Transform yourself into a bloodthirsty zombie in just a few steps with our comprehensive DIY zombie makeup guide. Perfect your gruesome look for Halloween, cosplay, or just because, and make heads turn with your terrifying – yet oddly hilarious – undead appearance.
Zombie makeup is all about the details – from pale skin to gruesome wounds and gnarly teeth, every aspect counts. So, let's dive right in and explore the art of creating the perfect zombie transformation.
Facial Foundation
Every zombie needs a base to start from, and in our case, that's a scary pale complexion. So, we begin with the most important step: creating a ghostly pallor.
Use a green or blue cream makeup first, applying with a sponge or brush. Yes, green and blue! Don't worry, this won't leave you looking like a smurf. These colors neutralize the redness in your skin, creating a more realistic pale effect when you layer your foundation over it.
Creating the Zombie Palette
Once you've applied the green or blue cream, use a white foundation to cover your entire face. This will create the pale undertone that's essential for any zombie look. Don't panic if it looks too white – the next steps will add depth and realism.
Now, it's time to embrace your inner zombie by adding a slight grayish-green hue to your skin. Use a mixture of gray and green face paint or cream makeup, applying it sparingly across your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Blend carefully, blending outwards from the center of your face to create a natural, gradual effect.
Contouring and Shadowing
Zombies aren't exactly the fresh-faced type, so add some strategic contouring to emphasize your undead status. Use a dark brown or gray eyeshadow to create shadows under your cheekbones, on your temples, and along your hairline. This will instantly age and wear you down, making you look like you've been through a few (hundred) rough nights.
Don't forget to darken the areas around your eyes, as well. Use a deeper shade of gray or black eyeshadow to create hollow, sunken sockets – the perfect finishing touch for your zombie eyes.
Creating Gruesome Wounds
Every self-respecting zombie needs a few gruesome wounds to prove their undead credentials. And the best part? These are easy to create with a bit of fake blood and some creative application.
Start by deciding on the placement of your wounds. Common choices include on the forehead, cheeks, neck, and hands. Use a wax-based product or latex to create the base of your wound, applying it in the shape you desire. Be sure to work quickly, as these products dry fast.
Wound Details
Once the base is in place, use a mix of red and brown face paint to add depth and realism to your wound. Apply the darker shades around the edges, then gradually blend in lighter colors towards the center. Don't be afraid to get creative – remember, these are zombie wounds, not something from a beauty ad!
To make things extra believable, use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to add some fine, red details – like veins or tiny flesh tears. For an extra touch of realism, apply a light dusting of black or gray eyeshadow around your wound to create the illusion of bruising.
Fake Blood Flow
The final touch for your gruesome wounds? A healthy dose of fake blood, of course. Apply a generous amount of liquid Stage Blood around the edge of your wound, then use a Q-tip or small paintbrush to carefully "smear" some of the blood away from the wound, creating the illusion of fresh blood flow.
Don't be afraid to get messy – zombies aren't exactly known for their spotless appearances. Just remember to keep the blood away from your eyes and mouth, to avoid any unpleasant tastes or stinging sensations.
Finishing Touches
With your wounds in place and your skin looking appropriately zombified, it's time to turn your attention to the final details that will bring your undead look to life.
Start by using black eyeshadow to outline your mouth, then use a dark purple or black lipstick to create a ragged, bloody-looking lip line. This will give the impression of a mouth full of teeth, perfect for any zombie who's been doing a bit too much snacking on human flesh.
Gnarly Teeth
One of the most iconic aspects of any zombie is their gnarly, rotting teeth. Create this effect by using a white face paint or cream makeup to cover your teeth completely. Once the white paint is dry, use a dark gray or black eyeshadow to add shadows and wear to your teeth, creating the illusion of decay.
For an even more pronounced effect, try using a small brush to draw individual black or gray "teeth" onto your painted teeth, creating a look straight out of a classic zombie movie.
Final Details
With your teeth in place, it's time to tackle any remaining details. Use a light-colored cream makeup or concealer to highlight your brow bones, creating the illusion of prominent, skeletal eyebrows. Then, use a black or gray pencil to draw on a few stray, wiry hairs to complete the look.
Before you head out and wreak your zombie havoc, take a final look in the mirror. Make any adjustments, add some finishing touches, and prepare to embrace your inner undead self!
Remember, the key to great zombie makeup is all in the details. Don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with it – after all, being a zombie is all about letting loose and indulging in a little (make-believe) mayhem. Happy zombie-making!