Having an authentic looking Halloween costume can be difficult, especially when the most realistic costumes and makeup are out of your budget. Even if you don't have a flashy costume, changing your face look to something creepier can be even better than expensive alternatives. With a little time and effort, your friends and family will not be able to recognize you behind the scars.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Liquid Collodion
Step 1. Gather your supplies
You can achieve this simple scar look without much preparation and in a relatively short time. The only ingredients you will need are liquid collodion and colored scar makeup, which can be found in most costume stores, drug stores, or department stores.
Collodion is a highly adhesive liquid compound and is often used in medicine or special effects makeup
Step 2. Evaluate the ingredients of the products
Collodion is a component that can be strong on the skin, so you will need to test a small area before making the main application. This will ensure that you do not have a negative reaction to the product.
You should also test the makeup color. Put some on the area where you will use it. The natural color of your skin could detract from the color of your makeup and make it look less authentic
Step 3. Clean the area that will soon be “healed”
When your body is clean, the special effect makeup will blend in better with the skin, creating a better seal between the skin and the adhesive. Prepare your skin for the new scar using a baby wipe or mild soap and warm water.
Before applying collodion, wait until your skin is completely dry
Step 4. Imagine the design of the scar
If you are applying makeup to your face, you may need a mirror. Imagine the design you want by observing the part of the body on which you will apply the scar effect.
- To make more intricate scar designs, you can lightly pre-sketch them using an eyeliner pencil.
- For your look, you might consider making patterns in the shape of a numeral, jagged lines, or menacing scars in the shape of an "x".
Step 5. Apply liquid collodion in layers
As the collodion dries, it will bond the skin and provide the appearance of a scar. For a more pronounced effect, you can apply it several times. Before adding another coat of collodion, you should allow each application to dry.
Applying liquid collodion to areas where your skin is tight may lessen its effect
Step 6. Add color with makeup
Depending on your skin tone, the color you use for the fake scar tissue will vary greatly. You can apply makeup on top or below the collodion scar.
Under-scar makeup applications will require you to apply it before the liquid collodion, allowing it to dry completely first if necessary
Step 7. Remove the scar when done
Before removing the scar, you should take a wet baby wipe and remove any makeup from the fake scar. You should be able to peel it off without much trouble using your fingers. If you have difficulty removing scar tissue, apply a prosthetic makeup remover, such as Super Solve, or isopropyl myristate.
Method 2 of 3: Make a Jelly Scar
Step 1. Gather the necessary supplies
Gelatin is inexpensive and easy to use. Also, if applied correctly to the skin, it can look like a scar, wound, or burn. To make the jelly scar, you will need the following ingredients:
- jelly applicator (popsicle stick or makeup spatula)
- glycerin
- gelatin to prepare (or made gelatin)
- Hot water
- makeup (scar color)
- mixing cup
Step 2. Outline the new lines
You should have a clear idea of where the new scar lines will run through your body. Gelatin is very easy to remove, so you don't have to worry about pain if you're applying it to a hairy area.
- For more artistic scar designs, you may find it helpful to lightly draw guide lines with an eyeliner pencil.
- For your look, you can consider making patterns in the shape of a numeral, jagged lines, or menacing scars in the shape of an "x".
Step 3. Prepare your canvas
Whether you apply the fake scar to your face or arm, it is best to choose a clean and dry surface to do it. A baby wipe is great for this purpose, but if you don't have one on hand, you can use mild soap and warm water.
Step 4. Prepare the gelatin
The simplest ratio you can use to mix your gelatin scar solution is 1 part gelatin to 1 part hot water in the mixing cup. The problem with this type of ratio is that the gelatin can dry out and shrink, which can put you at risk of scar loss. Many special effects makeup artists recommend using a little glycerin to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of glycerin to the mixture of 1 part gelatin and 1 part hot water.
- Stir the mixture well. Otherwise, bubbles may form, spoiling the effect.
- Be prepared to move quickly after making the gelatin, as the gelatin will solidify quickly.
Step 5. Heat the water for the already made special effects gelatin
In the mixing cup, pour enough water to surround and heat the gelatin to a high setting. Ready-made gelatin usually comes in a bottle, which you must heat to make it runny. Once it is and is at a "safe temperature", you can apply it on your body.
Before applying a large amount of gelatin, it is best to always test it on a safe part of your body, such as your hand or forearm
Step 6. Apply the mixture
Move the gelatin over the surface of your body with an applicator, so that it mimics the type of scar you want to achieve. Since the gelatin won't be moldable for long, you should apply the scar to your body quickly.
- If you want to create a scar effect on a large part of your body or a complex scar design, you may need to prepare the jelly in several batches.
- While it's in the last stages of setting, you can lightly touch it to create a crinkle effect.
Step 7. Paint the scar to make it look scary
Once the gelatin is completely set, add a little makeup to make it look more realistic. Foundation or concealer are great for blurring the edges of your fake scar, although a hint of something more bruised can make it look like a fresh wound.
Step 8. Seal the makeup if necessary
If you're planning an exciting night out, or if you're the type of person who can't be without touching, you may want to consider using a setting spray to keep your makeup on top of the jelly. A stain caused by an accidental gesture can make your look look less credible.
Step 9. Remove the scar when done
You can easily remove the gelatin applied directly to the skin by peeling it off. If there is any hard-to-remove residue left, you can remove it with warm water and mild soap. This will ensure that all makeup and gelatin are removed.
Method 3 of 3: Wear a Wax Scar
Step 1. Gather the necessary supplies
Many professionals, including theater companies, often use a special type of wax, called nose wax or scar wax, to give the appearance of a cut or wound when necessary. You can find the following supplies at costume stores or costume supply vendors:
- makeup (scar color)
- nose or scar wax
- skin adhesive
- skin adhesive solvent
- wax applicator (popsicle stick, spatula, etc.)
Step 2. Clean your face
Any oil, dust or dirt on the face can cause the wax to bind imperfectly. Prevent the scar wax from chipping or peeling during the course of your activities by using mild soap and water to make sure the area you apply it to is clean.
Step 3. Check if you are allergic to the products
To prevent an allergic reaction, be sure to check the ingredients used in the products to create the scar. If you have sensitive skin, you should test a small amount of the products on an area of your body before applying them on the scar.
Step 4. Avoid scarring areas of your body that are in motion
The movement of the body causes the skin to bunch and fold, which will put stress on the makeup of the scar while wearing the costume. Bony areas, such as the nose, chin, cheekbones, and forehead, are more likely to remain static and leave the scar looking pristine.
Step 5. Apply the adhesive
Some scar waxes can be sticky enough (and the part of your body so static) that you don't need to add adhesives to get them to stay attached. In most cases, even if you don't think the scar is in danger of peeling off, you can hold it in place for a few hours by using a little skin adhesive behind it.
Apply the adhesive to the area of the body that will cover the scar, which will leave it slightly tacky
Step 6. Take a small amount of wax at first
Depending on the type of wax you buy, there will be some slight differences in consistency, although it is often thick, like putty. You can get it in tubes (which you can squish to extract the wax) or jars (for which you will need to use an applicator to scrape or remove it).
- Professionals often take a small piece of wax to get started and add more as needed.
- Since this type of wax can be very sticky, you may need to coat the applicator and your fingers with a little mineral oil to make the process more efficient. The petroleum jelly will also prevent the wax from sticking to your fingers.
Step 7. Heat it up
At room temperature, the wax will be stiff and inflexible. You can make it more flexible and easy to shape by kneading it with your hands and heating it in the process. You should do this until it is smooth, but not so smooth that it loses the ability to retain its shape.
Step 8. Create the rough dimensions
Once the hot wax is ready, shape the scar you want to achieve. You can make a long, thin scar by rolling it into the shape of a thick thread. Begin by smoothing it all over your body to form a neutral line on top of the adhesive. You can add texture and depth by creating the wax line or using precision tools.
Step 9. Blend the scar to give it a better aesthetic touch
Even the most compelling form can look implausible if you don't blend your new disfigured feature into the surrounding skin. Using liquid foundation is a good option to fill in the joints between the wax and your face. However, you should at least use a little makeup to give it the look of your complexion.
Step 10. Go back to your previous appearance
Apply a skin adhesive solvent to the area around the scar and let it sit for a short time. When the scar begins to loosen, you can remove it from your face by wiping away any residue with warm water, mild soap, or baby wipes.