5 Tips for Getting Started with Special FX Makeup

5 Tips for Getting Started with Special FX Makeup

Whether you are hoping to pull off a killer Halloween look this year that nobody will be quick to forget or whether you are looking for a new and exciting creative outlet, special FX makeup is the way to go. Here’s everything that you need to know regarding how to get started and how to perfect your technique.

Use YouTube to your advantage

Since the dawn of the internet, and YouTube, in particular, it has never been easier to learn the ins and outs of special FX makeup. As you probably know all too well by now, most people who have talent when it comes to makeup got started by following makeup tutorials on YouTube. The great news is that while the popular social media platform is chockfull of beauty-focused makeup tutorials, there are countless makeup tutorials to choose from, too. This is a fantastic way in which to get a feel for the basics before branching out.

Sign up for classes

Once you feel relatively confident in your basic knowledge surrounding special FX makeup, you will be ready to sign up for in-person classes should you wish to further advance your skills. There are almost certain to be relevant classes in your area to suit your schedule, whether you are hoping to study full-time or simply take a few classes in your free time in between work and home life. Be sure to conduct some research regarding the person or institution providing the classes to ensure that they will be worth your time, effort, and money.

Invest in quality products

Special FX makeup is extremely intricate, so cheap knock-off products just won’t do. While you might be tempted to buy more affordable products if the look that you are hoping to create is just a once-off for a special occasion, you definitely don’t want to risk your hard work falling to pieces before the day or night is over! Having said that, you also don’t want to buy expensive products if you haven’t had much practice yet. Stick to middle-of-the-range products until you feel confident in your technique and ready to produce your final look.

A good general rule of thumb is to purchase liquid latex, paints, scar wax, and an array of other adhesives when you are just starting out.

Practice as much as you can

As with most things in life, practice makes perfect when it comes to special FX makeup – or any type of makeup, for that matter! If the goal is to make a career out of it, be sure to practice on your own face as well as on others.

Network

It is a great idea to make an effort to meet other people who are interested in special FX makeup. You will be amazed at just how much you can learn from them, and you will undoubtedly enjoy sharing different techniques and chatting about your take on the different products available!

In short, stay focused, invest in the right essentials, and practice at every chance you get, and you will be one step closer to mastering the art of special FX makeup!