Halloween and Prothetics

At work last week we offered make up applications for people who wanted to get dressed up for Halloween but didn't know how to do it them selves. So I thought it would be a cool idea to so a quick how to on prosthetic application.

A prosthetic, in make up, is a latex or foam latex wound or mask that is typically applied to the actor with pros-aid adhesive.

The first thing I did was some research on videos people may watch if trying to learn to apply a prosthetic on their own. I found one very informative YouTube video, Walking Dead Style Prosthetic Application. It walks you threw the full application process and is a great DIY for any beginner make up artist.

When applying a  prosthetic there are some must have supplies...
- sponges
- pros-aid/ cream pros-aid*

   *cream pros-aid is simply stronger then the normal liquid pros-aid and can be used if you are applying a heavy duty prosthetic.

- invisible powder

- RMG (grease paint)*

   *used to paint the prosthetic

- Q-tips

- latex*

   *used to hide the edges if needed and can't be done with the pros-aid

And finally to remove the prosthetic all you need is...

- Super-solve

- Q-tips

- Cotton balls

Fist to remove the prosthetic you work the q-tip around the edges until you have a nice lip. Then you GENTLY peal the prosthetic up while working the q-tip under the edge. This process can take several q-tips.  Finally when done your actor may still have some residual pros-aid on his face. To remove that simply saturate a cotton ball and in small circular motions rub away the excess pros-aid. 

If you wish to attempt your own prosthetic you can visit any local special FX store and purchase your own supplies.

If you are in the Orlando area you can visit AEO Studios.

If you are in the Tampa area you can visit FX Warerhouse.

Or you can always Google "Make up and SFX".