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auroracelesteI don't remember where I got this information, but I know it was a few weeks before my first entry to the DragonCon Dawn contest in 2004, and on a Dawn site or the Dawn LJ. Since then I've seen tons of cosplayers doing colored shapes on their face with lipstick or eyeshadow. It's hard to get an even application of dark color with these makeups, so I thought I'd do a tutorial on how to do paint prosthetics for characters like Ah! My Goddess Characters or Naruto Characters that have colored shapes on their faces. These are a great alternative to makeup because they won't smear and have a thick color that can show up really great on a cosplay contest stage.
Here's the supplies you're going to need:
fabric paint in the color you like (note: I learned in doing this tutorial that the glitter version is rough, you need to get an even squeeze and the glitter tends to clog up the nozzle, causing bumps and spatters)
waxed paper, cellophane, or parchement paper (one year I used the top of the tupperware container I was packing my contest makeup in, so be creative :D)
a hard surface to work on
First step - spread out your paper on your flat surface. I used marble coasters to keep the paper from rolling.
First, outline the shape you want. Go over rather than being inside the line, because you can always correct a blob, but not a thin spot.
Then fill in the shape evenly, but not all the way. You want to get the paint in without it being too thick.
Smooth the paint into an even layer with a paintbrush. Again, try not to be too thick. Thick spots may not dry all the way through, leaving weak spots or tears in your prosthetic. Thin spots may tear, too, so try to be as even as possible. My rule of thumb is to try and get everything even and as thick as my first edging lines were.
Repeat with additional shapes. I make at least two for every one I'm planning on wearing, because they can dry funny, or I can cut them uneven, or the glue can go wonky and make a mess.
Then, let them dry. At least two days, and a full week if you can swing it. Then I roll up the paper in a tube and pack it in a poster tube (because I'll be bringing posters home anyway!), but you could put it in a folder or just in a corner of the suitcase. Just be sure the paint shapes are on the inside, because too much friction can tear them.
Next, applying the prosthetic. You'll need your paper of shapes, some scizzors, spirit gum, and spirit gum remover. I also recommend your reference picture of your character so you can get them the right size and place. A mirror helps, too :D I start by doing the rest of my makeup and the paint prosthetics last. I haven't had a problem with my foundation and powder making the shapes fall off, and it's really hard to get that stuff in between the shapes. However, you might want to test it, because everyone's skin is different, and spirit gum works different on different people.
My trick for getting things on the right side. Some characters have non-symmetrical makeup, which is hard to remember which side it goes on. Also, in the mirror, your face looks wrong, because mirror images are reversed, and in con-stress you can get all confused. This is my cheat. Take your picture, and hold it up to the mirror next to your face. Your makeup should go on the same as the character in the mirror-picture, because the makeup on them is reversed same as your face.
Pull off a shape that looks good. Some can get flat or bubble as they dry, that's why we made a ton!
Take your scissors and cut any rough or uneven edges. Notice how much more square this one is!
Next, take your bottle of spirit gum. All mine came with a brush included in the cap.
Brush the spirit gum on the back of the glue piece. I found it's easiest to do this while the shape is laying on the paper, because if you hold it spirit gum will get on your fingers and make them sticky. Then let the spirit gum "dry" for a minute or so. It should go from being liquidy to sticky, not dry and crusty.
After the gum is tacky, put it on! I recommend you test it out before the con, because spirit gum may react with your skin. If it does, try out eyelash glue or, as a last resort, liquid latex.
Close up of how the paint prosthetic looks.
And a clear pic of how it looks on my non-makeup face!
To remove, pull off the prosthetic, then put the sprit gum remover on a cotton ball or q-tip and rub off any residue left on your face. I dunno if these would be durable enough to reuse, but they might if you're really careful.
Here's the supplies you're going to need:
fabric paint in the color you like (note: I learned in doing this tutorial that the glitter version is rough, you need to get an even squeeze and the glitter tends to clog up the nozzle, causing bumps and spatters)
waxed paper, cellophane, or parchement paper (one year I used the top of the tupperware container I was packing my contest makeup in, so be creative :D)
a hard surface to work on
First step - spread out your paper on your flat surface. I used marble coasters to keep the paper from rolling.
First, outline the shape you want. Go over rather than being inside the line, because you can always correct a blob, but not a thin spot.
Then fill in the shape evenly, but not all the way. You want to get the paint in without it being too thick.
Smooth the paint into an even layer with a paintbrush. Again, try not to be too thick. Thick spots may not dry all the way through, leaving weak spots or tears in your prosthetic. Thin spots may tear, too, so try to be as even as possible. My rule of thumb is to try and get everything even and as thick as my first edging lines were.
Repeat with additional shapes. I make at least two for every one I'm planning on wearing, because they can dry funny, or I can cut them uneven, or the glue can go wonky and make a mess.
Then, let them dry. At least two days, and a full week if you can swing it. Then I roll up the paper in a tube and pack it in a poster tube (because I'll be bringing posters home anyway!), but you could put it in a folder or just in a corner of the suitcase. Just be sure the paint shapes are on the inside, because too much friction can tear them.
Next, applying the prosthetic. You'll need your paper of shapes, some scizzors, spirit gum, and spirit gum remover. I also recommend your reference picture of your character so you can get them the right size and place. A mirror helps, too :D I start by doing the rest of my makeup and the paint prosthetics last. I haven't had a problem with my foundation and powder making the shapes fall off, and it's really hard to get that stuff in between the shapes. However, you might want to test it, because everyone's skin is different, and spirit gum works different on different people.
My trick for getting things on the right side. Some characters have non-symmetrical makeup, which is hard to remember which side it goes on. Also, in the mirror, your face looks wrong, because mirror images are reversed, and in con-stress you can get all confused. This is my cheat. Take your picture, and hold it up to the mirror next to your face. Your makeup should go on the same as the character in the mirror-picture, because the makeup on them is reversed same as your face.
Pull off a shape that looks good. Some can get flat or bubble as they dry, that's why we made a ton!
Take your scissors and cut any rough or uneven edges. Notice how much more square this one is!
Next, take your bottle of spirit gum. All mine came with a brush included in the cap.
Brush the spirit gum on the back of the glue piece. I found it's easiest to do this while the shape is laying on the paper, because if you hold it spirit gum will get on your fingers and make them sticky. Then let the spirit gum "dry" for a minute or so. It should go from being liquidy to sticky, not dry and crusty.
After the gum is tacky, put it on! I recommend you test it out before the con, because spirit gum may react with your skin. If it does, try out eyelash glue or, as a last resort, liquid latex.
Close up of how the paint prosthetic looks.
And a clear pic of how it looks on my non-makeup face!
To remove, pull off the prosthetic, then put the sprit gum remover on a cotton ball or q-tip and rub off any residue left on your face. I dunno if these would be durable enough to reuse, but they might if you're really careful.
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