EDUCATION AT CAMERA READY

Getting an accredited education in makeup artistry is both expensive and time-consuming. So choosing the right school or training program is a top priority if you’re ready to commit. For aspiring artists who want a comprehensive learning experience in special effects makeup, it can be difficult to know which schools take it seriously. While compiling research for this article, we came across a number of schools and training centers boasting SFX makeup courses that were sadly overshadowed by other course offerings under the film and television umbrella. Best SFX Beginner Makeup Kits MehronSpecial FX Makeup Kit$129.95 Camera ReadySFX Makeup Kit$209.99 We made it our mission to find the very best special effects makeup schools with a history of successful SFX alumni. If you’re ready to advance or kickstart your career in special effects makeup, these are the top schools to consider in the United States. (Please note: this article is not sponsored and Camera Ready Cosmetics does not have any affiliation with the schools or program listed below.) MUD (Make-up Designory) Tuition (812-hour program): $25,488 The Make-Up Designory has two special effects makeup courses within their Make-up Artistry Program: Character Make-up Artistry and Lab Techniques. The school has two locations for this program - Los Angeles and New York City. The Character Make-up Artistry course focuses on character development, with an emphasis on the fundamental elements of prosthetic application and special make-up effects. The Lab Techniques course is designed to provide instruction in the lab and formulation techniques that are required to create contemporary film and television make-up effects. Famous alumni include pro makeup artists Angel Radefeld-Wright (Ray Donovan and La La Land) and Paul Thompson, among others, and many of the school’s graduates have competed on Syfy’s Face Off. Learn More Cinema Makeup School Tuition (4-week program): $5,410 This four-week class teaches the creation and application of multi-piece prosthetics, blood tubing, life-casting, teeth application, and airbrush techniques. All students have the opportunity to design and build a full face and neck application, complete with a set of teeth. Students also learn to create multi-piece molds and learn about advanced special effects lab techniques, materials, and processes. Cinema Makeup School also offers a 28-week Complete Track degree program for those interested in broadening their skills more. The cost for the full degree program is $31,020. Famous makeup artist Ve Neill was appointed Director of Education at the school in 2016. Neill has won three Oscars and two Emmy awards (not counting countless nominations) and has won a list of other awards for her creative work on set. As a tireless advocate for the art of makeup, Ve incorporates a broad range of knowledge into the curriculum of the school’s makeup programs. Learn More Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects Program Tuition (2-year program): $40,465 Thousands of students from all over the world have enrolled in Tom Savini’s SFX makeup program and the Douglas Education Center located in Monessen, Pennsylvania. Created by legendary film makeup artist, Tom Savini, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of special effects makeup artistry in this two-year program. Savini’s work has helped raise the bar for modern-day horror films. His contributions on Dawn of the Dead, Friday the 13th, Monkey Shines and Creepshow have left a lasting impact on the industry. Graduates have gone on to work at employers such as Saturday Night Live and Universal Studios and many former students have competed (and won) on Syfy’s Face Off. Learn More Vancouver Film School Tuition (12-month program): $34,609 Learn the fundamentals of beauty and special effects makeup, as well as color theory and facial anatomy in this 12-month program. Vancouver Film School teaches how to create molds and three-dimensional prosthetics, apply and paint foam latex appliances and masks, master ventilated hairpieces and human hair lace-front wigs, and so much more. In just one year, you’ll graduate with a diploma in Makeup Design for Film and Television, a comprehensive portfolio, access to the VFS alumni directory and job board, and industry connections that will help guide your career. VFS Alumni have worked on sets such as Deadpool, Transformers, The Walking Dead, Jumanji, Star Wars and the list goes on. Pro makeup artists who attended this world-renowned school include Jenni Macdonald (The Revenant, Fargo) and Tory Reed (True Blood, The Human Centipede 3). Learn More Where did you learn special effects makeup artistry? Comment below. For a chance to be reposted on Camera Ready’s SFX Instagram, tag us in your pictures. Visit our blog for more articles like this one. Interested in contributing content to our website? Email topic suggestions for consideration! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by pro makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for on our site, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

Halloween is almost here. Can you believe it?! We know having a stand-out makeup look on this most ghoulish of days is a top priority. Halloween makeup kits are a great, cost-effective way to transform your face into the scary or sultry makeup looks of your dreams. We’ve narrowed down our ten best-selling makeup kits below so you can get a head start on the perfect Halloween look. Ben Nye Old Age Kit Grandma, is that you?! Transform into an elderly version of yourself this Halloween with Ben Nye’s Old Age Kit. For just $25, the kit comes with full coverage foundation, a black pencil, cream makeup to create skin spots and wrinkles, silver grey hair color and tools to create classic aging techniques (wedges, a stippling sponge, and a makeup brush). It also comes with detailed instructions for both males and females to create a successful disguise. Shop the Ben Nye Old Age Kit Graftobian Severe Trauma Kit What do back alley brawls, a car crash and a nasty tumble down the stairs have in common? Broken noses, black eyes, cuts, and bruises. The Severe Trauma Kit comes with all the makeup you need to create realistic FX-simulated looks. The $27 kit comes with six creme color wheels, one foundation, five contouring and accent shades, face powder, modeling wax, spirit gum, stage blood, a makeup brush, stipple sponge, foam wedges, and step-by-step instructions. Shop the Graftobian Severe Trauma Kit  Mehron Zombie Professional Character Kit Channel all the Walking Dead vibes this Halloween with Mehron’s Zombie Professional Character Makeup Kit. At just under $20, you’ll get a collection of professional-grade performance makeup similar to what is used on set of the cult favorite TV show. The kit includes step-by-step instructions, Mehron’s 5-Color Zombie Makeup Palette, Zombie Flesh Liquid Latex, Colorset Powder, Extra Flesh Wax, Stage Blood, Fixiative "A", Stageline makeup brush, and non-latex foam wedge. Shop the Mehron Zombie Professional Character Kit Ben Nye Cat/Lion Kit An easy Halloween go-to look, transform into the purr-fect feline this October with Ben Nye’s Cat/Lion Kit. The affordable kit (just $25) comes with cat-colored foundation, a four-color cat palette, a black pencil, a flat brush, sponge applicators, quick cleanse remover and directions. The kit is good for up to six applications. Shop the Ben Nye Cat/Lion Kit Kryolan The Sugar Skull Kit This amazing Halloween look is as beautiful as it is haunting. Follow the included instructions to quickly and easily create an elaborate Sugar Skull that looks as if you spent hours in front of the mirror. For under $70 you’ll get three Aquacolors, Supracolor Clown White, Body Jewels, 2 Multi Gel Glitters, Translucent Powder, one powder puff, one round makeup sponge, and two makeup brushes. Shop the Kryolan Sugar Skull Kit Ben Nye Vampire Kit The simplicity of transforming into a ghastly vampire has never been easier than with Ben Nye’s Vampire/Vampiress Kit. In fact, this $25 kit has been the brand’s bestselling Halloween makeup kit for nearly two decades. Included in the kit are one vampire foundation, a four-color vampire palette, black pencil, Stage Blood, fangs, a flat brush, sponge applicators, and directions. You’ll get four to six applications out of this one kit, so team up with friends to create a gang of terrifying characters. Shop the Ben Nye Vampire Kit Kryolan Ice Effects Kit Whether you’re creating a Game of Thrones character or a frozen nomad, the Kryolan Ice Effects Kit gives you all the tools you need to create snow and frost effects of any kind. For pro artists, this kit holds up for stage, show and 4K/8K technology. Components of this $56.50 kit include small and large ice crystals, snow, GF-QAT- N Soft Gel. Use the gel to fix the ice crystals in place. Shop the Kryolan Ice Effects Kit  Ben Nye Witch Makeup Kit Cast a spell on your face with Ben Nye’s popular Witch Makeup Kit. The creme-based makeup provided in this $25 kit allows you to easily create the appearance of textured, wrinkly skin that will haunt passerby throughout Halloween night. Included in the kit are one witch foundation, a four-color witch palette, a black pencil, a flat brush, sponge applicators, quick cleanse remover, and step-by-step instructions. Use this kit up to six times. Shop the Ben Nye Witch Makeup Kit Mehron Skeleton Character Kit Transform into the ultimate skeleton with Mehron's Skeleton Character Kit. For under $20 you’ll get every product needed to create this amazing Halloween look. It also comes with a visual step-by-step guide explaining the techniques and products in details. The kit includes a Highly pigmented Tri-Color Makeup Palette, a Full Size Pencil Liner, Colorset Powder, a Powder Puff, a Non-Latex Foam Wedge, Makeup Remover Wipe and a Black Hood. Shop the Mehron Skeleton Character Kit Kryolan Fairy Girl Kit Create a fantastical fairy makeup look for $75 using Kryolan’s Fairy Girl Kit. The shimmery, effervescent products will have heads turning all night long. The kit includes one Spirit Gum, a pair of small latex Sprite ears, one multi-gel, one pack of Stargirl eyelashes, one lash adhesive, and two Aquacolors. Shop the Kryolan Fairy Girl Kit Shop The Makeup Kits We conveniently linked all of the makeup kits mentioned in this article down below. Get a head start on Halloween! 1) Shop the Ben Nye Old Age Kit 2) Shop the Graftobian Severe Trauma Kit 3) Shop the Mehron Zombie Premium Character Kit 4) Shop the Ben Nye Cat/Lion Kit 5) Shop the Kryolan Sugar Skull Kit 6) Shop the Ben Nye Vampire Kit 7) Shop the Kryolan Ice Effects Kit 8) Shop the Ben Nye Witch Makeup Kit 9) Shop the Mehron Skeleton Character Kit 10) Shop the Kryolan Fairy Girl Kit Tag us in your Halloween makeup creations on Instagram for a chance to be reposted, and visit our blog for more articles like this one! Interested in contributing content to our website? Email your topic suggestions for consideration! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by pro makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for on our site, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

As any professional makeup artist will tell you, building a fully-stocked kit can get EXPENSIVE! Special effects makeup artistry is no different. Creating the detailed characters that haunt and inspire your social media feeds may take 10, 15, 20 (sometimes more!) different products to complete. While the best kits take years of trial and error to pull together, there are staple products you may start with to build a well-equipped SFX makeup kit for under $300. (Yes, it’s possible!) We asked our network of pro-SFX artists which products have earned a permanent spot in their kits. Keep reading for the pro-approved must-haves that made the cut. Ben Nye Thick Blood Price: A 6 oz. container costs you $22, but smaller and larger sizes are available at varying price points. It may look like strawberry jelly, but this corn-syrup based gel will quickly become your go-to for creating dried abrasions, wounds and road rash effects. The easy-to-apply gel has a nice, firm texture that does not drip or dry. Camera Ready customer Erin K. says, “This is my one and only holy grail fake blood product.” While it easily washes off the skin, it’s worth noting this product may not easily remove from all fabrics or surfaces. We suggest a quick spot test before use. Shop Ben Nye Thick Blood Ben Nye Nose and Scar Wax Price: An 8oz. container costs you $18, but smaller and larger sizes are available at varying price points. This handy jar of translucent wax imitates the appearance of real skin to create all sorts of fleshy distortions - a broken nose, a witch’s chin, even bullet holes. Whatever your creative desires, this product has your back. The formula is moldable with a medium firm hold. Camera Ready customer Carolyn K. says, “After trying many other brands of scar wax, nothing compares to Ben Nye.” For maximum durability, set on top of Ben Nye Spirit Gum Adhesive and seal with Ben Nye Liquid Latex (a staple also included on this list). Shop Ben Nye Nose and Scar Wax 3rd Degree Silicone Modeling Compound Price: A 2 oz. container costs you $24, or you can get the 4 oz. size for $40. This extremely versatile product is a triple threat - resurfaces the skin, creates special effects and pours into molds. Use the compound to create realistic wounds, scars and prosthetics, or fill uneven texture to smooth the skin. Camera Ready customer Rachael S. says, “This is the best to work with! I love how smooth the edges blend into the skin. This is easier for me to mold than liquid latex and tissue paper.” Pro MUA hack: Purchase both sizes and refill the smaller jar for transporting in your kit. Shop 3rd Degree Silicone Modeling Compound Ben Nye Final Seal Price: A 1 oz. spray bottle costs you $7.20, and larger sizes are available at varying price points. Lock your SFX makeup creations in place with this magical misting spray. A few spritzes of this matte sealant spray will ensure your final look is smudge-proof and water-resistant through hours of performing, entertaining or braving harsh weather conditions. It even withstands heavy perspiration! Camera Ready customer Jeanita H. says, “My makeup doesn’t move all day. I fell asleep for two hours, woke up, and my makeup was still in place. Cried in church, makeup didn’t streak. Sweated outside, makeup did not move.” Shop Ben Nye Final Seal Ben Nye Liquid Latex Price: An 8 oz. container costs you $20, but smaller and larger sizes are available at varying price points. An absolute must for any special effects kit, this multi-purpose liquid latex - also called “slip rubber” - will get the job done every time. Seal modeling wax, create 3D appliances in a slush mold, or apply directly to the skin for aged, blister and wound effects. Camera Ready customer Carissa C. says, “I recently bought the latex, and I’m in love with it. It’s so good for the price and works great to create some freaky looks!” Bonus use: This liquid adhesive is excellent for molding prosthetic appliances and sealing Ben Nye Nose and Scar Wax. Shop Ben Nye Liquid Latex Kryolan Supracolor Price: Choose from 14 shade options at just $9.80 each. The outstanding coverage qualities of these cream-based makeup has made it an SFX must-have for decades. Choose from a variety of skin tone shades, as well as clear, white or gray, to create bright color effects or to effortlessly shade and highlight. Camera Ready customer Sarah B. Says, “You can’t get better than the Kryolan Supracolor foundation, in terms of finding a perfect color match. It stands up to any conditions (heat, humidity, stage lights) and provides full coverage that lasts all day.” Some artists also use this product as a normal, everyday foundation to conceal skin conditions, discolorations and textured skin. Its versatility will keep you reaching for it, no matter the occasion. Shop Kryolan Supracolor Mehron Pro Color Ring - Bruise Price: $13.95 The affordable, extremely handy compact includes every shade you need to create fresh or healing bruises. A must-have in any SFX kit, the wheel-shaped container includes green, yellow, light brown, dark brown and black shades that easily smudge and blend to create a realistic bruised look. Camera Ready customer Dana G. Says, “It’s perfect! I love Mehron’s cream makeup, and it blends very well.” The long-lasting formula won’t fade or melt away even after hours of wear. Shop Mehron Pro Color Ring Reel Creations Fleshtone Palette Price: $80 This palette is the perfect tool to conceal tattoos, bruises, scars and more. Activate with Reel Developer or 99% Isopropyl Alcohol with just a few drops, and mix with a brush or sponge until you reach the desired effect. Camera Ready customer Luke C. Says, “I love this palette! It lasted all night long, and it was very easy to use. This is a must-have in your SFX kit!” It’s worth noting the product takes a while to activate once you’ve applied the alcohol, but once the product works up, the colors turn opaque. Mix darker pigments with more alcohol to lighten them. Make lighter colors more pigmented by continually mixing your brush or sponge in the activated product until the desired pigment is reached. Shop Reel Creations Fleshtone Palette Skin Illustrator FX Palette Price: $80 Designed for just about any injury or illness, this palettes simulates burns, cuts, scrapes, scabs and bruises. Compatible with the Reel Creations Fleshtone Palette mentioned above, mix and blend colors to create varying degrees of gore and injury. Camera Ready customer Casandra S. says, “I absolutely love it. I use it for everything, whether it’s creating bruises, cuts or painting prosthetics. It’s totally worth it and a must-have for any makeup artist.” These pigments are rich in color content, which makes this palette go farther and last longer than others on the market. Shop Skin Illustrator FX Palette PPI Glazing Gels Price: Choose from 19 color options at $16.50 each. Set apart from other bruising effects makeup, these gels are specially made for extreme closeup film work for bruise and injury effects that appear to be a part of the skin, not on top of it. Sunburn, freckles, shadows, discoloration - whatever your SFX creative needs, these gels will make it look like the real thing. Camera Ready customer Nina A. says, “It looks like it’s in the skin, not on it. I use it on set for quick bruises, sunburn and dark circles. It works great around the eyes for those who are sensitive. I have every color.” These water-based, transparent colors wear exceptionally well for the demands of high definition film and television, and they deliver realistic subtlety that cannot be achieved with heavier cream-based products. Shop PPI Glazing Gels Shop The Products Ready to create your very own, affordable, fully-stocked SFX kit? We conveniently linked all of the products mentioned in this article down below. Click, buy and be fully prepared to venture into the world of SFX makeup artistry! 1) Ben Nye Thick Blood 2) Ben Nye Nose and Scar Wax 3) 3rd Degree Silicone Modeling Compound 4) Ben Nye Final Seal 5) Ben Nye Liquid Latex 6) Kryolan Supracolor 7) Mehron Pro Color Ring - Bruise 8) Reel Creations Fleshtone Palette 9) Skin Illustrator FX Palette 10) PPI Glazing Gels Tag us in your SFX makeup creations on Instagram for a chance to be reposted, and visit our blog for more articles like this one! Interested in contributing content to our website? Email your topic suggestions for consideration! About Camera Ready Cosmetics Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by pro makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set. If you don’t find the product you’re looking for on our site, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!

We are fascinated by the creative talent of professional makeup artists for film and television, especially those who specialize in special effects makeup. The ability to transform human faces into out-of-this-world creatures or bloody, gore-covered victims takes a level of artistry and focus that can take years to perfect. With so many greats who paved the way before us, we felt inspired to round up our 10 favorite SFX makeup artists of all time. Keep reading to learn more about the people who created our favorite characters on the big and small screens. Ben Nye Professional makeup artist Ben Nye, Sr. got his start in the music department of Fox Studios in Los Angeles. After three years of working in what he deemed a boring position, Nye sought an apprenticeship in the Fox Studios makeup department under head makeup artist Monte Westmore. Ben Nye Makeup Best Sellers Ben NyeBanana PowderStarting $13.50 Ben NyeFinal SealStarting at $9 Ben NyeCreme Color$8 Under the direction of Westmore, Nye gained experience working on set of various A-List films like In Old Chicago and Jesse James, but it was his experience on set of Gone With The Wind that inspired Nye to branch out and create products of his own, specifically for women of color. So he began to experiment, mixing and blending the products he already used to get inspired. Shortly after, Nye ventured solo as a freelance makeup artist for Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers before going back to Fox Studios as the head makeup artist. Over the next decade, Nye made a name for himself in the industry. His use of prosthetics in feature films garnered him worldwide acclaim, and each major feature film inspired him to experiment and create professional-grade products to revolutionize film and television makeup. After retiring in the 1960s, Nye opened his own professional makeup company named Ben Nye Cosmetics, which is still wildly popular today. Popular products include Ben Nye’s Banana Powder (thanks to celebrity endorsements from the likes of Kim Kardashian), Neutral Set Powder, Liquid Latex, Nose & Scar Wax, Bruise Wheel, Stage Blood and so many more. Click here to shop the Ben Nye collection at Camera Ready Cosmetics. Stan Winston Makeup legend Stan Winston had a childhood fascination with puppetry and mask-making, which evolved into a passion for special effects makeup artistry later in life. After moving from Richmond, VA to Hollywood in 1969, Winston worked underneath head makeup artist, Robert J. Schiffer, for Disney Studios where he perfected his talent and worked his way up the makeup industry ladder. Winston led teams for more than 40 years to create some of the most iconic, modern-day characters and creatures in such films as Alien vs Predator, The Terminator, Jurassic Park, Iron Man, and Avatar. Shop Stan Winston Digital Courses Stan WinstonTattoo Makeup$64.99 Stan WinstonMaking Fake Teeth$59.99 Stan WinstonMake A Latex Mask$59.99 Winston has received 10 Academy Award nominations - winning four - and is one of only three SFX makeup artists to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He’s also won two Emmy Awards out of six nominations, as well as three BAFTA awards out of five nominations. To learn more about Stan Winston, visit the Stan Winston School of Character Arts website. Eryn Krueger Mekash Makeup artist Eryn Krueger Mekash got her start in special effects makeup while working in shops throughout Los Angeles. After years of perfecting her skills, she dove into a career in makeup artistry that has spanned nearly three decades. Her vast experience in the film and television industry has allowed Mekash to master the art of beauty, special effects makeup and design - a triple threat, if you ask us. Her work has been Emmy-nominated 35 times, and she’s won six awards - the most wins for a female makeup artist ever. She currently serves as head of the makeup department for FX's American Horror Story. Shop These SFX Favorites Skin IllustratorFX Palette$80 GraftobianSpatula + Sculpting Tool$7.20 Pros-AideThe "Original" Adhesive$13 Mekash’s use of prosthetics has earned her notoriety amongst industry veterans, who seek her out for creative insights on various projects. Some of her most notable work has been featured in Star Trek: Into The Darkness; Glee; Eat, Pray, Love; Alpha Dog; Everybody Loves Raymond; and Alien Nation. Visit ErynKruegerMekash.com to learn more about her career and to see a full list of work credits. Joe Blasco Credited for the invention of popular horror movie makeup effects like the bladder technique, bulging blisters, and rashes on the skin, pro makeup artist Joe Blasco is a legend in his own right. After serving as the personal makeup artist to icons like Orson Welles, Olivia Newton-John, Bette Midler and Carol Burnett, Blasco sought out to revolutionize film and television makeup like never before. Blasco’s industry experience has spanned more than 50 years, and his credits include The Newlywed Game, General Hospital, Good Morning America, The Carol Burnett Show, Leonardo da Vinci, Ilsa She Wolf of the SS, The Werewolf of Woodstock and Shivers, to name a few. Joe Blasco Best Sellers Joe BlascoUltrabase Foundation$26 Joe BlascoSublime Liquid Blush$32 Joe BlascoUltra Fine Setting Powder$24 Aside from his artistry, Blasco’s passion for education led him to open his Make-Up Training Centers in Hollywood and Orlando, FL, as well as create his own high-performance cosmetics line, Joe Blasco Hollywood, that has gained worldwide popularity. Popular products from his line include the Ultrabase Foundations, Dermaceals, Ultamattes, and Neutralizers. Click here to shop the Joe Blasco collection at Camera Ready Cosmetics. Matthew Mungle   A former student of Joe Blasco’s Make-up Center, Matthew Mungle has worked his way up to become one of Hollywood’s premier special effects artists. Regarded as a master of makeup illusions, Mungle’s fascination with horror makeup started at a young age after seeing iconic films like Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Mummy. Shop These SFX Favorites Ben NyeFresh ScabStarting at $8 Ben NyeLiquid LatexStarting at $6 Rubber WearEvil Forehead Foam Latex$28.95 Mungle grew up experimenting with face casts and prosthetics on family members and friends until he was old enough to pursue artistry as a career. After graduating school, he worked on set of several low-budget films where he learned to be resourceful and think quickly. Mungle’s experience led him to oversee teams on set of Edward Scissorhands, Bram Stoker’s Dracula (which he won his first Oscar for), Congo, Primal Fear and Ghosts of Mississippi (which earned him an Oscar nomination), and more. Mungle has gone on to create a wide range of film characters using prosthetics for film, television, and Broadway. His full biography can be found here. Dick Smith   Academy Award-winning makeup artist Dick Smith is most famous for creating SFX application methods that became the standard for Hollywood film and television, like fake blood, layered prosthetics and foam latex for an aging face. Some of his most notable credits include The Godfather, The Exorcist, and Taxi Driver. The makeup revolutionist found his love for performance makeup while browsing the library at Yale University, his alma mater, an stumbling upon performance makeup books. A list of awards, decades-long career and two published books later, Smith is revered as one of Hollywood’s great artists of our time. Click here for a full list of Smith’s film credits. Kevin Yagher   The creator of Freddy Krueger’s makeup and the infamous Chucky doll, artist Kevin Yagher has a long-standing special effects career that dates back to the early 1980s. His expertise with prosthetics has led to some of pop culture’s most eerily memorable characters, and his contributions on A Nightmare on Elm Street, Bones, A Series of Unfortunate Events and Mission: Impossible have earned him industry acclaim. Another notable achievement was Yagher’s work on set of The Master of Disguise, featuring Dana Carvey, where he created 15-20 different disguises to transform the actor’s character throughout the film. Yagher now leads teams at Kevin Yagher Productions Inc. to “create effects that far surpass peoples’ exceptions and to provide producers and directors with the highest quality effects imaginable.” View a full list of Kevin Yagher’s credits here. Ve Neill   When we asked our Pro Artist network which female SFX artists they most admired, Ve Neill topped the list. As one of the most award-winning, living makeup artists (she’s won three Oscars, two Emmys, one BAFTA, four Saturn Awards, and a lifetime achievement award from the MUA Guild) Neill is loved and respected amongst industry veterans and newbies alike. Neill has worked with a long list of A-List stars including Johnny Depp and Jennifer Lawrence, and her film and television credits are just as recognizable: The Hunger Games, The Amazing Spider-Man, Sweeney Todd, Pirates of the Caribbean, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Batman & Robin, Edward Scissorhands, Star Trek, and the list goes on. The guru spends her free time advocating for the makeup artistry profession, helping to build awareness in the general public about the craft of creating movie creatures. Learn more about Ve Neill and her work credits here. Bud Westmore Credited on more than 450 movies and television shows, makeup artist Bud Westmore comes from the prominent Hollywood makeup artist family with the same name. Some of his most well-known works include Man of a Thousand Faces, The Andromeda Strain, and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Following the death of his famous makeup artist father, George Westmore, Bud became head of the makeup department at Universal Studios in Hollywood where he scored credits for major horror, sci-fi and fantasy films of the late 1940s. His career spanned over the next two decades until the 1970s when he completed his last project on set of MGM’s Soylent Green. His legacy marks an iconic era of the giant bud-headed creatures made famous in the 40s and 50s. For a full list of film credits, click here. Rick Baker Special effects artist Rick Baker, well-known for his work on Men In Black, An American Werewolf in London, The Nutty Professor and The Wolfman, has won seven Oscars over the span of his 40+ year career. Baker has been outspoken about the shifting nature of film and television makeup. Announcing his retirement in 2015, the acclaimed artist said, “The business is crazy right now. I like to do things right, and they wanted cheap and fast.” His statement was in reference to computer effects, which are taking the place of makeup artist jobs and eliminating the artistic nature of the craft. While on set of Maleficent, featuring A-List star Angelina Jolie, Baker says the use of CG effects in the film reduced his work so much that he “could’ve done it in a garage basically.” Learn more about Rick Baker’s career and film credits here. For related articles, visit our blog here. Be sure to stock up on SFX makeup products here, and tag us on Instagram in your special effects makeup creations for a chance to be reposted! About Camera Ready Cosmetics   Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists.  You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground.

Navigating the world of special effects makeup can be intimidating and overwhelming for newbies. If you’re itching to create bloody, bruised characters but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place (or blog, that is) to learn about SFX makeup for beginners. We asked makeup artists to weigh in on the best SFX makeup for beginners and narrowed it down to these five makeup must-have products to get you started on the right foot. Continue reading to learn more about the professional-grade products highly recommended by pros and start building an SFX makeup kit beginners will love. One, two, three, GO-re!   WHAT IS SFX MAKEUP? SFX makeup is makeup used to create characters with special effects, like aging, injuries, deformities, and supernatural features. SFX makeup is perfect for creating characters for cosplay, Halloween, TV, and the stage. Artists use prosthetics, liquid latex, wigs, and more to create anything from ghastly ghouls and glam witches to darling butterflies and creepy clowns. Learn what SFX makeup supplies are considered makeup must-haves when creating a makeup kit SFX beginners will be able to utilize like a pro.   SHOP THE BEST SFX MAKEUP FOR BEGINNERS Ready to begin your journey into the world of SFX makeup? Stock up on these stage makeup basics, and you’ll be well on your way to creating characters like a pro in no time.  1) Mehron CreamBlend Sticks 2) Ben Nye Liquid Latex 3) Ben Nye SFX Blood 4) Mehron Pro Color Ring - Bruise 5) Pros-Aide Adhesive   MEHRON CREAMBLEND STICKS for SFX Looks Available in 58 shade varieties, the Mehron CreamBlend Sticks are a necessary staple in any SFX makeup kit – beginner and pro alike. These performance creams by Mehron are high-quality and full-coverage for the face or body. The formula’s smooth, supple texture is easy to blend and stays put all day with minimal (if any at all) touchups required. Choose from natural skin tone colors or vibrant and bold shades to create whatever character you envision, from a watercolor painting makeup look to a frightening zombie - for just $11.95 per stick. BEN NYE Liquid LATEX is an SFX staple Another recommendation from our trusty makeup artist customers is Ben Nye’s Liquid Latex. This SFX makeup for beginners is considered a holy grail makeup must-have for any SFX makeup kit. This multi-purpose product works well to seal modeling wax or to create aging, blister, and wound effects directly on the skin. Commonly referred to as “slip rubber,” liquid latex is frequently used to mold prosthetic appliances. We have a wide array of latex options perfect for any pro or beginner makeup kit. Beginner’s Best SFX BLOOD by Ben Nye Most SFX makeup beginners can’t wait to try their hand at a bloody, gore look. There are dozens of blood SFX products on the market, which makes narrowing down the options a bit overwhelming. We asked the pros which product they would recommend as the best SFX makeup for beginners, and Ben Nye’s Fresh Scab topped the list. A makeup artist favorite, this jelly-like product is perfect for creating natural-looking scabs, blood clots, and more. The corn syrup-based formula is infused with a peppermint flavor for pleasant use in and around the mouth, and it easily washes from most fabrics and surfaces. As with any blood SFX products, we recommend spot-testing before each use.  Ben Nye offers a variety of other blood-related products you can try as your beginner makeup kit continues to grow.  MEHRON PRO COLOR RING For SFX Bruising The affordable, extremely handy Pro Color Ring Bruise from Mehron is the perfect SFX makeup for beginners because it includes every shade you need to create fresh and healing bruise looks. A must-have in any SFX beginner makeup kit, the wheel-shaped compact includes green, yellow, light brown, dark brown, and black shades that easily smudge and blend to create realistic face bruise makeup. The long-lasting formula won’t fade or melt away even after hours of wear. Try creating your own face bruise looks with this makeup and see for yourself why Camera Ready customers consistently rate it 5-out-of-5 stars. PROS-AIDE ® ADHESIVE FOr all Your SFX Makeup Needs This medical-grade, water-based skin adhesive keeps prosthetic applications and other makeup components intact for long periods of time. An industry standard, “The Original” Pros-Aide ® formula is non-toxic and safe to use on all skin types, including sensitive areas. The product is also highly water-resistant to withstand even the harshest conditions on set. Pros-Aide includes a variety of other makeup supplies that spawn off the original formula, such as a cream-based variety and a “no-tack” option, which creates less residual stick. Use the Pros-Aide ® Remover to safely remove your SFX makeup creations.    Tag @camerareadycosmetics and @camerareadySFX in your special effects makeup creations for a chance to be reposted on our Instagram. What other SFX makeup for beginners would you include on this product list? Let us know in the comments below!   ABOUT CAMERA READY COSMETICS   Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by makeup artist Mary Erickson. An industry veteran for more than 30 years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and only chooses makeup supplies that she would use on set. If you don’t find the product or makeup supplies you’re looking for on our site, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!