Burns - the use of gelatine

Never thought that gelatine can be used in make-up rather than only in preparing tarts and cakes! I was really surprised to learn that there is also a prefessional version of gelatine which is used by make-up artists to create those awesome burns that we see in films.
Though I was feeling really ill, I loved playing with the gelatine. This was my first time trying to do a burn so it might not look that realistic but after further research and practice I hope I'll do it better. The biggest surprise of today was Michael Key visiting us when we were doing the burns! And also receiving a Make-up Artist card, which I didn't expected.

PRODUCTS USED: 

• Gelatin (Neill's Materials gelatine nuggets - clear: you can add colour afterwards);
• Supracolour Kryolan;
• Witch hazel;
• Fake blood;
• Fake pus;
• Vaseline.

Other products that can be used: 

• Powder - to make the burn look more matte, but this is not the best result in my oppinion;
• Powder puff.

TOOLS USED: 

• Metal spatula;
• Metal palette;
• Plastic bowl;
• Brushes to paint the burn;
• Hair pins;
• Baby buds;
• Hairdryer;
• Microwave.

HEALTH AND SAFETY: 

• Always test on the back of your hand the warmth of the gelatine and the hairdryer to make sure it's not too hot;
• Do not put a metal bowl into the microwave;
• If your model is allergic to latex, gelatin can be used as a substitute, and no barrier foam is needed;
• If you have a model who is vegetarian/vegan, latex can be used instead provided they aren't allergic.

Other information: 

• Do not keep the gelatine in the microwave more than 10-20 seconds otherwise it won't work as good;
• Do not put isopropyl alcohol in the gelatine because it will destroy it, you can use alcohol to dillute the Supracolour but not the gelatine;
• The gelatine can be watered down with moisturizer;
•  You can use gelatin in moulds which are good for continuity;
• Don't use a hot hairdryer as it will melt the gelatin;
• To blend out the edges of the burn, use some witch hazel on a baby bud to soften the eges;
• Always research the nature of your burn!

HOW TO: 

1. Put the gelatine block into a plastic bowl (you can cut the gelatine block to save it) and then insert it in the microwave for about 10-20 minutes maximum;
2. After melting, wait a few seconds to cool down a bit and then test it on the back of your hand;
3. Apply the gelatin with a metal spatula on your model, scrape for a flatter surface and pick up slightly for a risen surface;
4. If there are any hard edges put some witch hazel on a baby bud and blend downwards before it gets completely dry;
5. Dry with a cool hairdryer, it will stay tacky, it's dry when it doesn't lift off and your finger doesn't stick as much;
6. Put powder on with a powder puff if wanted;
8. Gently stipple on the colour, make sure to go around the area to make it look like it is sore;
9.  Use a fine brush to add extra definition to the wound, making sure to be delicate;
10. Add fake blood or pus as desired;
11. Colour the burn more where needed, play with intensities but don't go too over the top;
12. Add vaseline if you want shine to the wound.

REMOVING: 

• To remove you can just pull it off and then run the area under hot water.

MY RESULTS: 

REFLECTION:

I quite liked the final result except the unblended edges that made it look like it was stuck on a little bit. I didn't blend them before I dried them so maybe that's why when trying to blend them afterwards it was really hard, nearly impossible. I would have needed to spend the entire day there blending when it was dry so I think I'll just give it a try other time and blend the edges with witch hazel before drying with the hairdryer. It quite looks like a second to third degree burn in my oppinion but I still have to research more about burns.