It’s that time of year again…time to bring out our ghoulish best! If you’re in the market for some gruesome effects this year, read on. It only takes a few simple items to create realistic looking cuts, bruises and other injuries.

The best makeup to use for bruises is cream makeup, available at party or theater supply stores. You can also use the makeup kits found everywhere at Halloween time. It’s best to use a variety of colors for the most realistic looking effects: purple, blue, red, gray and green are all good. It’s also best to use makeup sponges to apply the colors; oil or dirt on your fingers can alter what you’re trying to achieve.

Begin with the darkest colors (dark blue or gray) in the middle of the bruise area and dab on with a sponge. Dab alternating colors (purple, dark red or green) randomly around the center area. Be sure it isn’t too uniform in size or shape or it will look unrealistic. It’s best to use a different sponge for each color to avoid mixing them and changing the hues. Once your bruise is finished, you can set the makeup with a light dusting of translucent powder if you wish, to help hold the makeup in place.

For the best looking cuts, start with makeup putty, also available at party and theater supply stores. Build up the area where the cut will be to about ¼ inch or so and blend in the edges very well. If the color of the putty is more than a shade or two lighter or darker than your own skin, use foundation makeup to match it to your color skin. Use a plastic knife to make a cut in the putty to whatever length you like. You can also make a round indention for a bullet hole.

Beginning inside the cut, use very dark red or gray to fill in the color and give it a look of more depth. Dab red around the cut area out to where your actual skin is to completely cover the putty. You can also add bruise colors (purple, blue, etc.) around the area as well.

To make good fake blood, mix together corn syrup and red food coloring. Gradually add the food coloring to the corn syrup to achieve the desired color. This works great because it is thick and sticky and usually will stay where you put it. And it doesn’t taste bad either. Just be very careful with the food coloring because by itself it tends to stain (skin, counter tops, etc.). Drip the “blood” over the cut to make it look especially horrible.

Another ghastly looking trick that can be done with putty is to create the look of objects embedded in the skin. Instead of cutting the putty, simply push items into it such as short nails or screws and continue with the bruises and blood. Just use extra caution to avoid anyone bumping into your face while you are dressed up.

The hardest part about wearing this kind of makeup is remembering to not touch your face, especially if your nose itches. But it will be well worth it with all the reactions you’ll get. If you’re not into wearing a mask and have a little time to invest, using one or more of these grisly little tricks will have you looking dreadful in no time!

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 at 1:34 pm.