It can be difficult to make a convincing-looking Halloween outfit, especially when costumes and makeup are too expensive for your pocket. Even if you don't have a flashy costume, giving your face a more creepy look can be an even better solution. With a little time and effort, you can transform yourself to the point of not being recognized by friends and family.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Collodium
Step 1. Prepare the material
You can make this fake scar without much preparation and relatively quickly. You will only need liquid collodion and scar-like color makeup; you can usually find both in costume and makeup shops and department stores.
Collodine is a highly adhesive liquid, often used in medicine or to make special effects make-up
Step 2. Test the ingredients
The collodion can be aggressive to the skin. Test it on a small area before applying it to a larger area of the body, to make sure you do not suffer from an allergic reaction to the product.
Also check the color of your make-up by putting some in the area where you want to make the scar. It is possible that your skin color will cause your makeup to change, making it less realistic
Step 3. Clean the area to be made up
Make-up adheres better to clean skin, so prepare it: clean it with a wipe or warm water and mild soap, so the scar will be firmer.
Wait until your skin is completely dry before applying the collodion
Step 4. Imagine the shape of the scar
Look carefully at the point where you want to create it and visualize the shape you intend to give it. If you want a scar on your face you will need to use a mirror for this step.
- If the scar you have in mind has a very complex shape, you can lightly trace its contours using an eyebrow pencil.
- For the shape of the scar you can choose a hash, irregular lines or a creepy looking cross.
Step 5. Apply the collodion in layers
As it dries, it will pull and contract the skin, creating the illusion of a scar. For a sharper effect, you can apply it several times, letting one layer dry before applying the next.
Applying liquid collodion to areas of the body where the skin is already tight can reduce its effect
Step 6. Add a pop of color by using makeup
The shade to use for the fake scar varies according to your complexion. You can apply makeup over or under the collodion scar.
If you choose to put your makeup under the collodion, let it dry and then apply the liquid
Step 7. Remove the scar
Before attempting to remove the scar, take a wet wipe and thoroughly wipe the make-up from the area. Then pull off the fake scar with two fingers. It shouldn't be difficult, but if you're having trouble you can apply a prosthetic makeup remover product like isopropyl myristate.
Method 2 of 3: Using Gelatin
Step 1. Gather the necessary materials
Gelatin is an inexpensive and simple to use substance. When applied correctly it can result in very realistic scars, wounds and burns. To create a jelly scar you will need:
- An applicator (a popsicle stick or makeup spatula).
- Glycerine.
- Gelatin (to be prepared or ready-made).
- Hot water.
- Scar-colored makeup.
- A cup for mixing materials.
Step 2. Outline the scar
You must have a clear idea of where to place the new scar lines. The gelatin is easily removed, so don't worry if you have hair in the area where you apply it.
- If you want an artistic scar, it may be useful to trace the contours with the eyebrow pencil so that they guide you in the application.
- You can choose to make a hash-shaped scar, irregular strokes or a threatening-looking cross.
Step 3. Prepare the skin
Whether on the face, arm or in another area, the application of the fake scar works best if the skin is clean and dry. A wet wipe is perfect, but you can use warm water and mild soap instead.
Step 4. Make the jelly
The simplest proportion to get the scar solution is one part of gelatin and one part of warm water. However, using equal amounts the gelatin can dry out and shrink, and in this case you run the risk of losing the fake scar. Many special effects artists recommend the addition of glycerin to prevent this occurrence.
- Add a quarter of a teaspoon of glycerin to the mixture of equal parts gelatin and hot water.
- Mix everything well to prevent bubbles from forming, ruining the effect.
- Once the mixture is ready you will need to be very quick, as the gelatin solidifies quickly.
Step 5. Heat the jelly for special effects
If you decide to use ready-to-use gelatin, you will need to heat it to make it liquid. Immerse the container in the water and bring it to boiling temperature. Once the gelatin has become liquid but no longer hot enough to burn you, it is ready to apply.
Once gelatin has been heated, it is always best to test it in small quantities on a safe part of the body, such as the hand or forearm, before applying in large quantities
Step 6. Apply the gelatin
Use the applicator to spread it on the skin and shape it in such a way as to give the scar the look you want. However, jelly doesn't stay malleable for long, so you'll have to hurry.
- If you want the scar to be very large or if you want to give it a complex shape, you may have to prepare and apply the gelatin several times.
- When the jelly is almost done hardening, you can tap it to create a more rippled, lifelike surface.
Step 7. Paint the scar
The jelly scar is ready, but by giving it a pop of color you can make it more realistic and scary. Foundation and concealer are perfect for blending the edges of the scar, while with a touch of more vivid color you can give the scar a fresh look.
Step 8. If necessary, fix the makeup
You may need it for a very busy evening or if you're the type who can't keep your hands still. A fortuitous movement may be enough to spoil the effect of the scar. If you want to play it safe, apply a makeup fixing spray to the area.
Step 9. Remove the jelly
At the end of the day, all you have to do is pull it off with one hand. If there is any stubborn residue, dissolve it with warm water and mild soap.
Method 3 of 3: Use Scar Wax
Step 1. Collect the material
To get a cut or a wound, professionals, such as theater companies, often use a specific type of wax called “scar wax”. The necessary material can be found in most costume shops, including online, and includes:
- Scar-colored makeup.
- Wax for scars.
- Theatrical mastic.
- Solvent for theatrical mastic.
- Wax applicator (popsicle stick, spatula, etc.).
Step 2. Clean your skin
The wax will not adhere perfectly if the skin is greasy or dirty. To prevent the scar from peeling and falling off during the day, make sure the place where you apply it is clean.
Step 3. Watch out for allergies
Check the ingredients in the wax you use. If you have sensitive skin, try testing a small amount of the product on one spot on the body before applying the scar.
Step 4. Avoid areas that move a lot
As you move, the skin wrinkles and folds, which can put pressure on the fake scar. The most bony points on the body - such as the nose, chin, cheekbones and forehead - move less, so they are ideal for keeping the scar intact for longer.
Step 5. Apply the putty
In some cases, the scar wax may hold itself on its own, especially if the part of the body where you put it moves little. Even if you don't think you need it, a little theatrical putty applied to the back of the scar will usually make it stay in place for a few hours.
Apply the putty to the part of the body where you want to place the scar, leaving it slightly sticky
Step 6. Take a small amount of wax
There may be some differences in texture depending on the brand you buy, but in general, scar wax is as thick as putty. It can be sold in squeeze tubes or in jars; in this case you will have to take the wax with the applicator.
- Professionals often start with a small amount of wax, adding more as needed.
- This type of wax is very sticky, so it can be helpful to coat the applicator and fingers with mineral oil to facilitate the process. Petroleum jelly can also help.
Step 7. Heat the wax
The wax may be stiff and not very malleable at room temperature. To soften it, warm it by passing it through your hands. Do this until it becomes soft, but not so much that it doesn't retain the shape you give it.
Step 8. Shape the scar
Now that the wax is more malleable, use it to create the scar of your choice. For example, if you want to make a long, thin scar, roll the wax between your hands until it forms a thick thread. Then put it on top of the glue on the skin, forming a neutral stroke. To give the scar texture and depth, add more wax or use precision tools.
Step 9. Fade the scar
As convincing as it is, a wax scar isn't very believable if it doesn't blend well with the surrounding skin. The liquid foundation is ideal for filling in the spaces between the scar and your skin, but also add makeup to adapt the scar to your complexion.
Step 10. Back to normal
Apply the solvent for theatrical putty (or a generic one) on the area around the scar and let it act. When you feel that the scar begins to peel off a bit, you can pull it off. Clean up any residue with warm water and mild soap or a wet wipe.
