Special Effects Makeup

A Day in the Life of...

2009-09-01T00:37:00.000-07:00

Monster makeup application by Tim Vittetoe and Lisa Hansell. Watch the video on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99BVvYy3lWU. Frankenstein played by Stephen Gregory.

Link to Special Effects Demo Reel

2009-09-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a 6 minute special effects demo reel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d2eOab8-OA

Link to "How to Make a Monster" article in Horror Show Magazine

2009-07-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

Make your own zombie following the steps in issue number 4 of "Horror Show Magazine". You can also check out the zombie online.

Link to Makeup 101 on Star Trek: Of Gods and Men

2009-07-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a behind the scenes video about some of the special effects makeup used on the full-length movie Star Trek: Of Gods and Men: http://www.veoh.com/videos/v863396bSA6XGgR. Enjoy.

Tim
www.costumesandprops.com

When Should I Use Spirit Gum?

2009-07-02T00:17:00.000-07:00

Spirit gum is a very tacky and forgiving adhesive, typically used to hold hair onto skin. It is often used to apply beards, mustaches and eyebrows. It can also be used to attach foam latex appliances to the skin.

To use spirit gum properly, you will need to apply it to the skin, then wait a few seconds and tap the area on the skin with your finger. When it's tacky, it's ready to be used as an adhesive.

Spirit gum is typically also used by makeup beginners who need a more forgiving way to apply foam latex. With spirit gum, the appliance can be repositioned if needed to make adjustments.

Find out more about adhesives.

You can also visit us online at www.costumesandprops.com

Making PAX Paint

2009-07-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

PAX paint is used to seal a foam latex appliance before putting on makeup. It provides a foundation without the need for castor oil or another barrier before creme makeup is applied.

PAX paint is made of two things: prosthetic adhesive and acrylic paint. It generally is a 50-50 mix and is used to color and seal a foam latex appliance. While you can make your own, PAX paint also is available through GM Foam distributors as "PAX Paint", uses RCMA colors and is approved by Dick Smith. Here's a link to the GM Foam web site: www.gmfoam.com. You can find a local distributor in your area by visiting http://www.gmfoam.com/distributors.html.

Apply PAX paint using a white makeup sponge, blotting the foam latex prosthetic with the PAX paint. The paint will stay flexible while sealing the foam latex, making it ready for applying either creme or RMG makeup.

Visit us online at www.costumesandprops.com

Hiding Foam Latex Edges

2009-07-02T00:02:00.000-07:00

One of the keys to getting a great looking foam latex application is getting the edges right. Here's how...
After attaching the foam latex appliance with prosthetic adhesive, smooth the edges with 99% rubbing alcohol (avoid getting the alcohol in the eyes). If you still have a step down from the foam latex piece to the skin, you can mix up a little makeup "bondo", which is 50% prosthetic adhesive mixed with 50% cabosil, or translucent powder. Using the paste, you can smear a small amount onto the edge of the prosthetic and skin, filling in the gap. If you add too much, allow to dry and then apply a little 99% rubbing alcohol with a smooth brush to blend the makeup bondo with the skin and appliance. Be sure to allow the makeup bondo to dry. Next apply RMG (or castor oil followed by creme makeup) to the appliance. You'll be able to see where additional bondo is needed. Next, use a stipple sponge with prosthetic adhesive along the edge. The roughness will add realism. If done right, you won't see where the appliance ends and the skin begins. Have fun!

Special Effects Makeup 101

2009-07-01T23:56:00.001-07:00

Add your comments about special effects makeup in this blog. Include how-to information on getting the best special makeup effects, links to your favorite sites, tip and tricks and how to find out more information.