Lesson 1Makeup-safe pigments and sealers: alcohol-activated paints, cream makeup, greasepaint, and setting spraysGet to know safe pigments, sealers, and finishes for film work. Compare alcohol-activated paints, creams, and greasepaint, and discover how to set colours with sprays that hold up against sweat, heat, and long shooting days.
Alcohol-activated palettes and reactivationCream foundations and character basesGreasepaint for theatrical SFX looksTranslucent powders and mattifiersFixing sprays and sealing techniquesPreventing transfer on costumesLesson 2Adhesives and removers: spirit gum, medical adhesive, pros-aide, silicone adhesives, and solvent removersDive into main film adhesives and removers, looking at their strength, flexibility, and skin safety. Learn proper ways to apply, drying times, layering, and safe removal steps to keep actors safe and prosthetics intact during tough shoots.
Comparing spirit gum and medical adhesivesPros-aide and acrylic adhesive systemsSilicone adhesives for long wearPatch tests and allergy precautionsLayering, sealing, and re-tacking bondsSolvent removers and gentle cleanupLesson 3Bloods and fluids: types, viscosity, color matching, and camera behaviorCheck out blood products and special fluids, including their tone, thickness, and flow. Learn how thickness and colour affect realism on various skin tones and cameras, plus how to set up, apply, and clean them without spoiling clothes or harming actors.
Types of stage and film bloodsAdjusting viscosity for drips and splatterColor matching for varied skin tonesTesting bloods under different camerasMouth-safe and eye-safe formulationsWardrobe protection and stain controlLesson 4Texturing media: stipples, clays, gels, faux moss, crepe hair, and fiber placementExplore texturing products that bring depth and realness to characters and scenes. Learn to mix stipples, clays, gels, fake moss, crepe hair, and fibres for convincing skin, ageing, dirt, and creature effects in films.
Aging and damage with stipple productsClays and waxes for raised texturesGels for burns, blisters, and wet looksFaux moss, dirt, and environmental grimeCrepe hair beards and hair punchingFiber placement for fur and creature workLesson 5Hygiene and contamination control: sanitizing tools, disposables, and prosthetic careMaster hygiene rules for film sets, from cleaning brushes to handling blood and prosthetics safely. Build habits to avoid contamination, protect actors, make your kit last longer, and meet production and union rules.
Brush and tool disinfection routinesUsing disposables and single-use itemsDecanting creams, gels, and liquidsSanitizing palettes, bottles, and kitsHygiene for bloods and bodily effectsCleaning and storing prosthetic piecesLesson 6Overview of film makeup categories: beauty, character, and special effectsGet a clear rundown of beauty, character, and SFX makeup for films. Understand how each type supports the story, keeps continuity, and fits the genre, plus how to pick products, textures, and methods that look right under various camera setups.
Screen beauty vs social media glamDesigning believable character agingInjuries, wounds, and trauma makeupStylized vs hyperreal SFX approachesReading scripts and breaking down looksContinuity planning across shooting daysLesson 7Properties and uses of latex, silicone, gelatin, foam latex, and prosthetic appliancesStudy latex, silicone, gelatin, and foam latex properties, and how they act on skin and camera. Know when to use ready-made prosthetics instead of sculpting directly, and how to store, fix, and remove each safely.
Pros and cons of liquid latexSilicone encapsulation and edgesGelatin for quick, low-budget effectsFoam latex performance and comfortPre-made vs custom prosthetic piecesStorage, repairs, and safe removalLesson 8Tools and application implements: brushes, sponges, stipple pads, sculpting tools, heat guns, and alcohol burnersLook at key tools for film makeup and SFX. Learn to choose, care for, and use brushes, sponges, sculpting tools, heat guns, and alcohol burners safely for sharp, consistent results on camera.
Brush shapes and hair typesSponges, stipple sponges, and puffsSculpting tools for clay and waxUsing heat guns on prostheticsSafe operation of alcohol burnersKit organization for fast changes
