pretty scary

the scary part about theatrical make-up is not the final effect that you are trying to achieve but the process of application. in this case, only practice can make it perfect. for the rest of us, it just becomes a hot mess. hence if you are planning to do something really dramatic, i would seriously advise you to spend a little money and hire a professional to help you in getting the look that you want.

image from bestmakeup.info

however, if you are adventurous enough to try applying your own make-up / face paint, i have a tip for you (this was shared to me by a fellow actor) especially if you sweat buckets. before application of your first layer, apply a thin layer of peel-off masque. of course, you need to stretch out your face when doing that. when it dries, you can apply the makeup over the masque.

picture from favim

this little tip was good in a number of ways:

1) easy removal: because you were essentially painting on the masque, when it's time to be removed, just peel off. the colour does not stain your real skin. the last thing you want is to still have a green glow during christmas (unless you are the grinch).

2) longer lasting: this is a personal thing. compared to application on bare skin, the face paint seems to stick on longer when applied on the layer of masque. i remember having to do only minor touch ups for a good half a day and when it comes to touching up, it was just re-apply the masque then makeup over...

3) smoother application: because you are 'painting' over the masque. it gives a smoother texture and an easier face to work on. 

4) better skin: i totally agree with my fellow actor on this one! instead of having harsh make-up on the face, you are having a daily routine of masque application (we were in a two month production!) instead of emerging with outbreaks, we had much better skin to boost of.

image from fanpop

on a final note, you can also try other types of facial masks to achieve the look that you want for halloween BUT do try it out. under conditions of stress, we usually mess up our own makeups. anyway, another video to help you along.

fash'on... BAM!

pretty bloody

blood is inseparable from halloween. you may want to keep your halloween face blood-free but keeping a vial of 'blood' is always handy when you are suddenly inspired to bring the fun up a notch.

image from themeparks

probably one of my shortest post but i'll share two videos with you (because it's really hard to explain in words). the first is how to make 'blood' at home and the next is how to do the 'bloody' look if you have the time for it.

the problem with fake blood that we use in theatre is the smell. so if you decide to go for a 'bloodly' look, just get someone else to sniff you before you head out. you don't want people to run off for the wrong reason.

fash'on... BAM!

Sodium Hypochlorite

sodium hypochlorite, also known as household bleach, is one of the unspoken treasures around the home. if you are interesting in the full details, you can refer to my dear old friend, WIkipedia!

but i must say that, if you have old jeans / denim that you don't wear anymore and are at a loss with them, reach for the bleach... i recall years ago when i was bored and i took a pair of old jeans... laid it on the bathroom floor and pour bleach over it... yes, you would get a new design and print but it was also like a wildfire that could not be stopped...

so in case, you are inspired by me to bleach all your jeans or clothes... couple of points to note...

1) bleach is a liquid... clothes absorb liquid... so the second time round, i wet the jeans to control the amount of bleach that the jeans take in... 

2) use tools... an old toothbrush, a piece of twine, straws... the word is CONTROL... if you want your ideas to be translated on the material, go slow...

3) after you bleach your clothes, soak them, wash them (separately from your other clothes, of course), use softener... the smell will linger... you want the focus to be on your clothes, not how you smell like bleach...

anyway, here's more help...

have fun with your bleaching adventure... BAM!