Special FX Makeup scratches

Through theater I gained an interest in special FX makeup from using it in class. This differs from makeup that enhances features, instead it is used to create realistic fake effects on a person. Stage Makeup is in interesting book that features many different makeups and techniques to doing special FX makeup. I decided to start with something simple, like scratches. I was able to achieve this using basic cream based makeup in various shades of red and brown, fake blood, and a thin flat head-brush. Using the instruction from my book, Stage Makeup.

I began by using a pale red to draw lines on my arm where I wanted them making the middle line longer than the rest. I then used a deep red over the lines, keeping them thinner than the initial red. I made the lines darker where the line begins and made it fade as it went down my arm to create a realistic effect (Thadium). Finally I added small details of dark brown around the edges, and a tad of fake blood complete the effect, "for an even more realistic gory look, add stage blood" (Thadium 79).

Scratch done on my models face Scratches on my own arm

Have you ever tried using makeup in ways besides to look pretty?

Work Cited

Thudium, Laura. Stage Makeup: The Actor's Complete Step-by-step Guide to Today's Techniques and Materials. Vol. 1. New York: Back Stage, 1999. Print.