Theatrical ageing

So to begin with I think that this lesson was really interesting and it taught me a lot of new things as I haven't done special effects before, I've just experienced with some latex a bit but that's all, nothing more.

PRODUCTS USED:

• Neill's Materials liquid latex;
• Acetone;
• Old age stipple;
• Ben Nye loose powder;
• Kryolan concealer palette.

TOOLS USED:

• Powder puff;
• Stippling sfx sponge;
• Baby buds;
• Hairdryer. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

• Always read labels on the products, if you feel there is something you could be allergic to, do an allergy test. If using on someone, always do an allergy test at least a week beforehand to see if you need to source another model; 
• If the person is allergic they will experience an itchy/burning sensation, and the area will become red. TAKE IT OFF IMMEDIATELY;
• Cover over your model with a gown;
• DO NOT tip latex down the sink, scoop it out onto some couch roll and throw in the bin;
• Get hair completely out of the way, you don't want it caught up in the product;
• Eyes have have to be closed until the products have dried;
• Always test the heat of the hairdryer on yourself before using it on your model.

Other information:

• Use a barrier cream/foam under all the products, moisturiser has a grease base to it and the latex won't stick to the skin as well with it;
• Acetone is good for melting latex, it takes down the edges; 
• When applying product to the body, the skin is a varied colour so stippling with create a better effect- especially if used in layers;
• Powder over the top to set the latex.

HOW TO:

1. Prep skin by applying barrier foam where you want to age;
2. Pour the latex into a bowl;
3. Slightly softly stretch the skin;
4. Use the orange stippling sponge, stipple the product on in a thin layer feathering out the edges; 
5. Use the hairdryer on the coolest setting and dry until the latex has turned clear; 
6. Whilst drying the skin, bring the skin  back together slightly together to create the look of wrinkles;
7. Layer up the latex and repeat the process;
8. Once you're happy, use the powder to set;
9. In order to get rid of edges, use a baby bud with acetone to melt the edges into the skin.

REMOVING:

• Simply peel off the latex or warm it before in warm water, it should come off easily.

MY RESULTS:

And that's a trial of the old age stipple, uncoloured (as I thought that this looks better like that). I find that this looks better as dry skin instead of aged skin. Maybe if I would have added some latex also it would have looked more like aged, dry skin, but it's worth a try in the future.

REFLECTION:

I found all the health and safety indications very helpful and also the use of the blow-dryer to dry the latex was really new to me, as the using of a base before applying it on someone's face as well.

Unfortunately we haven't got enough time to play with this effects a lot but I will definitely do it in my own time.

Overall I'm excited about the new special effects stuff and I can't wait to learn more!