Realistic Gouged Out Eye SFX Makeup Tutorial for Beginners

Essential Materials and Safety Prep

Before diving in, gather these key supplies: black fishnet stockings, cosmetic-grade liquid latex or lash glue, black face paint, gel eyeliner, cotton balls, and fake blood. Always patch-test adhesives 24 hours beforehand to avoid skin reactions. Cover your workspace with newspapers—fake blood stains notoriously. The video creator emphasizes this precaution after experiencing blood seepage under the netting during filming.

Why This Method Works for Beginners

Unlike complex prosthetics, this approach uses affordable household items. The black netting creates depth while maintaining visibility—a genius hack highlighted when the creator says, "I love it 'cuz you can still see through this." For safety, ensure all products are non-toxic and avoid real eyeshadow near open wounds.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Creating the Eye Socket Base

1. Cut and position netting: Trim fishnet into an oval slightly larger than your eye socket. The creator layers two pieces when single netting reveals skin tones.
2. Apply blackout paint: Use cream-based face paint (not watercolor) around the socket. Pro tip: Outline with eyeliner first for precision, as shown when she marks edges before filling.
3. Seal the waterline: Swipe black gel liner on upper/lower waterlines to eliminate flesh tones. She applies two coats for opacity.

Building 3D Texture

1. Attach netting: Secure with liquid latex, reapplying glue when edges lift.
2. Add cotton layers: Pull balls into wisps, dip in latex, and overlap around the socket. Thin edges strategically—she demonstrates stretching cotton to blend with skin, noting "it flattens when blood-soaked."
3. Blood application: Saturate cotton with fake blood. Blend black paint into bloody areas for dried-blood realism.

Enhancing Realism

1. Create fresh wounds: Drip blood from the socket downward. Use thick globs—the creator makes four dripping trails while warning: "I can feel it seeping under the netting."
2. Add distressing: Smear blood with fingers as if clawing at the wound. Extend stains down your neck.
3. Final adjustments: Reapply blood to keep "wet" areas glossy. Avoid netting edges to prevent seepage.

Advanced Tips and Troubleshooting

Preventing Common Issues

• Netting visibility: If eyes show through, add a third layer like the creator did.
• Blood stains: Apply petroleum jelly around the work area for easy cleanup.
• Latex irritation: Switch to spirit gum if sensitive.

Level-Up Techniques

While the tutorial uses basic supplies, these upgrades enhance realism:

1. Scab texture: Mix red jelly with coffee grounds before applying.
2. Depth illusion: Dab dark purple eyeshadow under the netting.
3. Sweat-proofing: Set with Mehron Barrier Spray.

Pro Toolkit and Checklist

Immediate Action Steps:
☑️ Cut netting to size
☑️ Double-layer adhesive at edges
☑️ Stretch cotton for seamless blending
☑️ Build blood in "wet" and "dried" layers
☑️ Smear downwards for gravity effect

Recommended Supplies:

• Ben Nye Fresh Scab Blood: Thicker consistency for drips (used in video)
• Kryolan Aquacolor: Skin-safe, blendable face paint
• Mehron Liquid Latex: Professional hold without tugging

Final Thoughts

This beginner-friendly method proves SFX makeup doesn’t require expensive kits—just clever material use. The real secret lies in layering: netting for depth, cotton for texture, and strategic blood placement. As the creator reminds us: "Messiness sells the effect."

Which step seems most challenging? Share your concerns below—I’ll help troubleshoot!