Can I Use Liquid Latex Instead Of Silicone For Halloween Makeup

My very offset feel doing my own makeup effects was when I was in the 4th grade.

There was a Halloween contest at my elementary school, and of all things, I wanted to be a spider.

Since there were no prepare fabricated spider-esque makeups, I chose a pimple face makeup prosthetic that I painted with grease pigment. It was the first time I e'er bought a prosthetic.

It wasn't until many years later that I discovered I could make my ain makeup prosthetics.

Making them is then unproblematic. There actually is no reason to buy them anymore.

Here's what I've learned about what information technology takes to make your own prosthetic makeup appliances.

These are the five chief types of materials used in making makeup prosthetics.

With the exception of liquid latex, I haven't had experience using all of these. What I have here is just from my own research.

If you notice annihilation that you'd like to add, I promise you'll exit it in the comments for the residual of us.

Latex

I call it plain ole liquid latex. It'southward also called slip latex, slush latex, or mask makers latex.

I've bought it from several places: Halloween stores, specialty makeup stores, Amazon, and fifty-fifty Walmart.

I oasis't seen much of a difference in the quality in the ones I've used, but some say there is a difference in the more expensive brands. They tend to terminal longer and exist more durable.

You tin can utilize liquid latex directly on the skin or create a makeup prosthetic with it.

If you want a skilful, in depth clarification on how to make makeup prosthetic using liquid latex y'all tin get more than detailed instructions at FX Supply.

Pros of using liquid latex:

Easy to apply.
Piece of cake to buy and inexpensive.
Fast prepare upward time.
Can exist colored with h2o-based acrylic paint.

Cons of using liquid latex:

Can yellow over fourth dimension.
Rots over time.
Some people have allergic reactions to latex, so y'all have to exist careful.
Perspiration, oils, sunlight and heat can ruin latex.
Adheres permanently to porous materials (like jeans, t-shirts, etc.)

Common cold Foam

Cold Foam Makeup - Have You Used These 5 Materials for Making Prosthetics? — Common cold foam appliance by Rubies Costumes, Stella Sensel, MakeUp Creative person – Pinterest

This textile doesn't need an oven to cure. That makes it easier to piece of work with and faster than foam latex (more on that beneath).

Cold foam is likewise called flexible expanding urethane foam.

Artists use it to fill hollow pieces to keep them from being flimsy (i.due east. horns). And it's proficient for quick jobs since you don't need any special equipment to create with it.

FX Warehouse has detailed instructions on how to use cold foam.

Pros of using common cold foam:

Quick and easy to use.
Corking for prosthetics where flexibility isn't required (i.eastward. noses, chins, horns, etc.).
Cures in minutes rather than hours.

Cons of using cold foam:

Not flexible, and so characters would not be able to emote (dramatize or show emotion) or talk through an appliance.
Since it is polyurethane, information technology can be dangerous to apply on the skin when not cured. After it has cured, it is considered safety.

Gelatin

This textile is quite versatile and, for the most part, easily accessible.

At LearnMakeupEffects.com, Stuart Bray gives a slap-up synopsis of what makeup industry class gelatin is and why whatsoever grade works well for practicing.

For a fantastic tutorial on making a makeup prosthetic using shop bought gelatin, watch Pinkstylist'southward tutorial on YouTube.

Pros on using gelatin:

Gelatin can exist melted and reused.
Gelatin cuts and acts just like flesh.
Gelatin can be frozen to last longer.

Cons on using gelatin:

Larger pieces tin be heavy.
Can ordinarily only be used on the day you brand information technology.
It rots, another reason to utilize it the aforementioned twenty-four hours.
Information technology does non demand very high temperatures to melt. Go along it out of your hot motorcar or trunk.
Information technology isn't durable, and you lot accept to be conscientious when handling it.

Hither are some more tidbits on gelatin that I thought were important:

Gelatin is heavier to wear than foam latex.

Gelatin is less expensive than foam latex.

Glycerin and Sorbitol are added to help gelatin last longer. Run across the recipe to make FX grade gelatin here.

Foam Latex

This material is oft used in costuming, puppets and finish movement animation in identify of dirt.

The base material of foam latex is, of class, liquid latex. Information technology's mixed with other additives, which are often sold together in kits.

Pros of using cream latex:

Information technology's calorie-free and fluffy.
Information technology's reasonably like shooting fish in a barrel to repair if torn.
Y'all can paint it with PAX pigment.
Information technology can be made to be as tough equally leather or very soft, depending on the additives used.

Cons of using foam latex:

It can begin to rot in as little equally half-dozen months, so your work won't last forever.
Mixing isn't always easy, as there are many factors to consider, namely timing.
Information technology has to exist mixed in a dedicated mixer and cured in a dedicated oven. Neither can exist used again for food.
The natural oils in your hands tin alter the limerick, so you take to wearable gloves.

Silicone

Silicone is a product I can't wait to attempt. The results are so realistic.

Watch this video of a good comparison betwixt foam latex prosthetics and silicone. Y'all'll see what I mean.

The beginner kits I found were either Platsil Gel-10 or Polish-On.

Pros of using silicone for prosthetics makeup:

Silicone makeup prosthetics don't rot and will last for decades.
There are 2 components that you lot mix 1:1, making information technology unproblematic to mix.
Curing is done at room temperature.
No special equipment needed.
Soft, so information technology flexes and moves with the motion of real peel

Cons of using silicone for makeup prosthetics:

Silicone can be heavy.
It tin can be difficult to paint; the only thing that sticks to silicone is silicone.
It'south hard to repair tears.
Some plasticene clay contains sulfur, which will react to silicone.
Silicone is often more than expensive than foam latex.
Has a shine to it that may or may not compliment your prosthetic.
Cannot be reused.

Have something to add together (or take abroad)? Allow us know in the comments.

The post-obit sites helped with this post:

Foam Latex – Wikipedia

The Cherry Letters – Silicone or Foam Latex Next?

Makeup Prosthetics from Special Effect Supply

FX Warehouse – Using A/B Cold Foam

Special Effects Supply – Hot Foam vs. Common cold Foam

Latex Mask Doctor

LiquidLatex.com

Silicone Appliance Mold – Office 2