When clients hear the cost of hiring a professional special effects (SFX) makeup artist, it's not uncommon for them to be surprised by the high rates. But what truly drives the cost? In this article, I’ll walk you through the materials typically required to create basic SFX makeup looks, including everything from bruises and wounds to prosthetic applications and body painting.
To make things clearer, I’ve broken down the costs by category, using the products I personally use in my own kit as examples. Keep in mind that every artist has their own preferences, so some products may differ from others. The list below is only a portion of what I keep stocked in my kit but covers the essentials. However, this will provide a helpful overview of the kinds of materials needed and why SFX makeup services come at a premium.
Bruises
Creating realistic bruises requires specific colors and tools to achieve that authentic look. Here's a breakdown of the products commonly used:
Skin Illustrator FX Palette – $89
A professional-grade palette with colors designed specifically for special effects makeup.
Skin Illustrator Glazing Gels – $19 each
Used to create depth and layering effects on the skin.
Bruise Blue
Bruise Red
Bruise Yellow
Bdellium Stipple Brushes – $16 each
These brushes are perfect for applying texture and adding realism to bruises.
Wounds
For creating realistic wounds, you'll need silicone materials, palettes, and blood products. Here’s what you’ll find in a typical SFX artist’s kit for quick wound applications:
3rd Degree Silicone (2 oz., clear) – $30
A versatile silicone material used for building texture and creating realistic skin wounds.
Used for mixing and applying silicone.
Skin Illustrator FX Palette – $89
Essential for painting wounds.
Skin Illustrator Flesh Tone Palette – $89
Used to match lighter skin tones.
Skin Illustrator Dark Flesh Tone Palette – $89
For matching darker skin tones.
Red Drum Standard Red Drying Blood (4 oz.) – $12
A fast-drying, fake blood product that adds a finishing touch to any wound.
Prosthetic Applications and Removals
Prosthetics require specialized materials for both application and removal. Note that this list does not include the prosthetics themselves, which can be costly depending on the complexity, nor does it account for airbrush materials. Here is what a basic prosthetic application kit includes:
Pros-Aide Adhesive – $22
A professional-grade adhesive essential for prosthetic application.
Glue Brush – $16
Used for precise application of the adhesive.
Other Brushes – $16 each
For applying different products with accuracy.
RCMA Powder – $14
Used for setting prosthetics and preventing shine.
MEL Pax Paints (Set) – $96
A set of paints used to color prosthetics and match skin tones. I have 3 sets in my kit.
Skin Illustrator Flesh Tone Palette – $89
A must-have for creating realistic skin colors on prosthetics.
Skin Illustrator Dark Flesh Tone Palette – $89
A must-have for deeper, richer skin tones.
Skin Illustrator FX Palette – $89
For adding detail and color variation to wounds.
Isopropyl Myristate (8 oz., remover) – $14
Essential for removing prosthetics and adhesives without damaging the skin.
Body Painting
Body painting requires specific equipment, including airbrush tools and high-quality paint. Here's a look at the materials used:
Iwata Airbrush Compressor – $288.50
A high-quality airbrush compressor necessary for smooth, even application of body paint.
Endura Alcohol Paints (1 oz. bottles) – $18 per bottle
These paints are perfect for body painting, as they adhere well to the skin, don’t smudge, and provide vibrant colors. My kit has at least 40 bottles of various colors.
Iwata Airbrush – $206.50
An essential tool for precise application and blending of paints on the body.
Conclusion
As you can see, the cost of hiring an SFX makeup artist goes far beyond just their time and talent. The materials required to create realistic and high-quality effects can be quite expensive, especially when you consider the range of products necessary for different makeup looks. From bruises and wounds to complex prosthetic applications and body painting, each step demands specific supplies that can add up quickly.
When booking an SFX makeup artist, you’re not just paying for their artistic skills—you’re also paying for the extensive and specialized tools required to execute those skills. Many artists will charge a kit fee with their day rate to help cover the costs of products used on a daily basis and to help them restock their kits when needed.
For those of you looking to get into SFX makeup, check out my coaching page here.
For those of you looking to hire a professional SFX makeup artist, feel free to contact me.
Lastly, for those who need SFX makeup but are on a very tight budget, check out my prosthetic makeup line for student and low-budget projects. My prosthetics are simple to apply and require no experience, making them perfect for projects that have fewer than $200 to spend on SFX makeup.