Zombie Makeup Tutorial

Zombie Makeup Tutorial Time: ~45-60 minutes

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Supplies Needed:

• White, gray, green, and black face paint or cream makeup

• Red, purple, and brown eyeshadow or face paint

• Liquid latex or scar wax (optional for wounds)

• Fake blood (store-bought or DIY with corn syrup and red food coloring)

• Makeup sponges, brushes, and stippling sponge

• Setting powder, translucent

• Black eyeliner or lip pencil

• Old toothbrush (for blood splatter)

• Cotton balls, tissue, or toilet paper (for texture)

• Adhesive (spirit gum or medical adhesive for prosthetics, optional)

• Moisturizer and primer (optional for skin prep)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Skin  
   

   • Cleanse and dry your face to remove oils.

   • (Optional) Apply a light layer of moisturizer and primer to protect skin and help makeup last longer.

   • Tie back hair or use a headband to keep it out of the way.
     

     

2. Create a Pale, Dead Base  
   

   • Apply white or light gray cream makeup/face paint over your face, neck, and ears using a makeup sponge for even coverage.

   • Blend in patches of green or gray face paint to mimic decay. Use a stippling sponge for a mottled, uneven texture.

   • Set with translucent powder to prevent smudging.
     

     

3. Hollow Out the Eyes  
   

   • Apply dark purple or brown eyeshadow around your eyes, focusing on the sockets to create a sunken look.

   • Add black eyeliner or cream makeup to deepen the inner corners and under-eye area.

   • Smudge red eyeshadow or face paint around the edges for an irritated, bloodshot effect.

   • (Optional) Use black contact lenses for an eerie touch (ensure proper lens hygiene).
     

     

4. Add Decay and Bruising  
   

   • Use a small brush to apply green and brown eyeshadow or face paint in patches on cheeks, forehead, and chin to mimic rotting skin.

   • Blend purple and red around the mouth and jawline for bruising or blood pooling.

   • Stipple black face paint lightly for dirt or mold effects.
     

     

5. Create Wounds and Scars (Optional)  
   

   • Using Liquid Latex:
     

     • Apply a thin layer of liquid latex to an area (e.g., cheek or forehead).

     • While wet, place small bits of torn tissue or cotton on top and add another latex layer. Let dry (use a hairdryer on low to speed up).

     • Rip small holes in the dried latex to mimic open wounds.

     • Paint inside with red and black face paint for gore, adding fake blood for oozing effect.
       

       

       
       

   • Using Scar Wax:
     

     • Mold scar wax into a wound shape, blend edges into skin with fingertips, and secure with spirit gum if needed.

     • Paint with red and black for depth, then add fake blood.

   • No latex/wax? Use black and red makeup to draw gashes, blending for realism.
     

6. Enhance Facial Features  
   

   • Contour cheeks and temples with gray or black eyeshadow to exaggerate gauntness.

   • Darken lips with black or dark purple lipstick, smudging for a cracked, decayed look.

   • (Optional) Paint teeth with white face paint and black eyeliner to create a rotten effect.
     

7. Add Blood and Gore  
   

   • Drip fake blood from wounds, mouth, or eyes for a fresh-kill look. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the makeup.

   • For splatter: Dip an old toothbrush in fake blood, pull back bristles, and release to flick blood onto face (protect eyes).

   • Smear blood on neck or chin for a feeding zombie vibe.
     

8. Final Touches  
   

   • Lightly dust setting powder to lock makeup in place.

   • Tease hair with backcombing or add dirt (brown eyeshadow or dry shampoo) for a disheveled look.

   • (Optional) Add tattered clothing, pale contact lenses, or prop teeth for full effect.
     

9. Check and Adjust  
   

   • Look in a mirror under different lighting to ensure the makeup pops.

   • Add more face paint, blood, or texture if needed for desired creepiness.
     

Tips for Success

• Test First: Do a patch test for liquid latex or adhesives to avoid allergic reactions.

• Layer Gradually: Build up colors slowly for a natural decayed look.

• Removal: Use makeup remover or oil-based cleanser for face paint; peel off latex gently and cleanse thoroughly.

• Inspiration: Check X posts with hashtags like #ZombieMakeup or #HalloweenMakeup for visual ideas from creators. Want me to search X for specific zombie makeup looks?

• Safety: Avoid getting products in eyes or mouth; use cosmetic-grade supplies only.
  

Optional Enhancements

• Prosthetics: Add pre-made wounds or nose prosthetics for advanced realism (available at costume shops).

• Sound Effects: Practice groaning or shuffling for full zombie character immersion.

• Lighting: Use dim or green-tinted lighting for photoshoots to enhance the undead vibe.