Make-Up, Hair and Costume for Film and Television

Mortician’s Wax

This is one of the oldest materials used in creating make-up effects. It is available in two consistencies, soft and hard. The soft wax softens easily with the heat from hands or skin so is more pliable and possibly easier to mould. However, it can become sticky if over-worked and some people prefer working with the harder wax after it is warmed. Wax is best applied and moulded with a tool such as a palette knife or modelling tool so that it can be moulded without ‘dragging’ and finely blended away into the skin to disguise the edges. A little cream or moisturiser on the finger will smooth it out and help blending.

Wax is very versatile:

  it can change the shape of noses, chins and ears;

  it can become warts, cuts and grazes; ...