Forums > Hair, Makeup & Styling > Using Liquid Latex to Create Paint Dripping

Makeup Artist

Shannon Carrasco

Posts: 4

Sarasota, Florida, US

Hey everyone...

Any makeup gurus out there have any experience using liquid latex (or other mediums) to create the look of paint dripping down a face?  I'm in need of some help with this one smile  I want to offer it to clients, but need some practice and, aside from knowing where to purchase the latex, a starting point. 

Thank you!
Shannon

Jan 14 13 10:49 am Link

Makeup Artist

Wigs and Makeup Allison

Posts: 290

Costa Mesa, California, US

I would be extremely hesitant to use liquid latex on the face to create this effect.  One of the main ingredients in liquid latex is ammonia (that is what keeps the latex from setting) and you definitely don't want to put yourself in a situation where ammonia could get in the mouth or (especially) the eyes.

I think you would be much better off researching liquid makeup to use for this purpose, and even then you will want to double check that they are safe to use around the mouth and eyes.

Jan 14 13 11:40 am Link

Artist/Painter

sdgillis

Posts: 2464

Portland, Oregon, US

Shannon Carrasco wrote:
Hey everyone...

Any makeup gurus out there have any experience using liquid latex (or other mediums) to create the look of paint dripping down a face?  I'm in need of some help with this one smile  I want to offer it to clients, but need some practice and, aside from knowing where to purchase the latex, a starting point. 

Thank you!
Shannon

would glycerol and pigment be enough?

I've seen liquid lash used before, but I dunno enough abotu makeup

Jan 14 13 12:03 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Shannon Carrasco

Posts: 4

Sarasota, Florida, US

Hmmm...I will research it more.  On an episode of America's Next Top Model they covered the models in paint to create this look (through some Google'ing I saw the photo ideas the client sent me were ANTM contestants from this particular episode...Cycle 10 episode 5).  I'll watch the episode to see what the heck they used. 

I'll definitely keep researching!!  Thanks smile

Jan 14 13 12:11 pm Link

Body Painter

Lisa Berczel

Posts: 4132

New Castle, Pennsylvania, US

Take a run through the FAQ and Sendu Search for Liquid Latex.

This is discussed a lot.... and based on your question, there are 2 big things to know:

1) Latex should NOT be used close to the eyes or mouth.
Latex has a STRONG amonia smell and must be allowed to "gas off" before applying - in a VERY well ventilated area.

2) Latex loves to rip out hair.... eyebrows, baby fuzz.... ANY hair.

For the face, consider cosmetic options ranging from a thick body paint like Palmers, thickened body paint like Ben Nye or Mehron, or mixing pigment with hair gel or using edible icing gel (used for cake decorating) .... there are MANY non-latex options.

Jan 14 13 12:42 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Shannon Carrasco

Posts: 4

Sarasota, Florida, US

Thank you, Lisa!

Through more research, I decided to try out some homemade "paint" options smile  Milk thickened with corn starch, etc.  Ha!  I do make cakes as well, maybe some thinned out buttercream icing! 

I appreciate all the replies!

Shannon

Jan 14 13 12:54 pm Link

Photographer

Good Egg Productions

Posts: 16713

Orlando, Florida, US

Liquid latex is also very thin. You'd need to use a thickening agent like cornstarch or something.

Jan 14 13 01:02 pm Link

Body Painter

Lisa Berczel

Posts: 4132

New Castle, Pennsylvania, US

Shannon Carrasco wrote:
Thank you, Lisa!

Through more research, I decided to try out some homemade "paint" options smile  Milk thickened with corn starch, etc.  Ha!  I do make cakes as well, maybe some thinned out buttercream icing! 

I appreciate all the replies!

Shannon

Just know that DIY paint options can pose risks.... there are arguably more Allergens in food products than Cosmetics. Cake colors are concentrated can have a MUCH higher pigment load than what is industry standard for body paint. And, some pigments should NOT go near the eye area - on pain of severe injury if they get IN the eye.

DIY and food products are fun, but you've got to have a handle on the ingredients in order to make what amounts to health care decisions for the model.

http://www.fda.gov/forindustry/coloradd … 115641.htm

Experimentation will show you what can be realistically accomplished with DIY - and where Cosmetic Body Paint is the only way to achieve the look you're going after.

Jan 14 13 01:04 pm Link

Makeup Artist

muasunny

Posts: 241

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

a safe material you can consider using is gelatin.  I sometimes use this stuff and is also easy to wash off.

Jan 14 13 03:51 pm Link

Body Painter

Lisa Berczel

Posts: 4132

New Castle, Pennsylvania, US

Raw-Beauty wrote:
a safe material you can consider using is gelatin.  I sometimes use this stuff and is also easy to wash off.

Agree.
Gelatin is an edible option I failed to list..... I've used it to great success for dripping effects. You can either pre-make the drips on a sheet of glass or cookie sheet or drip or warm and drip on the face from a squeeze bottle. CAUTION: Extreme care should be taken or you can burn the model if the gelatin is too hot.

Down side: Gelatin doesn't have the most pleasant of smells - and it is an animal product, so that can be an issue for some.

Jan 14 13 04:14 pm Link

Photographer

Steve Thompson

Posts: 562

Los Angeles, California, US

I've done a few liquid latex full-body projects but always left out the face. True, the ammonia can be pretty strong (I always use plenty of ventilation, including fans if necessary) and I'd be hesitant to use on the face. Also some are very sensitive to latex and I would be very careful especially near the face and eyes.

If you do need latex, I find the best deals on eBay. It is generally available in quantity for 15% or so below typical retail prices even on the sellers own website.

Jan 14 13 04:40 pm Link

Body Painter

Lisa Berczel

Posts: 4132

New Castle, Pennsylvania, US

If anyone order latex - check the sellers shipping requirements for sending Latex in cold weather/winter.

Jan 14 13 06:27 pm Link

Model

_cupcake_

Posts: 713

Los Angeles, California, US

The OCC lip tars are amazing!!!

http://www.occmakeup.com/lips.html

Edit: I know it's not latex like the OP was asking about, just trying to give a helpful suggestion for an alternative smile

Jan 15 13 10:20 pm Link

Photographer

AgX

Posts: 2851

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

I'm certainly not a makeup guru, but non toxic liquid tempera from the art store wouldn't work for your needs?

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/110130/18/4d461ff2212d9_m.jpg

http://sliversilver.tumblr.com/image/34285876221

Pretty viscous out of the bottle, easily thinned with water.

Jan 15 13 10:36 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Denise

Posts: 1926

Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

AgX wrote:
I'm certainly not a makeup guru, but non toxic liquid tempera from the art store wouldn't work for your needs?

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/110130/18/4d461ff2212d9_m.jpg

http://sliversilver.tumblr.com/image/34285876221

Pretty viscous out of the bottle, easily thinned with water.

Non-toxic does not mean it is safe to be used on the face/body for an extended period of time, under hot studio lights, etc. Why would the OP take risks with another person's health when safe, approved cosmetic options are available?

Jan 15 13 11:49 pm Link

Photographer

AgX

Posts: 2851

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

Denise wrote:

Non-toxic does not mean it is safe to be used on the face/body for an extended period of time, under hot studio lights, etc. Why would the OP take risks with another person's health when safe, approved cosmetic options are available?

The OP shouldn’t take risks. The OP should spend considerable time and effort researching the safety and appropriateness of any and all products so as not to put the model's health at risk.

Kind of like I did.

I'm out.

Jan 16 13 06:19 am Link

Body Painter

Lisa Berczel

Posts: 4132

New Castle, Pennsylvania, US

AgX wrote:
The OP shouldn’t take risks. The OP should spend considerable time and effort researching the safety and appropriateness of any and all products so as not to put the model's health at risk.

Kind of like I did.

I'm out.

Then you didn't do enough research - or stopped when you heard what you wanted to.

Again, the Model is taking the risk.... NOT you.

I will continue to applaud those that come here to HMS to be educated about body paint - it demonstrates the utmost respect for the model.

Jan 16 13 08:50 am Link

Hair Stylist

Keila Sone

Posts: 129

Harrison, New Jersey, US

I'm also painter and I use liquitex as my go to brand,I would not put acrylic paint or oils paint on any ones face as it can have a serious allergic reaction and you could even blind her,if this happen or if she realize that your not using make up your going get sue.it's is not made for skin contact at all...make up forever makes product go this effect and there are countless of other make up companies that do too.

Put it this what if the recure you to have red hair & I color it with a chemical that gives you effect,but I don't let know that it contain dangous amount on mercury.

Jan 19 13 01:45 pm Link

Photographer

Michael Bots

Posts: 8020

Kingston, Ontario, Canada

from jezebel.com
http://jezebel.com/5976963/these-50-tig … our-crotch


https://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18bu2ap4p1kexjpg/original.jpg


Latex painted on pantyhose.

Jan 19 13 03:14 pm Link

Photographer

Photo Bill

Posts: 275

Chaska, Minnesota, US

http://www.liquidlatexonline.com/ is ammonia free.

I don't paint the face but I do paint full body.  There is no noxious oders - my problems come from their arms and legs tiring from being on their feet so long.

I have to agree with other posters, would not use it on the face but not because of the oders, just not a good idea with the eyes so close.

Jan 20 13 05:30 pm Link

Model

E e v a

Posts: 1724

Nashville, Tennessee, US

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/1 … fc2462.jpg

This shot above was used with child safe craft paint. If the latex idea doesn't work out, there is always that.

Jan 20 13 06:14 pm Link

Body Painter

Lisa Berczel

Posts: 4132

New Castle, Pennsylvania, US

Samantha Emme wrote:
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/1 … fc2462.jpg

This shot above was used with child safe craft paint. If the latex idea doesn't work out, there is always that.

Please do NOT recommend or advocate the use of non-cosmetics for body paint to be applied to another human being.

Is craft paint an option? Sure it is.... but it's not the best, safest, or most respectful option for long-term large coverage exposure on another human's skin.

Non-Toxic is NOT makeup.
http://battledress.deviantart.com/journ … -214185627

Jan 21 13 11:47 am Link