Special effects (SFX) and prosthetic makeup can create a few of the most striking appearances. From realistic wounds to scary creatures, both methods of makeup artistry are usually used in TV, film, and theatre.

SFX makeup is usually done as a catch-all term to talk about both disciplines, and the border where SFX stops and prosthetics start is blurred.

Special FX and prosthetic makeup are spread in film, television, theater, and photography. There are many mind-blowing examples of how makeup can alter the look of actors. Here’s what you need to have in knowledge regarding special FX vs prosthetic makeup.

SFX makeup is commonly used for costume parties on Halloween and in movies to create fiction and fake characters that do not exist in real life. It makes the job easier for the main film editor and the CGI edit artists working on the film. The prosthetic makeup artist on set work extensively to curate the vest and the most believable-looking appearance of the actor playing the character in the film.

What Is This Type Of Makeup?

Special FX makeup, or special effects makeup, is any makeup that generates a hoax or non-traditional appearance. Some examples of special FX makeup are wrinkly makeup, non-human monsters (ex. animals, zombies), or injuries. Moreover, using special FX makeup can make someone appear like something they are not. This kind of makeup requires a lot of patience, imagination, and skill.

Difference Between Prosthetic And Special FX Makeup

Prosthetic makeup includes molding, sculpting, or casting to change the shape of someone’s features using makeup. Moreover, this form of makeup can make someone out of the world by changing features like noses, chins, jaws, teeth, and more. Prosthetic makeup is a kind of unusual FX makeup.

Special FX makeup requires multiple materials like blood products, silicone, liquid latex, gelatin, and professional makeup palettes. Sometimes, people create wounds like scars and bullet holes with small, pre-made appliances. It is also usual for makeup artists to use bald caps to make a blank canvas for makeup or wigs.

In prosthetic makeup methods, physical prosthetic things are put on a person’s face. Silicone, foam latex, and gelatin are used to create these pieces. Then, the pieces are then applied to the person’s face using skin-friendly and durable glues and blended using makeup products.

Prosthetic makeup is a sub-branch of special FX makeup that uses many of the same materials. Although both kinds of makeup drastically change a person’s look, prosthetic makeup uses larger prosthetic molds applied to someone’s body to get the wanted look. Special FX makeup is a broader term for special makeup techniques that change someone’s appearance.

What Products Are Used For It?

Special effects makeup artists use tools certain to their work:

• Bruise and wounds wheel: A makeup wheel having colors specifically suited to creating the coloring found in bruises
• Liquid latex: Used to create the 3-dimensional texture of multiple skin injuries and prosthetics
• Spirit gum: A basic, safe glue for putting prosthetics and wigs on actors’ heads and faces.

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