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Monster makeover: zombie edition

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As a theater minor with some skills in stage makeup, I thought Halloween would be the perfect time for a how-to article. Lucky for me, Kaitlyn McMahon with Renaissance Consignment and Market agreed to be the victim in my monster makeover. 

1. First, to create a gash across McMahon’s face, I rolled scar wax out like a snake and used spirit gum adhesive to glue the piece to her face. If the scar wax is difficult to work with, try using lotion or Vaseline to smooth and soften the wax. 

Next, apply a pale foundation in dots all over the face. This provides a more even coverage. Try adding some yellow to your foundation to give the skin a dead look. 

2. Once the foundation is covering the entire face and neck (including the scar wax), we can get back to the gash across McMahon’s face. Using the end of a brush or other tool I carved out the shape of the gash I wanted, and then I used more Vaseline to smooth the edges out. 

To create a realistic wound, the first color you use is yellow. I followed the line of the gash lightly with my yellow oil-based makeup. 

3. I used red over the same line I created with yellow. Blend those colors a bit with a makeup triangle, and add some blue color around the edges of the wound. Blend again. Then I applied dark fake blood to the wound, which really completes the realistic look of the gash. You can get these colors at Party City, or Walmart.  

4. Next, I wanted to create sunken-in, black eyes. Red, yellow and blue are all used to make a black eye. Paint one blue line right under the eye and another in the lower eye bag. Paint one red line between the two blue lines. Use yellow paint above the eye just under the outer area of the eyebrow. Use blue on the eyelid. Blend in circular motions.  

5. For the zombie appearance, I wanted areas on McMahon’s face that looked like her skin was peeling off. To create a textured look on her face, I used liquid latex and toilet paper. In the area I selected, I applied one coat of latex. Then I crumpled one sheet of toilet paper. I ripped the edges to make them ragged. This works best if there are no straight edges. Place the toilet paper on top of the latex and add another layer of latex. Repeat this step once. 

6. Rub some Vaseline or lotion over the latex once it has dried so it will take color. To create the wound, I layered colors. Use dark red or purple as the first layer, yellow as the second and red as the topcoat. Peel some of the edges of the latex to make the skin look ragged, then add a layer of fake blood to the wound. 

I added another wound to McMahon’s face, and fixed any spots that might have come undone. Scar wax can be difficult, so make sure your model remains still and doesn’t move their face too much. Too much movement will cause the scar wax not to set properly. Add a costume, tease your hair or do whatever feels right to complete your zombie look. Happy Halloween! 

Homemade scar wax 

You can also purchase scar wax online. Buy the Ben Nye brand for about $5.  

Spirit Gum adhesive 

You can find Spirit Gum at Party City or online. Purchase the Ben Nye brand for about $3.50.   

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