By Antonia Zengin
It’s a common misconception that special effects (SFX) make-up, or extreme make-up, is confined to Halloween, when you can’t move for witches, warlocks and zombies. But this is definitely not the case. If you’re dressing up for a themed event or night out, then the best place to start is with your make-up – the extreme version that is. Costumes can always be fitted around it.
Using this type of make-up as part of your outfit has a place all year round, whether it’s for themed events, parties, competitions or even just your standard Saturday night. There’s a wide choice, ranging from the simple, clichéd vampire look using just black eyeliner and red lipstick, to more risqué and extreme make-up looks with much bolder colours and even those using prosthetics – if you feel like you need a little 3D added to your body.
Since Thepsis in the 6th century BC with his red cinnabar and white lead smeared on his face, SFX make-up has been used theatrically to enhance, paint and alter the face, body and hair of the actor. It can transform appearance and helps the audience to recognise the character. In fact,using extreme and special effects make-up is an excellent way of wearing your character on your face. One of my simpler looks is creating my interpretation of the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland. It was an effective look and relatively simple to create;using just normal make-up techniques and coloured contact lenses. Blending is the key here to get a softer, seamless look with any eyeshadow. And Alice in Wonderland herself is a favourite choice of character.
You can create so many different looks, from the sweet, innocent diminutive girl with a pale face and pink blossom lips, to a much darker depiction of Alice with smoky, smudgy eyeliner, electric blue eyeshadow and bold red lips. A palette of colours with strong pigmentation can transform you into an Alice look so convincing that Wonderland will seem your natural habitat.
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