Buzz
Whether you’re up for a prank, gearing up for a stage act, or perfecting your Halloween guise, simple makeup tricks can easily deceive others into believing you’re not feeling well. Begin by applying powder all over your face to achieve a pallid complexion. Next, use a dark brow pencil to draw circles beneath your eyes, creating the illusion of fatigue. Add a touch of pink or red lipstick to simulate flushed cheeks or a runny nose. For an extra touch of authenticity, consider dabbing on clear glycerin to mimic sweat or nasal discharge!
Key Steps
Creating a Pale Base
Commence with a bare face. Forego your usual makeup routine, including eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick, and mascara, to provide a clean canvas. This allows you to focus on each facial feature separately.
- Prior to application, cleanse and exfoliate your face for optimal makeup adherence.
- A makeup-free base adds credibility, as most individuals forego makeup when feeling unwell.
Apply a foundation 2-3 shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Pat the foundation onto your cheeks, chin, and forehead, then blend thoroughly for a seamless finish. The end result? A complexion that appears drained of color.
- If unsure, start with a foundation closer to your skin tone and gradually lighten the shade. A drastic change might seem less convincing.
Contour your cheeks for a hollowed look. Using a contouring brush, dust purple or maroon eyeshadow along your cheekbones, blending from your ears to the corners of your mouth. Blend until the color is subtle, creating a sickly appearance that suggests weight loss.
- Extend the shadow to areas with visible color, like your temples and laugh lines, for a more pronounced effect.
- Opt for darker eyeshadow shades for an intensified, 'on the verge of demise' appearance.
Use blush to mimic a feverish flush. Select a soft pink or magenta shade and lightly pat it onto your cheeks and forehead, blending in all directions. Gradually build up the blush to subtly suggest a rise in temperature.
- Avoid heavy application; aim for the appearance of illness, not doll-like features.
Enhancing Your Gaze
Create dark circles beneath your eyes. Using a small amount of reddish-brown or reddish-purple cream blush, trace under each eye and blend downwards for tired-looking eyes. Ensure the blush remains concentrated on the lower eyelid for a convincing effect.
- Keep the blush confined to the lower eyelid to maintain authenticity.
- An eyeliner or brow pencil can also be used, although blending may be more challenging.
Apply red cream blush or lipstick around your eyes. Dab a small amount at the outer corners of each eye, then blend with your finger or a cotton swab. Red, swollen eyes suggest crying, sneezing, or sleep deprivation.
- Avoid blending into the eye circles to prevent a raccoon-like appearance.
Expose the lower eyelid for a puffy eye bag effect. Leave the area beneath your lower lashes uncovered to create a swollen appearance.
- Ensure careful eye contouring with cream blush or brow pencil for realism.
Get a bloodshot look with eye drops. Add 1-2 drops of saline to each eye and blink to simulate allergy-induced redness.
- Avoid excessive use to prevent tears and makeup smudging.
Enhancing Your Nose and Lips
Create a runny nose effect with red lipstick. Apply lipstick to the nose tip and around nostrils, blending outward with your finger. Blend well and remove excess to avoid a clownish appearance.
- Avoid overly dark or red shades to maintain a realistic look.
- Carry tissues for added authenticity.
Apply glycerin streaks to mimic mucus. Use a cotton swab to dab glycerin under your nostrils. This versatile liquid can also mimic sweat when applied around your brow and hairline. Don't forget areas like your neck and temples for a convincing flu-like appearance.
- Glycerin is safe and moisturizing, so feel free to use as much as needed to enhance your symptoms.
Use foundation to create pale, dry lips. Apply a thin layer of liquid foundation to your lips, then press and pucker them to create cracks and creases. Ensure the inside of each lip is covered for a consistent look. Matching your lip color to your skin tone will make them appear recessed.
- Outline your lips with a light-colored eyeliner to accentuate dryness and give the impression of a serious ailment.
- If you apply too much foundation, gently blot your lips with a damp cloth to remove excess.
Preserving Your Look
Complete with a dewy setting spray. A generous spritz will set your makeup, preventing smudging and fading. The dewy finish complements glycerin sweat, providing a natural appearance.
- Spray from a distance to avoid disrupting your foundation.
Avoid touching your face. Once your frail appearance is achieved, refrain from touching your face to prevent smudging. Avoid scratching or picking at your makeup to maintain its integrity.
- Rest face-up to prevent makeup transfer onto your pillow.
- If necessary, handle delicately and promptly correct any mistakes.
Touch up your makeup as necessary. Address any issues by reapplying blush, pencil, or foundation to problem areas. Reapply glycerin periodically as it wears off.
- Blend the fresh makeup seamlessly with the old for a natural look.
Avoid overdoing it. Periodically assess your makeup to ensure authenticity. Subtlety is key to convincingly portraying illness. Excessive makeup can appear artificial and compromise your disguise.
- Start with small amounts and adjust as needed. Less makeup may be required than expected.
- Use makeup remover wipes to gently remove excess product.
Helpful Tips
- Cough or sniff occasionally to enhance your performance.
- Consult photos or online tutorials for personalized advice on achieving a realistic appearance.
- Complete your look with unflattering attire and a messy hairstyle for added authenticity.
Warnings
- Avoid close contact when feigning illness; people may detect your deception upon closer inspection.
- Using makeup to skip school is not advisable.
Materials Needed
- Powder foundation (various shades)
- Cream blush (various shades)
- Red or pink lipstick
- Eyeliner or brow pencil
- Glycerin
- Dewy Setting Spray
- Applicator brush
- Cotton swab
