Monster Make-up Tips from Professional Make-up Artists at Kings Island
Halloween is creeping up on us, so if you’re looking for the best DIY tips to achieve a hauntingly good monster look, you’re in the right place!
Halloween Haunt at Kings Island is known for its spooktacular scare zones and mazes, eerie-sistable treats and beverages, thrilling night rides, and fang-tastic entertainment. However, what truly turns our theme park into a scream park are the hundreds of monsters roaming around and lurking in every corner.
Our talented and hardworking entertainment team is responsible for creating the monsters that give (after)life to this terrifying event. We had the pleasure of meeting with Sydney Long, a resident Haunt special FX makeup artist who creates many of the iconic monster looks you love.
Sydney has worked at Kings Island for six years -five as a makeup artist. When asked what brings her back every year, she revealed, “Our team is one big family that keeps on growing. We get to express our creativity and develop our skills together with each new season.”
Behind the scenes, Sydney demonstrates her artistic talent by doing airbrush makeup on scare actors/actresses.
“Airbrush allows us to create a polished, full-coverage look for each monster in a timely manner -which is important since we have so many to do before Haunt starts. It also gives us the creative freedom to be messy (for the gory bits) and detail-oriented (to highlight certain features).”
Our special FX makeup team uses several other materials -many of which you can use to create a DIY bone-chilling look at home- to supplement and complement the airbrush.
Here are our best tips for creating a DIY monster look:
Makeup
- Fake blood is a game-changer: To add that next-level fear factor to your costume, apply it to your face, clothing, hair, and body.
- Be messy: Monsters aren’t put-together creatures. If you have a few fake blood splatters that dripped further than intended, or if you went overboard tearing your outfit, embrace it! Sometimes, a messier look can make a monster more realistic.
- Full coverage is critical: Creating the ultimate monster means the look should be complete. To achieve this, ensure that your neckline and any skin that shows is covered and contoured -not just your face!
- Contour is key: If you want your monsters to appear as terrifying as possible, you need depth and texture. Start with a pale base that you can build upon. Accentuate the natural contours of your face with darker shades and use a cosmetic setting product after each makeup layer. For example, if you want your facial features to appear sunken in, contour around your eyes, cheekbones, forehead, and nose. Do this with any other exposed skin for the best results.
Costume and Props
- Thrifting for the win: If you’re on a budget, thrifting is a great option for making your own costume! It is an affordable, sustainable, and fun choice that allows you to be creative and not break the bank.
- Use your resources: Using clothes and items you don’t wear/use -and don’t mind repurposing- saves you time and money! It also allows you to experiment with different looks and styles.
- Get messy: Adding special FX makeup and tearing your repurposed items truly makes the costume… horrific in the best way! Don’t be afraid to splatter fake blood and blot dark makeup powder all over your costume or even add stains, tears, and adhesive wounds.
Fun Extras and Effects
- Try colored contacts: Thoroughly research which contacts are best and safest for you to use before you purchase. Follow the directions provided for the product(s) to achieve the best results. Colored contacts may be the defining piece to your monster’s overall look!
- Watch tutorials: There are many special FX makeup artists on social media and the Internet who have shared their favorite tips and tricks for creating horrifying monster looks. It may be a good idea to try a few out before Halloween to get some practice in and see what advice applies to your needs.
- Practice makes perfect: The possibilities are endless for creating the spookiest look, so spend time experimenting with your look. You can create wounds using liquid latex, fake bruising by mixing different eyeshadow shades, or staining by soaking parts of your costume in coffee.
- Be sure to read all labels, test your skin prior to application, and be cautious to avoid getting products in your eyes.
- What are you waiting for? Give your friends pumpkin to talk about this Halloween by using these scary good tips when creating your monster look!