Special-effects makeup is what turns a scary-season outfit into a look that actually frightens people. The good news: you don't need to be a professional makeup artist. With the right tools and a little patience you can create a result that impresses everyone at the party. This guide takes you from base to final touches, step by step.
Before you start: prep your skin
Wash and dry your face well and skip heavy creams so makeup and appliances stay in place. Test any product on a small patch of skin the day before, especially glue and stick-on pieces, to make sure your skin is comfortable with it.
Step 1: The pale base
Most horror characters start with a pale face. Apply white water-based makeup with a damp sponge in thin layers, letting each layer dry before the next. For a ghost or skeleton look, add touches of silver water-based makeup on the cheeks and forehead.
Step 2: Shadows and depth
Shading is the secret to a scary face. With a small brush, shade under the eyes, under the cheekbones and around the temples with a dark colour, then blend with your fingers so it looks natural. The softer the blend, the more tired and eerie the face looks.
Step 3: Wounds and scars
Now for the fun part. The SFX wound appliance gives you a realistic cut in seconds with no experience, and the neck bolt scar with liquid glue turns you into a Frankenstein character with ease. Stick the piece on clean skin, press the edges down, then blend the edges with makeup so the line between appliance and skin disappears.
Step 4: Zombie makeup
For a zombie, cracked-skin zombie SFX makeup gives you that cracked texture straight away. Finish with green zombie blood spray on clothes and neck for a straight-out-of-a-film look.
Step 5: Final touches
Small details make the difference: scary costume teeth change your whole smile, and a latex witch nose completes a witch look in minutes. For a full look, try the zombie bride costume for women or the She Skull skeleton jumpsuit for adults, and apply these makeup steps on top.
After the party: remove makeup gently
Peel appliances off slowly from the edges with the help of warm water, and never pull hard. Water-based makeup washes off with water and a gentle soap; moisturise your skin afterwards.
Before you order
Makeup, masks and accessories can't be exchanged or returned under Ministry of Health guidelines, so double-check your choice before ordering. Find all makeup and body art and scary-season products in one place at Party Experts, with free shipping across Saudi Arabia on orders over 399 SAR.