Sues Session - Ageing Make-up and Latex.

Today was our first practical lesson of the new semester 'Gothic Horror' and I enjoyed the studio session a lot as Sue spoke and demonstrated 'Ageing make-up' and the use of Latex. Sue began by talking to us all about Ageing make-up and the different techniques available to create wrinkles and mature skin of all ages. The key of ageing- makeup is to make it look subtle and some factors to consider are your models skin, age, skin tone, character if they are an actor etc. After Sue gave us a demonstration of what we were set to practice, we paired up and tried it out ourselves. 

When ageing the skin we concentrated on the hands and eye area, to create wrinkles and flaking skin, also I attempted to age my partners skin on her face with the use of shading and highlighting subtly. Before applying latex it is vital that the skin is completely clean from any product, after the skin is prepped you then apply a barrier cream which allows the latex product to stick better onto the skin. 

Before applying the latex, I first asked my model to make some silly and extreme expressions with her face so that the natural wrinkles, dips and hollows of the face were more prominent, giving me a better idea of where to stretch the skin and then apply the latex. I began practicing on my models hand, I first began cleansing and priming the skin and then stretching the skin tight enough so that the latex would be flat enough when I begin to layer. Using a feathering technique I applied the latex whilst holding the skin in a stiple motion and then used a hairdryer to dry each layer I built up. I feel that the finished effect of the skin was a very realistic and creepy to touch. After Sue examined what I had done she then suggested I pinch and pull at the skin a little to add more texture which made the skin on the hand begin to flake and pierce. 

 

After practicing on my models hand I moved onto experimenting around her eye area, I chose an area  of skin from the corner of her eye, asking her to squint as well so that I had a better idea of where to apply to latex. It is important that your model keeps their eyes closed at all times when working on the eye area because of latex and its potent smell. You also have to be gentle around the eye area as although you want to stretch the skin the skin around that area is very delicate. Applying latex to the eye area was on of my favourite techniques to practice, I found it really easy to do and the effect you created was very realistic. I decided to try and add extra wrinkles and colours with my supra colour palette onto the latex wrinkles I had made and some sun spots too. 

Tools and Products used

Orange stiple sponge (good for fine edges)

Normal cosmetic sponge (with straight edges)

Non Coloured Latex

Old age stiple (Latex base with colour)

Apron 

Kryolan foundation palette 

Aqua color palette 

Supra color palette 

Makeup Brushes 

Concealer palette 

Translucent powder 

Barrier cream 

Health and Safety 
Wear old clothing when working with liquid latex and protect your models clothes with an apron 
Make sure the room is well ventilated as the Liquid Latex is potent, can effect you and your model
When applying Liquid latex around the eye area make sure to get model to keep their eyes closed until dry 
Make sure all make-up brushes/tools are clean 
Make sure your hands are sanitised properly and products are clean (cross contamination)
Assess models skin if necessary considering any irritation or issues with their skin 
If models reacts in response to products badly (Allergies) remove immediately 

-When working with Latex it is important to be in a well ventilated room, as it has a very potent smell. 

-Make sure that your model and yourself are correctly dressed and protected from any latex being used.

-Make sure that the lid to the Latex is put back on between using, to prevent any spillage or accidents.

-You can add color to the latex you are using, by mixing it with powdered and liquid or cream colour, this is important to consider when working of different skin tones and also considering the different tones in the skin when color matching. 

-When removing Latex from the skin you should use warm water.

-You can blend out the edges of latex on the skin by using acetone and cotton buds.

-When creating layers on the skin it is best to bring each layer further out to prevent hard edges.

-Applying latex the lips with a stiple sponge creates a dry skin effect on the lips.

-When creating a colour to apply over latex it is important to consider the different tones and features, veins, blues, reds, pinks, freckles, sun spots, scars etc, so that the skin looks at realistic as possible.

I really enjoyed creating ageing make-up and I feel that it made me think of some ideas to play with when creating my gothic horror character inspired by Dorian Gray.