Fake blood, fake wounds & SFX effects

Fake blood, fake wounds and SFX effects

What are SFX effects?

SFX stands for special effects. Where regular make-up makes you prettier, these products make you different: a cut, a burn, a bald skull or zombie skin. You build an effect like that in three steps. First the shape with wax or latex, then the colour with face paint, and finally the finish with blood, dirt and shine. Everything on this page belongs to step one and step three. The colour comes from the face paint and body paint.

What types of fake blood are there?

More than you think, and the difference is in thickness, colour and where you use it.

• Liquid blood is thin and bright red, perfect for fresh wounds, drips and splatters.
• Jelly blood and coagulated blood are thick and stay exactly where you put them, ideal for deep cuts.
• Drying blood dries into a crust and looks like a wound from yesterday.
• Blood powder you mix with water yourself, or you use it dry for a dried in effect.
• Eyeblood and tooth enamel are made for your eyes and your teeth, where regular blood does not belong.

Liquid latex and second skin

With liquid latex you make yourself a second skin. You apply it in thin layers, let every layer dry and then tear it open for a graze or a burn. That same latex is the base under a bald cap, which makes you bald in a couple of minutes. Sensitive to latex? Then go for a latex free adhesive, and there is a clear version too.

Scar wax for relief on your skin

Scar wax, or nose and scar wax, is mouldable wax you use to build shape: a cut, a broken nose, a swollen lip or a scar. You warm a small piece between your fingers, press it on and smooth the edges so nobody sees where the wax starts. After that you cover it with face paint in your own skin tone and add blood or a bluish edge around it. For smooth, shiny wounds you use a wound gel instead of wax.

Spirit gum and skin adhesive: how does it all stay on?

What you build has to stay put. Spirit gum and mastix are the classic skin adhesives for prosthetics, second skin and bald caps. You apply a thin layer, wait until it turns tacky and only then press down. There are latex free adhesives as well if your skin prefers those. Take the matching remover with you straight away, because spirit gum does not come off with water.

Dirt, sweat and the final finish

The last layer is the difference between dressed up and real. With ash grey and brown dirt powder you get a weathered face or one that just came out of a fire, and with a sweat and tears product you set drops that stay put instead of running. An anti shine gel does the opposite and takes the shine off when your skin catches too much light.

How do you get it off again?

Latex you peel off carefully, with a little oil underneath if needed. Wax comes off with a spatula and the rest with a remover. Spirit gum and mastix really need their own remover, so do not pull at them or you take skin with you. Water based face paint comes off with lukewarm water. Always finish with a nourishing cream, especially after hours of latex on your face.

What else do you need?

For SFX you work with different brushes than for a regular look: fine brushes for razor sharp edges and firm bristles that do not fall out in latex and wax. You find those at face paint brushes, sponges and stencils. Want to see what is possible first, have a look at SFX makeup.

Shop fake blood and SFX effects at Boozyshop

Ready to scare someone? Order before 20:00 and your parcel goes out the same day (on Sunday until 17:00). With your order you get to pick a gift yourself. Not sure which blood or which adhesive suits your look? Ask your question in the chat and you get personal advice.