Special Effects Makeup: Wrinkles
Article about: creating wrinkles with makeup, halloween makeup, old age makeup, special effects makeup, wrinkles makeup
Whether you’re going to a Halloween party or playing Grandma Bea in the church play, if you’re character is old, wrinkles are essential to your look. There are ways to create very authentic looking wrinkles with makeup that can really bring your part to life and have you looking way older than your years.
First rule of thumb to remember is that light creates the illusion of an area coming out, while dark causes it to recede. Both are necessary for authentic looking wrinkles. Look at your face carefully under a bright overhead light (such as in the bathroom) and notice the lighter and darker/shadow areas on your face. This is what you want to emphasize and exaggerate.
Start with a foundation shade close to your own skin color or slightly darker. Make sure that you apply it evenly in order to provide a smooth surface to work on. Using either a sharp eyeliner pencil or a fine-tipped brush and cream makeup in dark brown, trace the natural lines on your face around your eyes, mouth and forehead. Depending on how old your character is and how young you are, you may need to add a few extras or scrunch up your face to see them. Be sure to taper the ends for a more natural look.
Next, using either a sharp eyeliner pencil or a flat-tipped brush and cream makeup in white, trace white lines right up against the dark lines on your face. This is to create highlights which will greater emphasize the depth of the wrinkles. Blend the white outward and upward toward the highlighted areas on your face. The brightest part of the white should be right next to the brown and then fade out.
As you apply your makeup, keep in mind the distance to your audience. If it’s a Halloween party, your makeup can be more subtle, but if you are on stage, it will need to be much darker and exaggerated.
Using a larger powder brush, sweep darker powder (brown or gray) under your cheekbones, eyes and down the front of your neck on either side of your esophagus. This creates a sunk in look. Alternately, apply white cream makeup down the center of your neck and on the highlighted areas of your face: above eyebrows, cheekbones and chin. Be sure to blend the white very well; a makeup sponge works best.
Don’t forget eyebrows or other facial hair. Use white or gray cream makeup and blend throughout hair to make it gray. Add regular makeup like eye shadow, blush and lipstick according to your character. Finish with a light dusting of translucent powder to set the makeup and help it stay put.
All you need now is a wig and your costume and you’re all set to be the oldest one at the party! Just don’t forget to keep your hands off your face, even if it itches, so you don’t smudge your work of art!
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