To accompany the makeup application video guides on our YouTube Channel, it’s also useful to browse our step by step guide below, complete with animated gifs for you to follow at your own pace as you apply your prosthetic.

This guide is for our gelatine prosthetics – many of the same steps apply when using our reusable silicone prosthetics, except you will need to use NimbaFix for your adhesive and our Sil-Blend Paste to blend edges.

You can also read our 5 Essential Steps Before Applying a Prosthetic before you begin your makeup process to make sure you’re fully prepared.

1. Position your prosthetic

Before you add adhesive, offer up your prosthetic and get a clear idea of where you are going to apply it. Placement is often vital so you want to think about this carefully before you commit to sticking it down. Once you have the prosthetic in the ideal area, tap around the edge with a little talc on a sponge; this will leave a ‘ghosted’ area on the skin so you know exactly where to apply adhesive and a good visual clue as to where the prosthetic needs to be when it’s finally time to stick it down.

2. Apply Adhesive

Using a sponge, apply a thin, even layer of prosthetic adhesive to both the back of the prosthetic and your skin. Don’t use too much (you don’t want it to drip) and be extra careful around the eyes and mouth. Don’t apply adhesive up to the edges of the prosthetic – leave around 10mm clear to make sure the delicate edges don’t get folded and stuck as you are placing the prosthetic onto your skin. Allow the adhesive to dry on both surfaces.

3. Press on prosthetic

Taking your time and using firm, even pressure, press the prosthetic into place. If it’s a large prosthetic, start in one area and work your way out towards the edges slowly. Take extra time in areas with tight curves (like around the nose and eyes) making sure that you have good coverage of adhesive to get a strong bond.

4. Apply adhesive under the edges of the prosthetic

Dip a cotton swab into your prosthetic adhesive, gently lift the edge of your prosthetic and apply the glue to both your prosthetic and skin, letting each dry before you carefully stick the edge down.

5. Blend the edges of your prosthetic

Dip a cotton swab into your Gelatine Blender and gently swipe from the edge of the prosthetic down onto the skin to begin to melt the gelatine away. Don’t use too much as you will eat into the prosthetic too much and it will become impossible to blend. You can also warm the gelatine blender a little in the microwave (warm, not hot!) to help the blending process. When blending is complete, you can also apply Makeup Sealer if you wish. It’s optional, but sponging on a thin layer of sealer to both the prosthetic and your skin will give you a nice, uniform surface to paint onto, helping the blending process.

6. Paint

There are a range of ways to paint your prosthetic for a realistic finish – read our 5 Techniques for Painting Prosthetics.

You can see the full video outlining these stages below – and don’t forget to show us photos of your application over on our Facebook page!

Got a makeup FX question or comment?

We love hearing from Nimba Creations customers, Cosplayers, Actors, Movie Makers and Makeup FX artists at every stage of their career. If you’ve got a question or comment about our products, Makeup FX or want to show off your latest creation you can contact us via our Facebook Page.