Practical 2: bruising, cuts and scars

Products: 

• Cinewax
• Latex
• Sealer
• Wound filler
• Bruise wheel (grease-based)
• Collodion
• Fake pus
• Tuplast
• Vaseline
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Fake blood
• Foundation palette
• Supra Colour palette
• Powder

Equipment:

• Round end palette knife
• Small makeup brushed
• Powder brush
• Soft larger brush to stipple foundation over wound
• Black stipple sponges
• Hairdryer
• Cotton buds
• Hairpins

Health and safety:

• Test all products on client's skin first to check for allergies
• Wash hands
• Close lids once used products
• Client's eyes always shut while working near them
• Clean and tidy workspace
• Check hair dryer is cool on self first

Cuts:

Technique:

• Warm Cinewax on back of hand with fingertip to soften it
• Apply to skin with palette knife, smoothing out so as not to have harsh edges
• Moisturiser can be added to help soften and blend edges
• Layer it up, check that it is smooth
• Make 'cut' by slicing wax gently with palette knife
• Cover with latex or sealer to set it - dip a cotton bud in either one and gently apply it over the wax
• Dry with a cool hairdryer
• Stipple foundation over the top with a soft brush - vary tones to mimic uneven, natural skin texture
• Mix isopropyl alcohol with Supra Colour to make it translucent
• Stipple on to the wound to make it look sore and reddened
• Use a hairpin to fill the wound with wound filler to add texture
• Use a hairpin/fine brush to add fake blood

Evaluation:

I was quite happy with my outcome as I have never done wound make-up before. I didn't find it too challenging either, which was good. However I felt rushed for time and so forgot to add redness to the wound, meaning it looks a little too clean to be real. I was happy with how I blended the edges with the natural skin, although the colour-matching could've been a little better. I don't think the wound looks very 3D or realistic in these photos, but that may be due to camera angles!

Scratches/grazes:

Technique:

• Dab black stippling sponge in fake blood and quickly stroke against skin
• Use corners for finer lines to look like scratches

Evaluation:

I loved how simple this was, yet still so effective! I think using a darker colour may have made it look slightly more realistic. 

Black eye: 

Technique:

• Follow an image of a real black eye for guidance!
• Using a 'bruise wheel', and small make-up brushes, apply darker colours to the inner corner of the eye socket, and follow the socket round
• Use lighter purple, red and yellow tones on outer parts
• Red eye pencil can be applied to the waterline to make the eye look sore
• Red eye drops can be squeezed into the eye to make it look bloodshot
• Dab on Vaseline if the bruise looks a little matte, to add a bit of shine

Evaluation:

I was really happy with the outcome of my bruising make-up. I thought it looked quite realistic and effective. At first, I used darker colours, and it looks a lot more dramatic and as though it was a 'fresh' bruise. I then used more of the lighter yellow to blend in with the purples, making it look like it was further into the healing process. I liked the addition of red as I thought it looked a little too blue before. I also applied a little red on to my waterline, which I liked the look of. Overall, I was really impressed with my work, considering I have not done much brushing make-up before. 

Other wounds to try:

• Collodion for keloid scars - apply to skin to create a risen, textured scar. Blend into natural skin colour with foundation
• Tuplast - apply to skin, then pinch skin together, to create the effect of old scars