The Art Of Transformation | Special Effects Makeup

An SFX Story

If you don’t know by now, I’ll tell ya… I’m a makeup instructor. One of my favorite things to teach is Special Effects Makeup. The reason I love teaching this subject is because to me it is what I think makeup is, which to me is; the magic of transformation! Transformation can be seen in simple day to day makeup, but when you use Special FX you can completely change a person into someone else like magic.. And I love that!

This week I’ve been teaching SFX Makeup, and I wanted to share some of the fun products

I work with:

We use the very exotic tissue paper..what?!?! Yes we use this with latex and create creepy skin.
Sponges (non latex) these sponges are essential to use with liquid latex because the liquid latex won’t eat them.
Stipple sponge.. we use these to create scrapes and other cool effects.
Q tips, from cleaning edges to adding color, these bad boys are useful.
Liquid latex will be your best friend (if you aren’t allergic) you can build and rip and with this product to create realistic skin.
Liquid blood is the best finishing touch to make a wound, burn, cut and flesh eating zombie look realistic.
Black creme color. I use this to give depth.
My favorite product to use is 3rd degree. This is a silicone 2 part product. When combined you have ten minutes to mold and shape into what you want it to be and it harden that way.
Another favorite not shown here, is thick blood. It’s a gel like blood with many uses.