This Halloween season, we're getting back to the basics, and what better place to start than the wonderful world of fake blood. We partnered with @Kristen.B.Artistry, a makeup, hair, and SFX artist based in Colorado to showcase the different types of special effects blood and to highlight the differences between them!
Products Mentioned
The List
- Ben Nye Stage Blood 4.5fl oz, $13
- Ben Nye Thick Blood 6 oz, $28
- Ben Nye Fresh Scab 1 oz, $10
- KD 151 Mouth Blood Dark 1 oz, $7.50
- Kryolan Eye Blood-Red 20 ml, $26.50
- Ben Nye Complete Blood Pack with Capsules, $12
TOTAL: $97
Ben Nye Stage Blood is a bright red color and is used to resemble fresh blood. This unique formula is a runny liquid and can be used on the face, body, and even in the mouth (it has a zesty mint flavor!). Keep in mind this blood does not dry down and stay wet and runny after it is applied. It is the perfect choice for special effects including fresh wounds.
Ben Nye Thick Blood is a slightly darker shade of red and is used to resemble blood that is beginning to clot. This long-lasting formula has a thick and chunky gel-like consistency and will not have a runny consistency. However, this blood can be smoothed out for a less chunky and brighter appearance, if desired.
PRO TIP: Use a small amount of Thick Blood with a metal spatula to create a line on the face or body to resemble a scratch or cut.
Ben Nye Fresh Scab is a dark rusty red color and is used to create a scab effect. The consistency is a thick gel-like consistency. This blood is ideal for creating a wound that is starting to heal, as this will add texture to the area applied.
Kryolan Eye Blood in Red is a Halloween best seller. This blood can be applied directly to the eye using the dropper. Do not use in conjunction with eye contacts (prescription or sfx). The Kryolan Eye Blood has liquid consistency. Upon your first use, this product may feel slight heavy in the eye. Your vision may also be slightly blurry. The special effect of the eye blood is temporary. As you blink the effect will go away. Please note, once you open the bottle, this product has a 30-day shelf life.
PRO TIP: Apply the blood to the top part of the eyeball to cover the entire eye and for slightly longer effect.
You're Camera Ready!
Both K.D. 151 Mouth Blood and Ben Nye Stage Blood are safe to use in mouth. The K.D. 151 Mouth has a syrup-like consistency. The nozzle on the bottle will allow for a precise and easy application. By patting the blood around the mouth with your finger will allow you to create speckled effect with the blood.
Ben Nye Complete Blood Cap Pack includes a .5 oz of Stage Blood and 12-empty capsules. Fill the capsule with the Stage Blood and close with the top half of the capsule. Once you are ready for the effect, place the capsule in your mouth and bite down.
PRO TIP: Place a capsule on each side toward the front of the mouth a more dramatic effect.
Using Blood with Prosthetics
Kristen used Rubber Wear Narrow Cut and Wide Cut Foam Latex Prosthetics. Using the Ben Nye Stage Blood, Thick Blood, and Fresh Scab, she was able to add texture and depth to her wound to give a more realistic effect.
Ready to see the different types of blood in action? View the video at the top of this blog, or visit our YouTube Channel! A special thank you to @Kristen.B.Artistry for creating this tutorial. We hope this blog about special effects blood will help steer you in the right direction to choose the perfect product to elevate your Halloween or SFX looks! If you have any more questions, we are here to help! Click here to reach out to our Beauty Advisors.
Do not forget to tag @camerareadysfx in your Halloween and SFX looks.
More Tutorials
Feeling inspired? We are, too! Enjoy more tutorials from our SFX Tutorial Series
La Llorona by The Official Lola Rose
Glam Skulltress by PaigeMarieMakeup
Beetlejuice + Miss Argentina by The Official Lola Rose
Comic Book Pop Art by Kelly Tull
CATS with a Twist by Andie Piazza
We’re accepting new artists to be featured in our SFX tutorial series! Send submissions to [email protected] for consideration.
Need something specific to create your SFX Halloween looks? Shop Camera Ready’s extensive collection of top special effects brands here. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact our Beauty Advisors for a comparable alternative, or to see if we can order the exact product you need.
About Camera Ready Cosmetics
Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude.
Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts.
If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground.
Leave a comment