MAKEUP RESEARCH - FLESH

MAKEUP RESEARCH - FLESH

In our chosen genre we would only need to have small cuts or lesions on the skin using SFX. This will be more appropriate for us as we are not experienced in this field of makeup.

Crucial to our plotline, we realised we would also need to make large amounts of flesh to hang up. I looked at different ways of emulating these effects. Below I have researched the different methods and listed the pros and cons of each.

Liquid Latex
Liquid latex is a substance used mostly in lightweight prosthetics. It can be applied over an area of skin and peeled off to resemble burnt or torn flesh. It can also be fortified with kitchen paper to add  fibrous effect and also add strength overall. To apply the latex, you would use either a synthetic bristle brush or a makeup sponge. Latex can also be air dried, and in order to speed the waiting time up a hairdryer can be used. It is recommended for strength that you apply multiple layers. Once dried, the latex must be powdered as it clings to itself. Latex is also very strong and durable when dried properly and can undergo large amounts of stress without risk of tearing.

Positives:-

• Cheap to buy
• Can be bought from a range of stores
• Lightweight
• Easy to use
• Can be used with makeup

Negatives:-

• Ruins clothing once spilt on it
• Destroys brushes
• Can look amateurish
• Has a foul odour
• People can be allergic

Silicon
Silicon can be used in a number of different applications. Prosthetic silicon normally comes in two parts and can be quite expensive. Silicon can be used in a number of different applications, but is mostly used in prosthetics that will endure constant wear or stress. Silicon cannot be painted with just paint, it must be painted with a mixture of silicone, pigment, and naphtha to thin it. Silicone must be air dried.

Positives:-

• Is very durable
• Very strong
• Hyper realistic finish

Negatives:-

• Expensive
• Needs specialist resources to colour it or to paint on it
• Painting it requires the use of a respirator
• Takes a long time to dry
• Small window of time to agitate or change the shape of it before it sets off.

Gelatine & Glycerin

Gelatine can be used in replacement of latex. This can be useful as people can be allergic to latex, but not gelatine. Similarly, glycerin can be used for both prosthetics and flesh. It can be applied directly to the skin.

Positives:-

• Cheap to use
• Can be bought in most convenience stores 

Negatives:-

• Needs to be heated up, cannot be done on site
• Heat can burn, and the gelatine will cling to skin causing a hard burn
• Hard to cover in makeup
• Cannot be bought in bulk