Pros and Cons of prosthetic make-up

Make-up can transform Plain Jane into a femme fatale as it helps you to enhance the features you were born with. Prosthetic make-up, however, creates an illusion. Though it is used mainly for film/stage and TV, a recent video posted on Twitter shows different Asian women using it to change their jawlines, foreheads and overall facial features. The clip begins with a woman using a pin to unpeel the layer of prosthetics moulded to her nose. She then takes off the thick layer of light creams and foundations she’s wearing, as well as contacts, all of which helped her to achieve the pale, big-eyed anime look popular in Japanese cultures. A backward tutorial shows other women taking off their make-up, wigs, and prosthetic noses, used to create a long thin face, with large eyes. Apart from sculpting their nose, they also altered their cheeks, chins, and ears. It’s drastic, dramatic and disturbing. Our experts weigh in on this shocking make-up trend.

Could Prosthetic Make-Up Replace Cosmetic Surgery?

Well as far-fetched as that may seem, it could be a possibility for those who want to have fun with different looks without going under the knife. Dr Geeta Fazalbhoy, dermatologist and founder of Skin N You Clinic observes, “Now, prosthetic make-up is being utilised to change the features according to what we think is a ‘perfect face.’ While cosmetic surgery, fillers, botox or thread lifts are one way of achieving that perfect look, prosthetic make-up seems to be the middle ground for some.” She believes if there is no damage to your skin and you are able to achieve symmetry, you could try it out. She adds, “Enhancing your beauty is never wrong, but not looking like yourself can be deceitful.”

A Time-Consuming And Laborious Option

Make-up expert Clint Fernandes believes this can’t be a regular routine as it’s time consuming and requires a good level of expertise. He points out, “If you are trying to create a fantasy reality for a film or shoot, one needs to create that template with the help of a model/actor. Sometimes, you need to create an illusion of a long neck, legs or even high cheekbones as in the case of Angelina Jolie in Maleficent. It depends on what story you want to tell. It’s okay if you give it a try for Halloween, but not as part of your everyday make-up routine.” He feels prosthetic make-up can be done only by an expert as one has to take facial symmetry into account. 

He states, “Often, people use latex pieces and moulds, which are safe for the skin, but it can become a problem if they are using superglue to attach it. The results can be disastrous. If not placed properly, latex can cause a wrinkly effect. Also, this works if you have taut, not sagging skin.” He concludes, “Attempting to alter your facial features drastically comes from a place of insecurity. At the end of the day, this is a fad. Regular make-up is the best option to enhance your features.”