneath the eye up to the corner crease to create dark circles.

Effects

1. Apply an ample amount of liquid latex or decoupage paste to an area of the face to create cuts and scrapes. Liquid latex is readily available at most costume stores. If you cannot find liquid latex, a cheap alternative is decoupage paste. When decoupage paste dries on the skin, it sticks well and covers up easily with base colors.

2. Take the end of a paint brush and draw lines through the paste or latex. Allow to dry. Once dry, apply a small amount of white base paint over the latex or paste. Apply powder over the base paint.

3. Take a small amount of red costume paint, fake blood and black eyeshadow and mix into a dark red paste. Color in the lines made in the paste or latex with the red mixture.

4. Add bruising around the cuts by using a mixture of deep purple, black and white eye shadow. Dab the mixture around the cuts.

5. Take fake blood and apply a small amount into the cuts. Allow the blood to drip down.

6. Add black, non toxic black and red paint in between the teeth with a paint brush. This defines the teeth and creates a decaying, bloody look.

7. Apply fake blood to the inside lower and upper lips of the mouth and allow to ooze out.

Tips & Warnings

• Always do an allergy test before using any products. Make sure all products are non toxic.

• Loose eyeshadows work best for blending.

• Avoid using grease paint. Grease paint is hot and does not wear well.

References

• Zombie Maker: Basic Approach

Resources

• Makeup Notebook: Best Zombie Makeup