Logo What's After the Movie
Movie Terms Wiki Filmmaking

Prosthetic Makeup

The use of molded appliances to alter an actor’s appearance for film.


Overview

Prosthetic makeup employs sculpted appliances—noses, chins, wounds or creature features—crafted from foam latex, silicone or gelatin. These pieces adhere to the actor’s skin, reshaping their facial structure or adding texture that cannot be achieved with paint alone.

Application Process

Artists take lifecasts of actors’ features to sculpt precise, custom-fit prosthetics. After molding and casting, pieces are carefully glued, blended at the edges and painted to match skin tones. Layered painting techniques simulate pores, veins and aging effects.

Notable Examples

Films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Hellboy showcase intricate prosthetics that enable dramatic transformations. Makeup teams may spend hours applying and blending appliances before principal photography.

Considerations and Care

Prosthetic sessions require skin-safe adhesives and barrier creams to protect actors. Removal involves medical-grade solvents and gentle cleansing. Teams monitor comfort and mobility, ensuring prosthetics endure long shooting days without breakdown.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.