What is Zombie Skin?

Zombie Skin was introduced to the public at Hauntcon in Pittsburgh Pa in 2012.  Zombie Skin was first sold at the Midwest Haunters Convention in Columbus, Ohio and SOLD OUT!!! 

Zombie Skin is an ammonia free latex product with the consistency of whipped butter. It has many uses from blending prosthetic edges to creating cuts, gashes, wounds, bites and even claw marks. That’s just to name a few.

Zombie Skin was first sold at the Midwest Haunters Convention in Columbus, Ohio, and was then introduced to the public at the 2012 Hauntcon in Pittsburgh, PA. Due to it’s fast drying, easy manipulation, and all around efficiency Zombie Skin seems to be taking the makeup world by storm.

How does it work? It’s simple, far simpler then latex with a much faster application time.

For cuts:

         1) Spread the Zombie Skin on the skin with a craft stick.

2) Give the ZS about 30 seconds to start drying

3) Take the edge of the stick and make a cut in the Zombie Skin.  

*As you make the cut you should see the Zombie Skin start to pull away just like when you cut your skin.

       4) Allow Zombie Skin to finish drying. 

5) Take your makeup and apply as you would normally

6) Add blood as needed.  

*Remember less is more in some cases.

Here is what a cut might look like using Zombie Skin.

Here is what a cut might look like using Zombie Skin.

For wounds:

       1) Spread the Zombie Skin on the skin with a craft stick.

2) Wait untill the Zombie Skin is about half way dry.

*About 45 seconds, but you may have to play with the timing to get it just right. With this it is important to remember that Zombie Skin dries faster the warmer the person is. This is because it uses a person’s body heat to help it dry so fast.  

3) Once the Zombie Skin is semi dry take a cotton swab and push it into the Zombie Skin.

4) Pull out the Zombie Skin.

*The Zombie Skin will be attached to the cotton swab. This is perfectly normal; you want it to look as though the skin has been torn.

 5) Move around the Zombie Skin to make the hole look like a deep wound

6) Take your makeup and apply as you normally would.  

This is my attempt at a shallow wound, I was going for a cigar burn. This is my attempt at a shallow wound, I was going for a cigar burn.

For bites:

1) Spread the Zombie Skin on the neck with a craft stick.

2) Push a cotton swab into the Zombie Skin.

3) Rotate the cotton swab in a circle

4) Pull out the cotton swab

*This should leave a perfect circle/ bite in the neck.

5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 to make multiple tooth punctures if needed If not skip to step 6.

6) Take your makeup and apply as you normally would.  

7) Add blood as needed.  

This is to give you an idea of what a vampire bite might come out looking like.

There are a million and one uses for Zombie Skin all you have to do is use your imagination and try out a few ideas. 

For more information about Zombie Skin check out these links.

Zombie Skin Home Page

Instructables

To purchase Zombie Skin check out these links.

Zombie Skin Clear

Zombie Skin Flesh Tone

AEOstudios

How to fake a scar

You can achieve scars like this using rigid collodion

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Now I know I have talked about scars in other post but I figured since scars can appear different depending on age I’d do a post to get a little more in depth on them.  

For this you will need:

- Rigid collodion

- Astringent

- Cream makeup scar wheel

- Skin tone cream make up

- Makeup sponges

- Small brushes

- Setting powder

- Brush Cleaner

- Powder puff

Basic preparation steps:

1. Decided how new the scar will be (depending on if this scar is shallow or deep.)
2. Research pictures of scars (shallow or deep)

·       A makeup artist always has reference pictures of what they are going to do.

3. Clean the area of skin with astringent
4. Apply a thin layer of rigid collodion
5. Allow the rigid collodion to dry
6. Repeat steps one and two until desired result is achieved

·       Shallow scars may require up to 4 or 5 layers

·       Deep scars may require only 2 or 3 layers

The next few steps are for shallower scars:

1.     Using a makeup sponge lightly add some red makeup directly onto the scar and blend out about a centimeter or two, not even

2.     Powder to set the make up

3.     If the scar still appears to faint or is to close to the color of the surrounding, now pinkish, skin take the small brush and a little bit of red and brush it into the scar

·       You may need to blend the red with some skin tone to achieve your desired results. This can be done before or after the application. I would suggest after. You can use it to blend the color out a little further, almost like a safety net.

4.     Take a clean edge of your sponge and dab at the scar until it is blended almost evenly

5.     Powder to set the makeup

6.     Using a makeup sponge lightly apply a think layer of skin tone makeup to the scar and surrounding area

7.     Powder to set makeup

8.     Repeat steps 6-7 until desired result is achieved

The next few steps are for deeper scars:

1.     Using a small brush lightly add some red makeup directly onto the scar

2.     Using a makeup sponge blend out, no centimeter or two, onto the skin

3.     Powder to set the makeup

4.     Using a small makeup brush, the same one is ok, add a small amount of purple to the scar

5.     Using a clean side of your wedge blend the purple out, no more then a centimeter, onto the skin

6.     Powder to set the make up

7.     If still not the desired result repeat steps 4-6 using blue

8.     Using a makeup sponge apply a thin layer of skin tone make up to your scar and the surrounding area

9.     Powder to set the makeup

10.   Repeat step 8-9 until desired result is achieved.

That is how you fake a scar, new or old. If you wish to spice up a brand new scar you can add some congealed blood directly onto the rigid collodion after you are done shading the area with red makeup. This gives the appearance of a recent cut. 

Scars combine with bruises always give a cool effect.

Here are some helpful links

Rigid Collodion Info

AEO Studios

YouTube Tutorial 

How to Make a Severed Head

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This week I am going to tell you all how to make a severed head.

The supplies you are going to need are:

1.     A head mold

2.     Casting latex

3.     Poly foam

4.     Acrylic paint

5.     A hot glue gun

6.     Hot glue

7.     Fake eyes

8.     A wig or crepe hair

9.     A dremel

10. Something to hold the two half’s of the head mold together

11. Packing peanuts (optional)

12. Screwdriver (optional)

13. Scissors

14. Spongy material

The first step is to tie your two halves of your mold together very tightly.

The second step is to slush the mold. To do this you pour the casting latex into the head mold to about the half way or quarter point. They you slowly rotate your mold while pouring out the latex back into it’s original container.

Step three let the latex dry over night, or up against a fan for 6 to 12 hours. You want to make sure it has set and is no longer wet, sticky, tacky, in any way not completely dry.

Step four. Mix the two active components of your poly foam. It should be about a 25 to 12 ratio.

If you are using the packing peanuts add them in first and make sure they are up to at least the half waypoint. Then you add your poly foam. You ratio should be about 14 to 7.

Step five. Once your foam has risen and set, about 20 to 30 minutes after you added it, you are now ready to pull your mold. You may now untie your mold and carefully pull it apart. You may need to use a screwdriver to separate the two halves.

Step six. Once you have pulled the mold it is time to dremel. You must dermal down the edges where there is a seam. You need to make this as smooth and invisible as possible.

Step seven. Once you are done dremaling you now need to trim the excess foam from about the neck. SAVE THIS! DO NOT THROW IT AWAY!

Step eight. Now heat up your hot glue gun and decide how you will position the let over latex that you have trimmed off the neck. This will be your arteries, guts and gore factor. NOTE! Do not glue these into the center! Leave the center open incase you decided to add a vertebra.

Step nine. Glue the latex.

Step ten. Mix your paint with some of your casting latex. Attempt to get a dark purplish reddish color.

Step eleven. Sponge paint the white poly foam and latex.

Step twelve. Let the paint dry.

Step thirteen. Cut out the eye area.

Step fourteen. Choose a pair of eyes and gently insert them into the now open eye area.

Step fifteen. Add some blues and reds very subtly around the neck area. This just adds some realness and depth to your head.

Step sixteen. Pick out a wig and hot glue it to your head.

Optional step seventeen. If you wish you can use more paint to apply make up to your head, if you wish it to be a girl, or to add color to the lips and cheeks.

Optional step eighteen. You can now add some of your reddish latex to the hair and on your head’s face to make it appear beaten.

Optional step eighteen. If you wish you can use more paint to apply make up to your head, if you wish it to be a girl, or to add color to the lips and cheeks.

Hooray! You now have your very own severed head. Use it at Halloween, in a movie, to scare your friends, scare your mom, your teacher, a person in a car accident (well that would just be rude). What I’m trying to say is enjoy it!

 

For more tips on how to make your own head or other body parts check out these links.

http://halloweenerrific.co.uk/tag/make-your-own-severed-head

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QR2C32eBAw

How to Turn Your Friend Into a Zombie

David after I was done with him on Halloween.

Turning some one into a zombie is pretty basic. All you are basically doing is lightening the persons skin tone and then shading in the usual areas, cheek bones, temples, and under the chin (if it's a guy), and then you shade the eyes, to sink them in. That may sound rather complicated to some, so like always, I'm going to walk you threw the process step by step.

1. Apply the foundation to your actors face
• Make sure to use a foundation that is 2 tones lighter then your model's
• Make sure you blend the foundation down you model's neck
2. Apply shadows to your actor 
• (Make sure the shadow in 1 tone darker then your actors natural tone)
• Just under the cheek bones
• At the temples
• Around the eyes
• Under the jawline
• On the side of the nose
3.  Apply highlights
• On cheek bones
• On the bridge of the nose
4. Apply greens and yellows
• Apply these around the shadows to give your actor a sickly look
• After applying bruises add some more greens and yellows
5. Apply bruises
• Apply different shades of reds 
6. Apply setting powder
7. Add rigid collodion
• You apply this by liberally applying this to your model's skin
• This may take multiply applications 
• Allow this to dry between applications
8. Make any needed touch ups
9. Apply setting powder
10. Apply congealed blood
• Add this where the rigid collodion has dried to make realistic wounds

Now you know how to turn your friend into a realistic zombie.

Your friend should look something like this.

Here's a video of me turning my friend into one so you can see the process.

If you need any more help you can check out these websites.

• YouTube
• about.com
• instuctables.com

If you needed make up or any of the supplies you used in this application you can order it from these websites.

• AEO Studios 
• FX Warehouse

How to Make Gelatin

Today I am going to teach you how to make gelatin. Gelatin is very important tool when you are a special effects and makeup artist.

This is what you can do with gelatin and food coloring.

Gelatin is easy enough to make, however some times the ingredients can be hard to find.

To make gelatin you need:

1. 450 gram Glycerine 
2. 450 gram Sorbitol 
3. 150-200 gram Gelatine powder

 Once you find all the ingredients you:

1. Mix the liquids and one tablespoon of water in a plastic or glass bowl. 
2. Put it into the microwave for 4 minutes.
• This time is for an 800 watt microwave.
• You microwave this until it is warm enough when you can’t put your finger in it without burning it. 
• Remember that you should never let the gelatine boil but just melt it.
3. Add the powder slowly while stirring fast. 
4. Let the gelatine powder absorb the liquid and swell for five minutes. 
5. Put it back in the microwave for two minutes. 
• Open and stir a few times during. 
• Remember that gelatine is not allowed to boil! 
6. Take it out and let it cool for two minutes  
• Stir often during this time. 
7. Repeat the four minute procedure seven to eight times.
• Switch between heating and cooling the gelatin.
• This is needed to thoroughly melt the gelatine powder. 
• You can put a little drop on a cool surface and feel how it feels when it's cooled down. 
• If it is all done it is a very soft but still firm 
• This is how gelatine feels when it's good.
8. Let the gelatin cool for a while before pouring it down in a zip lock bag (a thick one). 
9.  Put it flat on the table to cool. 
10. The gelatine can now be re-melted whenever you need to use it. 

Tip! As you need to let the gelatine cool between the runs in the microwave, do two batches at the same time. This saves you a lot of time.

 Health and safety! Gelatine is HOT! If you get it on your skin it will burn you until your skin comes off! I always wear protective gloves, covered shoes, long trousers and protective glasses. You can't play it too safe when working with dangerous materials.

 This is a step by step video on how to make and use gelatin for cool effects.

For more info about gelatin for where to buy some already made gelatin check out these links.
how to make burns
makeup special effects supply store
how to and supply link

How to Slit Your Friends Throat

I have done many post on make-up so far, but now I am finally going to tell you how to do a special effect.  Today I am going to tell you how to rig a blood effect. This effect will cost you less then $15 in total.

The supplies you will need are:

1. a turkey baster $3, syringe $3, or ketchup bottle $1 (all from Walmart)
2. clear plastic tubing $3, or bendy straws $1
3. duct tape 4$
4. blood $5

Once you have all the supplies it's time to build your rig.

If you use plastic tubing:

1. Fit the plastic tubing over the spout of what your baster, syringe, or ketchup bottle
2. wrap the duct tape around the gape as tight as possible to prevent any leaks

If you use bendy straws:

1. fit the bendy straw over the spout of what your baster, syringe, or ketchup bottle
2. wrap the duct tape around the gape as tight as possible to prevent any leaks 
3. Fit the second bendy straw into the first
4. wrap the duct tape around the gape as tight as possible to prevent any leaks  
5. repeat as needed

Once you have built your rig it's time to use it. The example I am going to use is if you are going to slit some ones throat.

To do this  and achieve a believable effect you need a fake knife and your rig.

Here are the steps to achieve this effect:

1. Pour the blood into your ketchup bottle or suck it into your baster or syringe
2. Tape your tube or straw to the side of your knife
3. Place your baster, syringe, or ketchup bottle behind your actors head
4. Stand next to your actor and  angle the knife so that the camera cant see your starw or tube
5. squeeze the baster, syringe, or ketchup bottle
6. once the blood near the tip of the straw or tube begin to pull the knife across your actors throat.
7. You have now slit your friends throat.

Here is a video of my friend and I learning to achieve this effect. 

Remember if at first you don't succeed try, try again. 

If you are looking for more of a way to make your blood to shot everywhere check out this website.

How to Give Someone a Black Eye

Black eyes, they happen to clumsy people, people who get in fights, and some people who can't catch. So as a make up artist it is a good idea to know how to give some one a black eye. 

Here are the items you will need...

1. Nose and scar wax
2. Lotions (lots of lotions)
3. Bruises makeup wheel 
1. with green and purple
2. with red and yellow
4. Skin tone make up
5.  Sponges
6. paint brush
7. Translucent Powder
8. Some form of a wedge

Now here's the steps you should take.

1.  Apply lotion to your hands, or else the putty will stick to you
2. apply putty around your actors eye area making sure to smooth down the edges
3.  once finished applying the putty and blending the edges it is time to start the make up application. This is very tricky. The putty will want to stick to your sponge or brush unless you first apply lotion to the putty.
4. Apply light amounts of lotion to the putty and then shade your eye and make sure to shade onto the skin and not just the putty
1. first red
2. then green
3. purple
4. skin tone
5. Then lightly apply your powder being careful to only dust the eye area 
6. Now go show off your handy work cause you have just given your friend a black eye.

 The whole process looks something like this.

For more info on black eyes or to buy makeup products check out these sites.

How to Gouge an Arm

Have you ever seen one of those movies when some on have a chunk of skin cut off their arm. Well that's what I'm going to teach you how to do today.

For this activity you will need

1. Gelatine
2. Food coloring
3. Modeling putty
4. Skin tone make up
5. Bruise and FX makeup wheels
6. Cotton balls
7. Popsicle stick
8. Lotion
9. ProsAid

Here are toe steps to create your gouge...

1. melt down the solid gelatine, about 20 seconds in the microwave. 
2. stir in about 4 drops of red food coloring and 2 of blue. 
3. CHECK to make sure that it is not to hot for your model's skin. 
4. Once it has cooled down take the popsicle stick and spead a layer onto your model's skin. T
5. Pulled apart a cotton ball and bloat the gelatine.
• This wall create a texture in the gelatine.
6. Once you are satisfied with your texture amount add another layer of gelatine.
• You can repeat steps 5 and 6 until you are satisfied with the results.
• On the last layer try and spread the edges out as thin as possible.
  

Once satisfied with your gelatine it is time to build up the wound.

1. Put the lotion on your hands and pull out the modeling putty
2. Start molding the putty around the gelatine
• Apply a layer of ProsAid to your model's skin  between each strip of putty
3. Once you have your border blend the outer edges down
4. Apply 2 thin layers of ProsAid to make the putty stronger

Now it's time to make it look real.

1. Add some pink and red to a sponge and blend it onto the putty
2. Add some skin tone to the edges of the putty and blend onto your model's skin.
3. Add some purple to the inner edge or the putty.
4. Take a good last look and use your best judgement to make it look realistic.

Your final result should look something like this.

 For more cool stuff to do with gelatine check out this cool video.
This is also a cool article about making scars and burns.

How to Make Reusable Vomit

 This is a dramatization.

In film sometimes you may want to show a puddle of vomit. Today I'm going to tell you how I make reusable vomit.

Here's the supplies you will need:

• 1 Pot
• 1 cookie sheet
• various food
• water
• food coloring
• gelatin

Now when I say gelatin I don't mean the yummy delicious snake known as Jello, I mean make up gelatin. It's easy to make and will be used the base for the vomit and is necessary for making the vomit reusable. This is where you can find the recipe to make gelatin.
Once you have the gelatin made it is time to melt it down a block of it in the pot. You will want to add some water to thin out the gelatin. Once the block has boiled down it's time add food coloring. You will want to add about a 1/4 drop of green and 1/2 a drop of yellow. 

Now you will want to add some crushed up food. You add more for chunky looking vomit and less for a less chunky look. Once you mix the food up you may need to add a smidgen more water to help it cool down.

Before the gelatin has completely cooled you will want to pour the mixture onto a cookie sheet and place it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. After that time check the edges of your vomit and see if you can peel it up. If you can you have successfully made your reusable vomit, if you can't put it back in the fridge for a bit.

When finished your vomit may look something like this.

If you are looking for an easier way to make vomit you may want to check out this link.

If you get bored this vomit can also be used to prank your friends.