Creating a sickly appearance using makeup can be useful for various purposes, such as theatrical performances, Halloween costumes, or even pranks. This guide will walk you through the steps and techniques to achieve a convincingly ill look using makeup.
Preparing Your Skin
Cleanse and Moisturize
Start with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or oil, and follow up with a light moisturizer. This will ensure that your makeup goes on smoothly and stays in place.
Skip the Foundation
For a more natural sickly look, it’s best to avoid heavy foundation. If you must use a base, opt for a tinted moisturizer or a very light foundation. The goal is to let some of your natural skin texture show through, which adds to the authenticity of the look.
Creating a Pale Complexion
Lighten Your Skin Tone
To achieve a pallid complexion, use a powder or foundation that is 1-2 shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Apply it evenly across your face, neck, and any other exposed skin. This will give you a washed-out, sickly appearance.
Add Subtle Highlights
Use a light gray or white powder to add subtle highlights to areas where the skin naturally catches the light, such as the forehead, nose, and cheekbones. This will enhance the pallor of your skin.
Emphasizing Tired Eyes
Dark Circles
Dark circles are a hallmark of looking unwell. Use a dark brown or gray eyeshadow to create shadows under your eyes. Apply the eyeshadow in a crescent shape, starting from the inner corner of your eyes and extending to the outer corner. Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
Puffy Eyes
To simulate puffiness, use a matte highlight above the dark circles. This will create the illusion of swollen, tired eyes. You can also use a light brown eyeshadow to contour the area just below your lower lash line, enhancing the puffiness.
Adding Redness and Irritation
Red Nose and Cheeks
A red, irritated nose is a common symptom of a cold or flu. Use a red or pink lipstick to add color around your nostrils and on the tip of your nose. Blend well to avoid looking too artificial. You can also add a bit of redness to your cheeks to simulate a feverish flush.
Irritated Eyes
To make your eyes look irritated, use a reddish-brown cream blush or lipstick around the inner corners of your eyes and along the lower lash line. This will give the appearance of bloodshot eyes.
Creating Dry, Chapped Lips
Pale Lips
Use a concealer or a foundation that is a few shades lighter than your natural lip color to pale out your lips. This will make them look dry and unhealthy.
Chapped Effect
To create the effect of chapped lips, apply a small amount of red or pink lipstick to the center of your lips and blend outward. You can also use a lip liner to draw small cracks and lines on your lips, mimicking the appearance of chapping.
Adding Sweat and Shine
Simulating Sweat
Sweat is a common symptom of illness. Use a product like glycerin or a dewy setting spray to add a shiny, sweaty look to your skin. Apply it to areas where sweat would naturally accumulate, such as your forehead, upper lip, and temples.
Glossy Eyes
To make your eyes look watery, apply a small amount of clear lip gloss or glycerin to your lower lash line. This will give the appearance of teary, tired eyes.
Final Touches
Messy Hair
A sickly appearance isn’t complete without disheveled hair. Avoid styling your hair and let it fall naturally. You can also add a bit of dry shampoo to create a messy, unkempt look.
Clothing and Accessories
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that looks like you’ve been lounging in bed all day. Avoid bright colors and opt for muted, neutral tones. Adding a scarf or a blanket can also enhance the look of someone who is unwell.
Tips and Tricks
Less is More
When creating a sickly appearance, it’s important to use a light hand. Overdoing the makeup can make it look theatrical rather than realistic. Apply products sparingly and blend well to achieve a natural look.
Study Real Symptoms
Look at photos of people who are genuinely ill to understand the nuances of their appearance. Pay attention to details like the color and texture of their skin, the placement of shadows and highlights, and the overall expression of fatigue.
Practice Makes Perfect
Creating a convincing sickly appearance takes practice. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.
Conclusion
Creating a sickly appearance using makeup is all about subtlety and attention to detail. By following these steps and techniques, you can achieve a convincingly ill look that is perfect for any occasion. Remember to practice and refine your skills to make your makeup as realistic as possible.
FAQs
How do I make myself look tired?
To create a tired look with makeup, use dark purple or red eyeshadow around the eyes, especially on the waterline and under the eyes. Blend it well to mimic natural dark circles. You can also use a mauve cream eyeshadow to emphasize dark circles and lightly stipple red and blue tones around the eyes for a more pronounced tired effect.
How can I make myself look different with makeup?
To look different with makeup, use contouring to change your face structure, wear colored contact lenses, and try a different hair color or wig. Experiment with bold makeup styles if you usually wear minimal makeup. Techniques like altering eyebrow shapes, using different lip colors, and applying makeup in unconventional ways can significantly change your appearance.
How can I look attractive with makeup?
To look more attractive with makeup, focus on enhancing your natural features. Use makeup to create symmetry, highlight femininity, and improve the appearance of health. Techniques include using a good foundation, applying blush to the apples of your cheeks, filling in your eyebrows, and using mascara to open up your eyes. Opt for a natural, dewy look to appear more youthful and vibrant.
How to get a shiny look with makeup?
To achieve a shiny, glossy makeup look, start with a good skincare routine to ensure your skin is smooth and hydrated. Use a radiance-boosting primer, followed by creamy and liquid makeup products. Apply a dewy foundation and highlighter to the high points of your face. Finish with a face gloss or Vaseline on areas that catch the light, like the brow bone and cheekbones.
How can I enhance the bags under my eyes for a sickly look?
To enhance the bags under your eyes for a sickly look, use a light gray or violet eyeshadow to create shadows and depth. Apply a thin wash of color under the eyes and blend well. Add red and purple tones around the nose and under the eyes to simulate irritation and tiredness. Use a latex-free sponge to stipple the colors for a natural, uneven look.
