Applying Special Effects Makeup is rather time consuming and occasionally tedious, and although the finished product is often extremely rewarding it does not last forever. Removing Special Effects Makeup is a given part of any project and making sure that anything applied is removed correctly is extremely important to ensure no damage or irritation occurs with the skin. Although it may be extremely satisfying to peel off liquid latex and scrape away synthetic wax with a makeup spatula this is simply not the way to go about the removal process. 

 

There are many products available to buy and use that make the removal process far easier, safer and ultimately less painful for yourself or your client, but the products you use to remove your work depend on the products you have applied to the skin. For example, probably the easiest product to remove is water activated paints. These paints will simply wash away with some (preferably) warm water and soap, although some makeup artists, such as the artists at ‘The Magic Brush’ recommend prepping the skin with sunscreen before makeup application to prevent potential staining and to add an extra layer of protection for those with sensitive skin.

 

For other products that adhere more heavily to the skin it is extremely important to know what product is best for each removal process and for each skin type (if working on others and not yourself). There are a number of methods to assist the removal process in an attempt to ease prosthetics off the skin. Using hot water on a flannel or towel and holding it gently up to the Special Effects Makeup for 10-15 minutes will often soften the bonding agent used (whether this is latex, pros-aid or spirit gum) and allow for a much more gentle process. Using a cotton bud with your choice of removal product and slowly working your way around and in turn lifting up the edge of whatever you are removing is the best way to ensure no pain or discomfort occurs. Having patience and taking your time is highly important here as taking off these products quickly and with force can be dangerous as they are frequently stuck down with medical grade adhesives!

 

Some products that work best in removing more adhered makeup or prosthetics include:

 

• Isopropyl Alcohol: This is a quick and easily accessible removal product however its strong smell and can cause severe discomfort to the eyes.

 

• Isopropyl Myristate. This is a mix of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid (a fatty acid). It is far more gentle around the eyes and mouth, however it can cause breakouts on the skin to occur because of its chemical properties.

 

• Eye-makeup Remover: This is extremely accessible and very gentle on the skin and around the eyes, however it is far more expensive than the above options so this method is not sustainable for doing many different application removals.

 

• Cooking Oil/Olive Oil/Baby Oil: Another extremely accessible item, however it is not as strong as a remover as others mentioned and requires a few applications of heat/steam (mentioned above) to work to its full potential.

 

• Shaving Foam: Shockingly shaving foam is quite good at removing prosthetics and makeup efficiently, however can cause severe eye irritation and is quite messy when compared to other removal products.

 

When looking at removal options it is always vital to find out what is best for you/your client. You must make sure that you are aware of any allergies/sensitivity before using certain removers or applying makeup in general. Although there are many different products to try out a rule of thumb is that if you don't know enough about a product it is far safer to not use it! Always keep in mind, it is better to be safe than sorry!