Character Makeup

For strong, flexible holds, use Telesis 8 Silicone Adhesive or Pros-Aide Original. Always pair them with a matching remover like Telesis Adhesive Remover or Super Solv (which has vitamin E) to prevent irritation for actors with sensitive skin.

Choose high-performance creams or alcohol-activated foundations, such as:

• Ben Nye Creme Colors
• RCMA Cream Foundations
• Kryolan TV Paint Stick
• European Body Art Evo Skin Palette
• Skin Illustrator Complexion Palettes

They deliver reliable coverage without slipping under hot lights or extended wear.

Use airbrush systems with Temptu S/B or EBA Endura formulas for quick, even coverage. Prep all prosthetics ahead of time using pre-painted silicone appliances and organize your kit with labeled actor bags or trays.

Pro Tips:

• Pre-paint appliances all the way up to a quarter inch from the edge so you have enough room to apply, finish painting the edge, and blend the edges. 
• Use Pax Paint to pre-paint the base of appliances before application to reduce total paint time during application. Once the Pax Paint is dry, set with a loose powder to take away stickiness.

The Skin Illustrator On Set FX Palette and Reel Creations Primary FX Palette are industry standards. They stay intact through water, heat, and friction, and are perfect for action or stunt-heavy scenes.

Pro Tips:

• Clean the skin with Sea Breeze or Sweat Stop. 
• After applying makeup, use a setting powder, such as Ben Nye Neutral Set or RCMA No Color Powder. 
• Seal with Ben Nye Final Seal or Skin Illustrator Green Marble SeLr Spray.

Telesis 8, Snappy G, and Pros-Aide adhesives are ideal for high-movement performance. Use Cab-O-Sil thickener when you need texture control or gap filling.

Pro Tips:

• Pros Aide on Pros Aide helps provide an even stronger hold. So, apply a layer directly on the skin before applying some more to the prosthetic and placing it down on the skin. 
• When working with foam latex appliances, lightly blend the feathered edges with 99% alcohol using a Q-tip or a synthetic brush. Use Pros Aide to stipple and blend the edges.