27th October, 2023
Halloween is a time for makeup and fancy dress enthusiasts to truly display their horrific creations. One of the most sought-after effects is the art of creating and applying fake blood. In this article, you will learn how to apply fake blood, (including layering for a thicker appearance), customising colour tones, how to remove it from skin, and finding which makeup products are best for you to make the most of your fake blood, not just for halloween, but also for stage production makeup as well.
Fake blood is an essential tool to use in your makeup kit for a variety of reasons: it is graphic and will enhance the experience of both the wearer and the people witnessing the horror unfold, and can even be utilised for long-lasting use.
Whether you’re aiming for a subtle touch or a gory spectacle, knowing how to apply fake blood correctly can make all the difference. Let’s dive into how to apply fake blood for the best effects.
Make sure to have the right products on hand. For this, we highly recommend Stage Blood, which has been used by professional film, TV, and stage companies alike, as well as makeup amateurs.
Alternatively, if you wish to make your own, consider blending a liquid lipstick (exclusively available from our Dominic Paul range) with liquid latex, clear gloss, or eyelash adhesive, and you can achieve your own homemade concoction. Begin by pouring out a generous amount of lipstick onto a palette and gradually mix in your chosen medium until you achieve a sticky texture.
A convincing blood effect isn’t just about the colour; it’s about the texture and depth. To achieve a 3D wound effect, apply liquid latex and incorporate bits of soft, flesh-toned tissue paper at the centre. For added gruesomeness, try the Ben Nye Nose and Scar Wax, which we offer in shades of fair, light and normal brown, and can be used around the wound.
For those who prefer a less intense wound but still desire a rich, viscous blood appearance, layering is your best approach. Mix a deep-hued blood with a touch of liquid latex or adhesive, allowing it to thicken slightly. As it reaches a gummy texture, apply it to the desired area. For dried blood effects, pigments or eyeshadows can be strategically placed. For this, you could try the Ben Nye blood capsules, which are just the product you need for drizzling, oozing effects.
A splash of blood can add a chilling touch to any Halloween outfit. To achieve this, immerse your finger in fake blood and flick it onto your skin. Alternatively, a brush or toothbrush can be dipped in blood, and by running a thumb over the bristles, you can create a splatter pattern. This technique is perfect for costumes that require a touch of gruesome detail, and is even useful if you want to know how to apply vampire makeup.
The colour of the blood can create different effects. Fresh blood is characterised by vibrant reds with a hint of blue. As blood ages, it adopts brown and orange undertones. For dried blood, a combination of dark red and a smidge of black is ideal. By customising the blood’s shade, you can ensure your makeup tells a compelling story, whether you are creating a fresh wound or an old scar.
If you want to create the blood look around or within your mouth such as your gums/teeth, use tooth paint to create a more realistic injury look imitating chipped or knocked out teeth.
Halloween and theatrical makeup isn’t just about creating a wound; it’s about making it look as real and fresh as possible. For instance, our tips on bruise kit makeup emphasises this, and sometimes God is in the detail. Here’s how to use fake blood effectively to enhance those faux gashes, punctures, and slices, ensuring they look freshly inflicted.
@mellevolant Next up … coagulated blood gel from Mehron #mehron #fakeblood #spfx #mellevolantproductions
For a wound that looks freshly inflicted, dripping fake blood is the best way to depict its gory imagery. For this, you should:
Consider using second-hand clothes for this next option, as fake blood, especially homemade varieties, can leave lasting stains. To get the best results, follow these tips:
Crafting a realistic set of intestines can add a spine-chilling touch to your Halloween costume. With simple household ingredients, you can achieve a texture that eerily resembles human guts, and with a sprinkle of fake blood, you would think it was a dilemma from a slasher flick.
Scars can tell a story of past battles, accidents, or horror tales. Creating a lifelike scar can enhance the narrative of your Halloween character.
While learning how to apply fake blood, it’s crucial to prioritise safety. Even if your fake thick blood mixture is made of cruelty-free, vegan materials (which we use in all of our makeup products) or harmless ingredients like corn syrup and food colouring, avoid areas near the eyes. The smallest amount can cause irritation, and it’s challenging to remove.
Lastly, we cannot forget about how to get fake blood off skin! You may even find this section useful if you need to know how to remove spirit gum when learning about what is spirit gum.
Follow the tips below on how to effectively remove fake blood from skin:
Applying makeup remover to the stained area. Using cotton pads or makeup-removing wipes, gently wipe away the fake blood. Avoid scrubbing aggressively; this can irritate the skin and may not effectively remove the stain.
Once the majority of the fake blood has been wiped off, cleanse the skin to get rid of any residual stain. Use a mild soap and water, and scrub gently.
If any stubborn stains persist, apply a layer of petroleum jelly or baby oil to the area. Gently massage and scrub the skin. The oil will help lift and dissolve any remaining fake blood particles.
After ensuring all of the fake blood has been removed, wash the skin one last time to remove any oily residue. Pat dry with a soft towel.
Remember, any lingering stains will fade over time as the skin naturally regenerates and sheds old cells.
In conclusion, fake blood is essential to elevate your Halloween look from basic to breathtakingly realistic. By following these makeup tips, not only will you know how to use and apply fake blood effectively, but you’ll also know how to get fake blood off skin and fabrics, too.
For more interesting blood makeup advice, have a look at the 7 best horror makeup winners at the Oscars.
Melanson, A., (2023) Horror At the Oscars: 7 Best Makeup Winners. Fangoria. [online] Available at: https://www.fangoria.com/original/horror-at-the-oscars-7-best-makeup-winners/ [accessed 12/10/2023]
Hey there! I’m Isabelle Kerrington, and I’m thrilled to share my passion for the performing arts through my blog. Focusing on theatre makeup, my posts will cover everything from product recommendations to helpful tips and engaging tutorials. Join me on this exciting journey as we explore the magical world of theatre makeup together.
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