How to use your StageFrights Prosthetic

WARNING:

Choking Hazard, keep away from children
Not for children under the age of 13
Contains latex

Your appliance can be worn 4 times or more if careful use, removal and storage are exercised.

Warning: Read all instructions before proceeding. This product contains latex. A significant portion of the population experiences sensitivity or allergic reactions to latex and other makeup products used to apply this prosthetic. A small test piece is included that may be applied in an inconspicuous area with all makeup products to help determine sensitivity. Reactions may not be immediate, leave in place for an hour unless a reaction is observed or felt earlier. If any reaction occurs, remove test piece and do not use this or any other product that may have caused the reaction. Use of this product may obstruct peripheral vision. Do not operate a vehicle or engage in any other activity that may be hindered by obstructed vision.

Things you will need:

Cosmetic grade adhesive: Spirit Gum, Pros Aid, Latex Adhesive, Prosthetic Adhesive etc. – To “glue” piece on
Adhesive remover: remover specific to your chosen adhesive, removers are not universal – To remove adhesive
Makeup: 2 or more colors suggested. Any type will do (read makeup considerations below) – To give color to your character
Makeup Remover: remover specific to your chosen makeup, removers are not universal – To remove makeup from your face
Adhesive and Makeup applicators: foam sponges, makeup brushes, cotton swabs etc. – For applying adhesive and makeup

Suggested Items:

Liquid Latex – For blending edges
Stipple Sponge – For adding makeup texture
Setting Powder (read makeup considerations below) – To dry and seal oil based makeup
Powder Puff – To apply setting powder (only if you are going to use setting powder)
Castor Sealer or Barrier Spray sealer (read makeup considerations below) – To seal the mask before makeup
A friend to help – Very helpful, but not required

Basic Instructions

How to apply the mask:
This mask is designed to be adhered or “glued” to your face. This creates the unique effect of moving with your expressions and giving the illusion that you have become your character.

Decide if you are going to put makeup on the piece before or after applying it to your face then proceed accordingly (see back side*).
Wash or clean skin with soap and water or other skin cleanser. Skin oils can affect adhesion.
Hold the prosthetic up to your face to get a feel for placement. If the piece came with a closed mouth, you will need to cut it open.
Apply adhesive to the wearer’s skin and to the back of the appliance according to the instructions supplied with your chosen adhesive.
Once the adhesive is tacky, align the prosthetic to the subject’s face. Press the piece onto the subjects face.
Blend edges with Liquid Latex (optional).

Makeup considerations:

It is suggested that you choose at least 2 colors. A base color and either a lighter highlight color or a darker shadow color. 3 or more colors are ideal: A base color, a light color for highlights and a dark color for wrinkles, pours or other shadow details.

Choose one type of makeup. Do not mix makeup of different types. Common makeup types are Mask Cover Grease Paint, Mineral Oil based Crème makeup and Water Based makeup.
Mask Cover Grease Paint contains the oils needed to seal your prosthetic and give an even coverage. This type of makeup is the choice of many professionals. It is a bit tacky and may be hard for a beginner to work with. Tip: Dipping your applicator in 90% or greater rubbing alcohol will thin the makeup for easier application. You will need powder to seal the makeup or it will remain tacky and easy to smudge. Use Cold Cream or similar to remove.
Mineral Oil based Crème Makeup is one of the most common types of makeup. It is not as tacky as Grease Paint and is easier to use. It is suggested that you seal your appliance with a Castor Oil based sealer prior to using Crème makeup. Mineral oils in the makeup may degrade the latex and change its texture. You will need powder to seal the makeup or it will remain creamy and easy to smudge. Use Cold Cream or similar to remove
Water based makeup is easy to use and washes up with soap and water. No sealer is required on the mask or after makeup application. If you wish to use a sealer, it should not be an oil based sealer. It may take a couple of coats of makeup (dried in between coats) to get even coverage without a sealer.

Note: Mineral oil based removers such as Spirit Gum Remover may affect the latex so use it to remove makeup from your face. Do not use it on the piece if you wish to use it more than once.

Tips for easier application:

When applying adhesive to the piece, stop about ¼ inch from the edges. Apply adhesive to the wearer’s face as you go. We suggest starting at the nose and working out. Be careful around the eyes as adhesive and makeup can cause injury. Your appliance is designed to approximate average facial proportions, though every face differs. The piece will tolerate some stretching to get good placement on the subject’s face. Once you get close to the outer blending edge extra care should be taken. You may choose to put adhesive on the skin only. Once the adhesive is tacky, carefully roll the edge down on the skin. This should be done one small section at a time until all edges are adhered down. You may choose to blend the edge by dabbing very small amounts of liquid latex where the edge of the appliance meets the skin. Let dry and repeat as desired. Don’t get carried away with blending as too much liquid latex can look worse than a bare edge. A stipple sponge may be used with the liquid latex to give a little extra texture to your blending edge.

Makeup tips:

If you are applying the piece yourself without the help of a friend, you may decide to apply and seal the makeup on the piece before you adhere it to your face. This will allow you prepare the piece ahead of time and do a little touch-up and color blending into your skin after adhering it. If you have help or are comfortable with using makeup and appliances, the makeup can be applied after the piece is adhered.
If you are sealing the appliance prior to makeup application let the sealer stand for about 10 minutes. Dab off excess with a clean cloth and powder lightly. Dust off excess powder with a brush, clean cloth or cotton ball.
Makeup colors of the same type can be blended to achieve a range of shades. We suggest blending some of your character base color with any other colors used for your character. Put down a layer of base color over the piece and any exposed skin. Don’t forget your ears and neck (the back side too). Dark colors may be used for shadow areas (such as wrinkles or any area that you want to appear sunken in). It is okay to be a bit messy. You can dab lightly over the areas with your base color to smooth out ugly overages. You can then lightly apply a light color to areas you wish to highlight (typically raised areas). Again, you may tone down areas that look too bright with a light dabbing of your base color. A stipple sponge can be used to dab little bits of dark, light or blended color over any surface to give your piece natural looking texture.
Seal your makeup or give it time to dry before your event. Oil based makeup such as Mask Cover Grease Paint or Crème mineral oil based makeup requires powder to soak up the moisture and seal the makeup. Mask Cover Grease Paint requires a lot of powder. Carefully, yet firmly press the powder into the makeup. Dust off excess with a clean dry brush, cloth or cotton ball. Repeat as needed. Once dry to the touch, you can dab a lightly damp cloth or cotton ball over the makeup to restore the vibrant colors. Water based makeup can be left to air dry. Drying may be expedited with the use of a hair dryer on low setting. Powder is not needed. Non-oil based sealers may be used over the makeup once dry for added smear and sweat resistance.

How to remove and store your appliance:

If you plan on using your appliance again, be slow and patient when removing the appliance. Start with an edge that is easy to conceal if torn like under the chin. Use a cotton swab with alcohol or other adhesive remover to work the edge up. Peel back carefully while applying the remover. Exercise extreme caution when removing from around the eyes. You may powder the thin blending edge a bit as you go to help keep the edge from curling and sticking to itself. Mineral oil based removers such as Spirit Gum Remover may swell and distort the appliance. As the piece dries it will return to its original shape. If you are going to reuse the appliance in the next few days, it is suggested that you avoid using this type of remover as it may not have time to dry before your next application. You do not need to remove makeup from the appliance.
Store your piece in a cool, dark, dry place. Direct sunlight, extreme heat, and moisture can damage the appliance over time. If you used Spirit Gum to adhere your appliance, the residue should be removed from the mask before storing for an extended period of time. Spirit Gum will harden when it dries out. Use sparing amounts of Spirit Gum Remover on the back of the appliance and wipe with a clean rag or similar. You may soak your piece in a warm water bath and gently squeeze out excess water if you wish. Set your piece out to dry. Let your mask dry completely before storing.
If you do not intend to reuse your appliance, then peel the piece back using the appropriate adhesive remover. Exercise extreme caution when removing from around the eyes. Determine your own comfortable pace, don’t rush it. Even though damage to the piece may not be a consideration, careless removal can cause injury. You may choose to carefully peel the entire appliance off first. Then follow with using the appropriate adhesive and makeup removers on your face after the piece is off.