The world of makeup is stressful enough. Finding your perfect shade of foundation from the millions on offer, only to find it’s patchy and flaky when you take it home is a regular struggle. Now, add another layer to the stress: Finding the right special effects makeup.
If you’re a cosplay beginner, or are trying to make your way in the world as a Special FX MUA, the market can be pretty intimidating. What products are you going to need? And how much?
While you can’t buy and transport everything from location to location, there are a few things you should always have stock of.
Creamy foundations
Base layers are obviously a staple for any MUA – Special FX. You’ll need more than just natural colors, too. You might one day be styling The Hulk’s long-lost brother, and the next decorating an Avatar. A high-quality blending stick will help provide full coverage within a matter of seconds.
Liquid latex
Liquid latex is another of the top special FX makeup products you need stashed in your bag. It’s a must-have. Latex can be used to create realistic-looking scars or blisters, seal in wax or even make a person look older than they are.
Check out this ultimate guide to find out how to use it and the effects you can create.
Fake Blood
And we don’t just mean the stuff you find at the dollar-store near Halloween. Blood and gore are the first things most SFX makeup beginners want to try, but knowing the right ones to choose can be a little tricky.
The best idea is to check out the reviews online, as you don’t want to waste time or money on a product that won’t provide the best results. Getting the consistency and color right is vital for making it look realistic, so make sure to do plenty of research before purchasing.
Thicker fake blood products are better for creating gooey open wounds or scabs.
Once you’re set on a product, always make sure to do a spot-test on your client before diving in.
Skin-Friendly Adhesive
Water-based, skin-friendly adhesive is another staple. Adhesive helps to keep prosthetics in place for long periods of time – whether that’s for a Comicon event or a long filming session. By choosing a high-grade adhesive, your creations will be able to withstand heat and moisture – making them perfect for professional use.
Color Rings
To make things easier for beginners, and so you don’t have to carry around a million and one different face paints, color rings are a great option. They provide you with all the colors you need to make certain effects. For example, a bruise ring will have black, yellow, browns and greens, which you can blend together to create fresh or partially healed bruises. Professional-grade face paints will allow you to create a number of looks and styles that can easily stand up for hours of wear.
These are but a few of the things you need to start with as an SFX makeup artist. More often than not, you’ll collect products along the way and soon you’ll have a whole suitcase of colors and products to choose from.