So, I did a post on Body Paint a while back, but it was basically an overview of things I’d tried in the past, and what I do now.
I thought for today’s FAQ Friday, I’d go into a little more detail about my process.
1. Ben Nye
As I mentioned in the last post, I use Ben Nye Magicake Aqua Color.
The thing I love about these is that they are fairly small and cheap. One small container costs $7 at stage make-up online. And even though they are so small, they last a long time. I’ve painted my whole face, arms, chest, back, and midsection for Ahsoka twice now with the same containers – and I probably had enough left for at least 4 or 5 more full applications. You can get bigger containers, too! ($12 at the aforementioned website)
They come in a lot of colours, but sometimes the colours are not exactly right – but they are super easy to mix. For Ahsoka, I bought 3 different reds and mixed them. I’ll get into that in a few minutes.
2. Tools
I primarily use these large sponges. I get the sponge damp (not soaking), get the make-up wet with that, and dab it on. Don’t rub, it will leave streaks. If your sponge was too wet and the make-up is too runny, let it dry out for a minute before starting again.
I’ve also occasionally used a large make-up brush in the same way – often just for doing some highlight areas.
You’ll want a hair-dryer to quickly dry it as you’re working. Especially if you are having to do multiple layers. For something like Blue or Green, you’ll probably need several layers.
3. Application
First, make sure your skin is clean and do NOT put any kind of anti-perspirant/deodorant on right before! (It can create a barrier. You’ll end up with armpits that don’t match, LOL).
For my face, I’ll go ahead and apply my own foundation/concealer first, then begin layering the make-up on top of that.
As I mentioned above, you want to dab it on, not rub. After a few tries, you’ll understand how wet your sponge should be as you are applying.
To change the tone of the colour, work in a different shade as the first layer is drying. Dabbing it in while mixing it with the other paint. Both my Ame-Comi Poison Ivy and my Ahsoka were not “off the rack” colours – they were a mixture of several different shades.
(photo by derek deweese)
Even my Starfire had some different tones in it – I used a darker orange around the edges and a lighter orange in highlighted areas. I always suggest getting 2-3 colours to work with, especially since you won’t know how they will look in real life, or how they will look on your skin tone, until they get there and you can start playing with them.
If you are doing multiple areas of your body/full body, do it in batches. I start with my face — once I get all the paint on my face, I finish the rest of my makeup (eye makeup, lashes, blush, etc), and then begin working my way down. If you have to get into fabric costumes pieces AFTER you’re done painting, do it before painting your hands – paint your hands last!
If you had to get your costume on before painting, tuck some plastic bags along the edges to protect the fabric while the paint is drying. Hotel rooms often have plastic baggies with the cups that come in handy.
It helps to have a friend with a hair-dryer to be drying areas as you work, and in between layers. They can also help reach areas on your back/back of your legs/butt you couldn’t reach otherwise, and can tell you if an area looks like it needs another layer.
4. White Face Make-up for Amidala
I often get asked how I do the white make-up for Amidala, so since it’s pretty much the same as any other body paint for me, I thought I’d tackle it here.
The only Episode I Amidala I do is the parade dress – and I don’t believe she has QUITE as much of a white face on in that particular costume, in comparison to the red Senate gown, for instance. But my method could easily be layered for a whiter face.
I’ve used oil based Mehron in the past for other white-faced characters and I just don’t like the way it goes on or sits on my skin. I LOVE the Ben Nye Magikcake Aqua Color in white for this, it goes on really easy and doesn’t feel cake-y.
As I said above in application, I start out by putting on my regular foundation and concealer/highlighter/whatever else I feel I need that day. The basics. Then I dab on a layer of the white make-up. It will look REALLY white at first, but as it dries, it will blend in a little more. Have the hair-dryer ready so you can dry it quickly, so you can tell if you need another layer of white.
Once it’s all on, I finish my eye make-up, then use a red lip-liner to do the red upper lip, the lower lip stripe, and the cheek dots.
5. Setting it
I have some Ben Nye setting powder I use on all of my body paints/white face. I just dust it on with a regular make-up brush. By the time I’m doing this, pretty much everything is dry – the setting powder just helps keep anything from smearing, and it also has anti-perspirant built in! It’s great! I’ve worn full body makeup in Atlanta summer heat at DragonCon and have not had a problem with sweating it off.
Or smearing it on anybody/anything. This is important – if you are going to wear bodypaint around other people, you do NOT want to get makeup on somebody else’s costume, clothes, or furniture. It is really important to make sure your makeup is sealed.
There are also barrier sprays you can use — I have never used this, the powder has always been enough. Hairspray works in a pinch, too!
Even after you’ve made sure your makeup is properly set – still be careful about what you touch. I try not to touch any merchandise in the dealer’s room, and keep my distance from anyone’s costume. I’ve never had any makeup rub off on anything before, but you don’t want to take a chance. The main thing you need to worry about is prolonged exposure – say, if you’re sitting on a couch or chair for a long time. The only areas of my fabric costumes I have issues with are the arm openings and waistband of Starfire – the areas that my makeup rubs up against for several hours. (It washes out though!)
6. Getting it off
For everything from the neck down – I just hop in the bathtub and start scrubbing. Soap and water! It’s not going to come RIGHT off (we need some of that magic Mulan make-up remover!), you’ll have to scrub a bit with a washcloth but it’s by no means difficult to take off. And, unlike something like liquid latex, it isn’t going to tear your arm hair off.
If you’re doing this in a hotel, the hotel’s white washcloths WILL turn the colour of your makeup. It rinses right out! Just make sure you rinse it and clean it off well before housekeeping gets to it 🙂
And, just like with putting the makeup on, it helps to have someone who can double check to make sure you got it all off.
For my face, I use a facial cleanser. I try not to use wash cloths on my face at all, so it’s just the facial remover and water. (Although, if I’m in a hurry and have to get the makeup off FAST – the wash cloth comes out!) You can use regular makeup remover, doesn’t have to be specific – you can use it on your body, too, but I find it just as easy to scrub with soap and water on my arms and not waste my makeup remover.
So those are my thoughts on that!