In this session, we were taught how to create a death face, how to break down a character and how to dirty down a character. We were shown what products would be used as well as how to use them. The demonstration wasn’t just on the model’s face, with Jasmin using different products in the models hair to either look greasy (leave in conditioner) or dry and lifeless (dry shampoo). To dirty down a character, only a small amount of dirt (or coffee,, if you’re on a budget) would be required, as it spreads and gets into any crevices and cracks to give the desired outcome. Dirt can also be mixed with moisturiser to create a muddy effect.
One side of the model’s face was used to display how to breakdown a character and make them seem ill, tired, or just in need of a good shower. Bruise wheels can be used to exaggerate dark under eyes, only needing a small amount of product. Using too much product at once could potentially mean having to remove all the makeup and potentially start again, whereas it’s easier to build upon small amounts of product at a time. Illustrator pallettes were used to exaggerate any blemishes and make them seem more irritated than they may actually be. It’s important to note that illustrator pallettes are activated mainly with IPA, which contain immensely high levels of alcohol. This can irritate blemishes, as well as causing damage if it gets into a model’s eyes.
The other side of the model’s face was used to demonstrate how to create a death face. This included making the model’s face look very pale and gaunt, using cool tones like blues. Bruise wheels and illustrator pallettes were used to create sunken eyes, hollow cheeks and a mottled affect on the skin. The model’s veins were also highlighted by using a small amount of product from the illustrator pallette and lightly tracing and visible veins in their face. Translucent powder set the makeup and made the model appear pale.
After the demonstration, we were tasked with creating either a character breakdown, a death face or dirtying down a character. My partner and I decided on creating a death face, and I was the model. Using an illustrator pallette, Alexia used dark tones to create dark circles underneath my eyes, as well as lightly applying some translucent powder to my lips to give them a chapped appearance. She also applied some product to my cheekbones as contour to give the impression of a gaunt, hollow face. To set the makeup and create a pale appearance, translucent powder was applied all over the face.
