Homemade FX Makeup

Here is a cheap alternative to real latex FX makeup. I used it for a Zombie costume and wanted to show you how to use it in a Beauty and the Beast mask.
My standard Halloween costume for the past few years has been a tongue-in-cheek Beauty AND the Beast outfit (I paint my face to look like a Beast and then put on a princess dress for the Beauty part). This year I've decided to combine Beauty and the Beast in my face as well.
To do that, I spent weeks testing out different homemade concoctions that would behave like latex makeup and finally came up with a homemade "latex" recipe using tapioca flour. Cheap, easy, quick, and useful in various proportions of flour to water for making fake skin, scars, breasts, etc.
For this Beauty and the Beast FX makeup Instructable, I used:
* 6 1/2 LEVEL Tbsp tapioca flour
* 1 cup water
* Liquid foundation makeup
* Fake eyelashes
* Blue food coloring
* Various beauty makeup products

Step 1 Make Tapioca FX Makeup

In a saucepan, measure out 6 1/2 tablespoons of tapioca flour (which you can get in the health food section of most supermarkets).
Add one cup of COLD water and stir until all the tapioca flour is dissolved into the water. Tapioca flour behaves like cornstarch, so if you stop stirring, it will start to clump on the bottom of the pan.
Add several squirts of liquid foundation to give the FX latex an initial skin tone.
Turn the heat on to medium low and stir constantly until the tapioca mixture turns into a gummy mass. This takes about two minutes.
You now have homemade FX makeup.

Comments

[BlackwhipsAngel]

I'm wondering, since you don't specify, if this sets up after a period of time or if it remains soft? If it does solidify how long does it take after removing from the heat source?

[flyingpuppy]

oh, you could probably just store it in a big tupperware. But take some extra tapioca flour and hand sanitizer to use on your hand when working with it so it doesn't stick to your hands. Mostly PRACTICE beforehand so you know you've got the right consistency!
Have a blast!

[flyingpuppy]

Thanks for the question. This does not set up once you take it off the heat. You have to cook it to the consistency you want, then let it cool. It feels very much like flesh when you apply it. But this is only good for a day's worth of fx-ing. The "pudding" eventually dries out if left out in the open. It cannot be peeled off and reused another day. However, it's cheap and easy enough to make a new batch when you need it.
Good luck!

[BlackwhipsAngel]

Can it be put in a baggie or such to help it keep moist?

I'm asking because I may be assisting with several makeups at an event and I'm looking for a way to make this in a good sized amount and transport it to the place of the event. (there is no kitchen at the event location).

[kenbob]

Here is one i did with Latex caulk and wet toilet paper:) and some grease makeup and fake blood.

[flyingpuppy]

That's awesome! And a lot cheaper than FX latex.

[Greasetattoo]

GREAT instructable!
Was hoping to see a smile!!! : )

Great work!

[flyingpuppy]

Thanks! I bet I could CG a smile... : )

[chipper35]

This is good, and I'm basing this statement a bit on the fact that I'm looking at one photo...........but the "beast" side looks like makeup. Good effort, though!!

[flyingpuppy]

You're right. Is there any way to remove my request to put it in a contest (digital photo)? I hit the wrong button... : (

[BigBadgers2001]

Brilliant gross effect and a great instructable. Thank you for posting. I am so going to freak out my kids. Mwahahaha!

[bajablue]

OMG, puppy... that is the grossest make-up job ever!

Excellent job!!! ;-D

[sunshiine]

Nice work! Looks so real! Thanks for sharing! Have a splendorous day!
sunshiine

[LifeWarrior]

Very cool FX substitute, I'll have to try that this Halloween!