Hi all,
I am considering playing as a draughir in the future. Thing is, I am a total noob when it comes to anything make up. I have no knowledge on the products to use or how to apply it and make sure it stays on.
Could I get some advice here? The result I am looking for is a slightly pale skin with deep sunk eyes. Something subtle, nothing too striking and easy to put on.
Thanks in advance
First up - Youtube. Seriously. Put aside an evening to watch a bunch of vampire/undead make-up tutorials. You don’t have to be nearly as elaborate as they are, but it will give you a sense of how to apply and layer things to get the effect you’re after.
If you’re caucasian, you should be able to get the sort of effect you’re after using a decent coverage foundation in the palest shade the range you pick does, and then a deep blue/purple eyeshadow to fill in the eye socket. Shading under the cheekbones, in the hollows at the temples and down either side of the nose helps the corpse-like effect. Don’t forget to go right under your chin and down your neck to under your collar, and over your ears.
Practice doing the full face before you hit the field, ideally a couple of times. Get hold of a cheap mirror that stands by itself and practice using that rather than your nice big well-lit bathroom mirror. Wear your new face round the house for an evening and see how it feels.
Prep really does help makeup last. Start by cleaning your face with a makeup wipe, put on some moisturiser (suncream works!) and let it soak in before you start on the foundation. I’d be inclined to apply right into the eyesocket so it can act as base for the eyeshadow as well. Use a brush or a sponge to apply and do several light coats rather than one thick one. Blend everything well. Seal with a light/translucent powder.
Other things that can add to the effect: a lip-stick/gloss in the worst possible colour (trust me, there will be at least one that makes you look ghastly); some subtle veining in blue and/or deep red eyeliner. Try asking at one of the makeup counters at your nearest big Boots or other chemist for help with colour choices - ‘I need to do some simple zombie-type makeup for a costume, can you help me find some shades that really make me look ill?’ has worked for me if you don’t want to explain larp from the beginning. Also if you know anyone who shops at Boots regularly they are pretty much always handing out coupons for money off their own brand No 7 makeup range.
Do not expect even the best make-up to stay put all day - be prepared to touch up a couple of times, particularly if it’s warm and/or you get sweaty. Remember that even if you put on sunscreen before you start it will also not last all day and it’s not really feasible to reapply over makeup. Keep an eye on your sun exposure and make sure to wear a hat!
Your skin will thank you for taking everything off properly at night, and definitely when you get home. Use actual makeup wipes or facial wash if you can rather than baby wipes or plain soap, and moisturise again afterwards. Wash your makeup brushes and/or switch out your sponges regularly.
This is great advice, thank you!