Makeup Question

[Elennare]

Hopefully this is the right section for this question.  If not, I apologize.

Does anyone know of a good resourse, either on-line or in a book or something, for information on applying prostetics?  I'm particularly interested in how to blend in the edges of latex prostetics so I can make my elf ears look better.

Everything I've been able to find just says "blend the edges" with no further information or pictures of how to do so.  At best, I have been able to find a book with before and after pictures, but that doesn't help me figure out how to get from one to the other. 

So, any help would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks.

[Squire Mickey]

I have seen ear cuff jewelry used to great effect in hiding the edges of the latex...

[Ambrosine]

I have not worn my ears for very long time but when I did so I loved for them to be seen. When I did, I use to use A LOT of make up to "blend" them in. Try a cream textured skin tone base ( I always liked neutragena little compact) It will stick to the latex better then just trying to use a regular liquid concealer. After you have that the way you like then lightly brush it with powder to take down the stickiness. It was a time consuming process, I always had someone doing this for me since their eyes were able to see it better then myself in the mirror.

Also use the liquid latex as a tool as well to make a thinner edge so you do not have such a large crack to fill between your natural ear and your prosthetics.

[Queen_of_Navarre]

I use latex thinned lightly with water to add a nice blending after the prosthetic is set. Please use stage make-up for blending your elf ears for a natural look. For some reason regular make up can damage your delicate latex prosthetic

A great link for information.

http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/makingem/Makeup/Ears/PuttingOnEars.htm

[Elennare]

Many thanks for the replies, but I apparently didn't communicate what I was looking for very well.

I can do the color part just fine, after many trials and fiddling around with different colors and types of stage make-up.   

What I'm looking for is advice on how to use liquid latex (or some other product, if there's something that would work better) to cover the edge of the prostetic and "blend" it into my ear, so that the join between the two can't be seen (or, can't be seen without extreme close inspection).  I can currently make it look ok from, say, 10 ft away, but any closer than that and it's pretty obvious there's a line on my ear.  So, I guess I'm looking for tips and tricks for applying latex to hide the edges.

[Finnian]

Many thanks for the replies, but I apparently didn't communicate what I was looking for very well.

I can do the color part just fine, after many trials and fiddling around with different colors and types of stage make-up.   

What I'm looking for is advice on how to use liquid latex (or some other product, if there's something that would work better) to cover the edge of the prostetic and "blend" it into my ear, so that the join between the two can't be seen (or, can't be seen without extreme close inspection).  I can currently make it look ok from, say, 10 ft away, but any closer than that and it's pretty obvious there's a line on my ear.  So, I guess I'm looking for tips and tricks for applying latex to hide the edges.

Basically you just have to brush the latex on in thin layers, letting it dry enough between each to really get a smooth transition. They make latex that is made to look like skin when painted on, so if you are just using regular liquid latex, maybe you will want to hunt down some of the skin type and try that also.

[Finnian]

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Apply-Elf-Ears/

[Elennare]

Thanks!

[dfloyd888]

I second the recommendation on liquid latex.  Done well, it does look seamless.  The only bad thing about liquid latex is that the stuff is finicky to work with sometimes, so it takes practice.

Ear cuffs may work for some, but I've found that for me, unless I squeeze them so tight like I'm tagging a cow's ear, they tend to fall off.

[Merlin]

Where's a good place to get ears?

[Joyce "Delfinia DuSwallow" Howard]

check this one out         http://www.aradanicostumes.com/elfears.php

[Merlin]

check this one out         http://www.aradanicostumes.com/elfears.php

Great link Joyce..... ordered the kit for my daughter.

THANKS !

[dfloyd888]

I second Aradani as well.  The best prosthetics you can get, IMHO.

[bellalye]

COTTON!

When you put the liquid latex on your seam, very rarely will you be able to build up enough bulk to hide the joint.  I take a very thin layer of loose cotton (taken off of a cotton ball or Q-tip) and pat it into the first layer of latex.  Paint more latex over the cotton and repeat as much as necessary.  Note:  This takes practice to perfect, but hides the seam VERY well.

{I learned this technique from Monster Mali here on the forums *hug*}

toodles!

[Elennare]

Oooh, thanks!  I shall have to try that!

Where to get ears-well, if you don't want to order online, see if you have a local costume shop.  Somewhere that sells the good, theatrical makeup stuff.

Or, you could make your own.  Lots of places on the web, including alleycatscratch, which someone linked earlier in the thread, have instructions on how to do that.  Go figure, I managed to make custom-fitted ears no problem, but have trouble hiding the edge when wearing them.

[Sitara]

I am allergic to latex so what I do instead is superglue my ear into a point.  It only takes a second, is easy and there is no seam to hide.  It easily peels off at the end of the day...at least on me it does.

[Queen_of_Navarre]

If you don't have a reaction to super glue, it can work fine to make pointed ears. To remove it easily use baby oil.

[Merlin]

http://www.aradanicostumes.com/elfears.php


Has anyone else used these people?