Brains! A Step-by-Step Guide to Gore-geous Zombie Makeup
Halloween is creeping closer, and that means it’s time to start planning your killer costume (pun intended!). If you’re aiming for a classic, terrifying, and instantly recognizable look, nothing beats a well-executed zombie transformation. Forget the cutesy costumes; we’re going for genuine, undead fright! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from base application to gruesome details, ensuring your zombie makeup is the talk (or rather, moan) of the graveyard.
**Before You Begin: Gathering Your Undead Arsenal**
Preparation is key to a smooth (or rather, decaying) makeup application. Gather all your supplies beforehand to avoid frantic searches mid-transformation. Here’s a checklist of essentials:
* **Makeup Base:**
* **White Face Paint/Cream:** Crucial for achieving that deathly pallor. Choose a non-toxic, water-based option for easy removal.
* **Gray Eyeshadow/Cream:** Adds depth and simulates sunken features. A variety of gray shades is ideal.
* **Black Eyeshadow/Cream:** Essential for creating dark circles and emphasizing hollows.
* **Green and Purple Eyeshadow/Cream:** These colors mimic bruising and decay, adding a realistic touch.
* **Foundation (optional):** If you want a smoother base before applying white face paint, use a foundation shade slightly lighter than your natural skin tone.
* **Special Effects Supplies:**
* **Liquid Latex:** This is your best friend for creating realistic wounds, decaying skin, and other gruesome effects. Always test a small area of skin first to check for allergies.
* **Tissue Paper or Cotton Balls:** Used in conjunction with liquid latex to build up texture and create raised areas.
* **Fake Blood:** The more realistic, the better! Look for different shades (arterial red and venous dark) for variation. Consider using a blood gel for clotted, dried blood effects.
* **Scar Wax (optional):** Can be used to sculpt more defined wounds and gashes. Requires a setting spray for longevity.
* **Glycerin (optional):** Adds a glossy, wet look to blood and wounds for extra realism.
* **Tools:**
* **Makeup Sponges:** For applying base makeup and blending.
* **Makeup Brushes:** A variety of sizes for applying eyeshadow, cream makeup, and details.
* **Stipple Sponge:** Essential for creating a mottled, decaying skin texture.
* **Palette Knife (optional):** Useful for manipulating scar wax.
* **Toothbrush (optional):** For splattering blood for a truly chaotic effect. Use with caution!
* **Cotton Swabs:** For cleaning up mistakes and applying small details.
* **Paper Towels:** For wiping brushes and keeping your workspace clean.
* **Hair Dryer (optional):** To speed up the drying process of liquid latex.
* **Safety First!**
* **Barrier Cream/Oil:** Apply a thin layer to your eyebrows and hairline before applying liquid latex to protect them.
* **Makeup Remover:** Choose a remover suitable for heavy makeup and special effects products.
* **Water and Soap:** Essential for cleaning brushes and washing off makeup.
**Step-by-Step Zombie Transformation: From Pale to Putrid**
Now that you’re armed with your undead essentials, let’s dive into the transformation process. Follow these steps carefully for a truly terrifying zombie look.
**Step 1: Preparing Your Canvas**
* **Cleanse Your Face:** Start with a clean, dry face. Remove any existing makeup and wash with a gentle cleanser to remove oils and impurities. Pat dry thoroughly.
* **Moisturize (Optional):** If you have dry skin, apply a light, non-oily moisturizer. This will help prevent the makeup from clinging to dry patches.
* **Protect Your Brows and Hairline:** Apply a thin layer of barrier cream or petroleum jelly to your eyebrows and hairline. This will make removing liquid latex much easier and prevent hair from being pulled out.
**Step 2: Achieving the Deathly Pallor**
* **Apply White Face Paint:** Using a makeup sponge or brush, apply a thin, even layer of white face paint all over your face, neck, and ears. Don’t be afraid to go a little heavier than you normally would with foundation. Remember, we’re aiming for a deathly pale complexion.
* **Blend Thoroughly:** Ensure there are no harsh lines or streaks. Blend the white face paint seamlessly into your hairline and neck.
* **Set with Powder (Optional):** If you’re using cream-based face paint, lightly dust your face with translucent powder to set it and prevent it from creasing.
**Step 3: Creating Sunken Features and Decay**
* **Contouring with Gray and Black:** This is where you’ll start sculpting the sunken, hollow features of a zombie. Use a gray or black eyeshadow or cream makeup to create shadows under your cheekbones, along your jawline, on your temples, and around your eyes.
* **Cheekbones:** Suck in your cheeks to find the hollows, then apply the gray/black shade in the hollows, blending upwards towards your ears.
* **Jawline:** Apply the shade along your jawline, blending downwards towards your neck.
* **Temples:** Apply the shade to your temples, blending inwards towards your forehead.
* **Eyes:** Apply black eyeshadow all over your eyelids, extending it out towards your temples. Blend well to create a smoky, sunken look. Apply the same shade under your eyes, smudging it downwards to create dark circles. Don’t be afraid to be messy – zombies aren’t known for their flawless makeup application!
* **Adding Bruising with Green and Purple:** Use green and purple eyeshadow or cream makeup to create bruises around your eyes, cheekbones, and jawline. These colors will mimic the discoloration of decaying flesh.
* **Apply sparingly:** A little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and build up the intensity as needed.
* **Blend around the edges:** Blend the edges of the green and purple shades into the surrounding skin to create a seamless transition.
* **Highlighting with Light Gray/White:** Use a light gray or white eyeshadow to highlight the high points of your face, such as your brow bone, the bridge of your nose, and the center of your chin. This will add dimension and contrast to your decaying features.
**Step 4: The Art of the Undead Stipple**
* **The Stipple Sponge Technique:** This is crucial for creating a realistic, mottled skin texture. Take a stipple sponge and lightly dab it all over your face. This will create a textured effect that mimics decaying flesh.
* **Adding Color:** Apply small amounts of green, purple, and brown eyeshadow to the stipple sponge and dab it onto your face. This will add more depth and dimension to the decaying texture. Focus on areas where you’ve already applied the contouring and bruising.
**Step 5: Creating Realistic Wounds and Decay with Liquid Latex**
* **Testing for Allergies:** Before applying liquid latex to a large area of your skin, test a small patch on your inner arm to check for allergies. Wait at least 30 minutes to see if any irritation occurs.
* **Building Up Texture with Liquid Latex and Tissue/Cotton:**
* **Torn Skin Effect:** Apply a thin layer of liquid latex to the area where you want to create a wound (e.g., cheek, forehead, neck). While the latex is still wet, gently press a piece of tissue paper or cotton ball onto the latex. Use a tool like a toothpick to create tears and rips in the tissue/cotton. Apply another layer of liquid latex over the tissue/cotton and let it dry completely. You can use a hair dryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process.
* **Peeling Skin Effect:** Apply a thin layer of liquid latex to the area where you want the peeling skin. Let it dry slightly until it becomes tacky. Gently peel up the edges of the latex with your fingernail or a toothpick to create the illusion of peeling skin.
* **Adding Depth and Color:** Once the liquid latex is completely dry, use eyeshadows (red, brown, purple, black) to add depth and color to the wounds. Apply darker shades to the inside of the wound and lighter shades to the edges to create a realistic 3D effect.
**Step 6: Sculpting with Scar Wax (Optional)**
* **Softening the Wax:** Warm up the scar wax between your fingers to make it more pliable. This will make it easier to mold and shape.
* **Applying the Wax:** Apply a small amount of scar wax to the area where you want to create a more defined wound or gash. Use a palette knife or your fingers to shape the wax into the desired form. Blend the edges of the wax seamlessly into your skin.
* **Creating Texture:** Use a toothpick or other tool to create texture in the wax. You can create cuts, gashes, or other details to make the wound look more realistic.
* **Setting the Wax:** Once you’re happy with the shape and texture of the wound, set the wax with a setting spray to ensure it stays in place.
* **Coloring the Wax:** Use cream makeup or eyeshadows to add color to the wax. Apply red and brown shades to the inside of the wound to create a bloody effect. You can also use green and purple shades to add bruising around the wound.
**Step 7: The Grand Finale: Fake Blood and Gore**
* **Choosing Your Blood:** Select different types of fake blood for varying effects. Arterial blood (bright red) is great for fresh wounds, while venous blood (darker red) is better for older, clotted blood.
* **Applying the Blood:**
* **Dripping Blood:** Use a small brush or dropper to apply blood to the wounds, allowing it to drip down your face and neck for a gory effect.
* **Splattering Blood:** Load a toothbrush with fake blood and flick it onto your face and clothing for a chaotic, splattered look. Be careful not to get blood in your eyes!
* **Clotted Blood:** Use blood gel to create clotted, dried blood effects. Apply the gel to the wounds and allow it to dry slightly. You can also use a small brush or toothpick to create clumps and textures.
* **Adding Gloss (Optional):** Apply a small amount of glycerin to the blood and wounds to add a glossy, wet look.
* **Don’t Overdo It!** While gore is essential, too much can look cartoonish. Strive for a balance between realism and impact.
**Step 8: Finishing Touches: Eyes and Mouth**
* **Eyes:**
* **Darken the Waterline:** Use a black eyeliner pencil to darken your waterline, both top and bottom. This will make your eyes look smaller and more sunken.
* **Red or White Contacts (Optional):** Red or white contact lenses can add a truly terrifying touch to your zombie look. However, always consult with an eye doctor before using contact lenses, especially special effects lenses. Incorrect use can damage your eyes.
* **Remove Eyelashes (Optional):** Removing or partially removing eyelashes can contribute to the sickly, decayed appearance. If removing, do so carefully.
* **Mouth:**
* **Darken Lips:** Use a dark red or brown lipstick to darken your lips. You can also use a black eyeshadow to create a cracked, decaying lip effect.
* **Add Blood to the Corners of Your Mouth:** Apply fake blood to the corners of your mouth to create the impression that you’ve been feasting on brains.
* **Rotting Teeth (Optional):** You can purchase or create temporary tooth decay effects using tooth wax or special effects paint.
**Step 9: Undead Hair and Costume**
* **Hair:**
* **Messy and Matted:** Zombies aren’t known for their grooming habits. Tease your hair to create a messy, matted look. You can use hairspray to hold the style in place.
* **Add Dust and Debris:** Sprinkle some dust or dirt onto your hair to make it look even more disheveled. You can also use hair chalk to add gray or white streaks to your hair.
* **Braids or Dreadlocks (Optional):** If you have long hair, consider creating messy braids or dreadlocks for a more dramatic effect.
* **Costume:**
* **Torn and Tattered Clothing:** Choose clothing that is already old and worn. Tear and rip the fabric to create a tattered look. You can also add bloodstains and dirt to the clothing.
* **Layering:** Layering clothing can add depth and dimension to your costume. Wear a t-shirt under a ripped shirt, or a jacket over a tattered dress.
* **Accessories:** Add accessories such as chains, belts, or weapons to complete your zombie look.
**Step 10: The Undead Walk and Moan**
* **Practice Your Zombie Gait:** Stagger, shuffle, and drag your feet to create the signature zombie walk. Practice in front of a mirror to perfect your movements.
* **Master the Zombie Moan:** A low, guttural moan is essential for completing your zombie transformation. Practice your moans and groans to sound as undead as possible.
**Important Tips for Zombie Makeup Success**
* **Reference Images:** Look at pictures of zombies from movies, TV shows, and video games for inspiration. This will help you get a better idea of what you want your zombie look to look like.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Zombie makeup is all about being creative and having fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and products to create your own unique look.
* **Blend, Blend, Blend:** Blending is key to creating a seamless and realistic zombie look. Take the time to blend the edges of your makeup to create a smooth transition.
* **Hygiene is Important:** Always use clean brushes and applicators to avoid spreading bacteria and causing breakouts. Wash your brushes regularly with soap and water.
* **Removal is Crucial:** Always remove your makeup thoroughly at the end of the night. Use a makeup remover specifically designed for heavy makeup and special effects products. Follow up with a gentle cleanser to remove any remaining residue.
* **Hydrate Your Skin:** After removing your makeup, apply a moisturizer to hydrate your skin and replenish any lost moisture.
* **Have Fun!** Transforming into a zombie should be a fun and creative process. Don’t take yourself too seriously and enjoy the experience.
**Zombie Makeup Ideas and Variations**
* **Classic Zombie:** Pale skin, sunken eyes, torn clothing, and lots of blood.
* **Glam Zombie:** Add a touch of glamour to your zombie look with glitter eyeshadow, false eyelashes, and a bold lipstick color. Balance this with the gore for a striking contrast.
* **Zombie Bride/Groom:** A tattered wedding dress or suit, complete with decaying makeup and bloodstains. Perfect for couples!
* **Zombie Clown:** A creepy twist on the classic clown look, with decaying makeup and blood splatters.
* **Animal Zombie:** Apply zombie makeup to your face and wear animal ears or a tail. Be creative!
* **Environmental Zombie**: Add dirt, leaves, and other natural elements to your makeup and costume to create a zombie who has been buried or living in the wilderness.
**Conclusion: Embrace the Undead**
With these detailed steps and instructions, you’re well on your way to creating a terrifying and unforgettable zombie makeup look. Remember to have fun, be creative, and don’t be afraid to experiment. This Halloween, unleash your inner undead and terrify your friends and neighbors! Happy haunting!