The Dark Flesh Tone Palette Liquids and Concentrate by Skin Illustrator is an alcohol-based colour system designed to complete the range of dark flesh tones, from warm yellow bases to deep browns and ebony blacks. Compatible with skin, silicone and latex, and suitable for airbrush, it is the go-to tool for professional makeup artists who need to match any skin tone with precision and natural-looking results.
Technical specifications
| Format |
60 ml container |
| Base |
isopropyl alcohol |
| Substrate compatibility |
Skin, silicone, latex |
| Airbrush application |
Yes |
| Product type |
Liquid and concentrate |
| Family |
Skin Illustrator Liquids |
What it is used for
The Dark Flesh Tone Palette is designed for makeup artists, special effects makeup artists and prosthetic artists working with medium, dark and deep skin tones. The colours in this palette can be combined with each other and with the rest of the Skin Illustrator range to achieve exact and unlimited blends.
- Facial and body character makeup with dark and warm flesh tones
- Pigmentation of silicone prosthetics and latex pieces before or after application
- Scalp painting to fill patches or define hairlines
- Coverage and concealment of beard shadow
- Shading and contouring in extreme artistic makeup characters
- Creating deep ebony tones by mixing MIDNIGHT BROWN with black
- Airbrush application for subtle gradients and transitions
- Use on film, television, theatre and live special effects sets
How to use it
- Prepare the surface: skin must be clean and dry; silicone or latex must be free of dust and grease.
- Shake the container well before use to homogenise the pigment.
- Apply with a makeup brush, sponge or directly with an airbrush. For airbrush, test the dilution on a test area; if necessary, thin slightly with isopropyl alcohol 99.9%.
- Mix colours on the palette or directly on the substrate to achieve the exact desired tone. BAMBOO 1 and 2 provide warm yellow bases; CHOCOLATE, ESPRESSO 1 and 2, and MIDNIGHT BROWN cover the deep brown range. BURNT SIENNA, GOLDEN OCHRE and RED OXIDE are used for fine-tuning and modulation.
- Allow to dry between coats: being alcohol-based, drying is very fast.
- Apply as many coats as needed for intensity. Multiple thin layers deliver more natural results than a single dense coat.
- Set the finish with HD Matting Spray Clear for a matte, long-lasting result on set.
- For removal, use isopropyl alcohol 99.9% or the recommended remover for alcohol-based makeups.
Usage tips
Colour mixing for natural tones
The adjustment colours (BURNT SIENNA, GOLDEN OCHRE, RED OXIDE) are not bases on their own: always use them in small proportions to modulate the base colour. Mixing MIDNIGHT BROWN with BAMBOO 1 produces very useful taupe tones as a shadow in dark character makeups. For the richest ebony tones without the typical dull grey cast, combine MIDNIGHT BROWN with black from the FX palette.
Airbrush application
Skin Illustrator liquids are formulated to pass through an airbrush without excessive thinning. If the viscosity is too high for your equipment, add a few drops of isopropyl alcohol 99.9% and mix before loading the cup. Work at low-to-medium pressures with cross-hatch passes for even gradients. Clean the airbrush with isopropyl alcohol immediately after each session.
Compatibility with other Skin Illustrator palettes
The Dark Flesh Tone Palette is designed to work alongside the Skin Illustrator Flesh Tone Palette (light and medium flesh tones) and the Skin Illustrator Glazing Gels for translucent finishes and glazes. When working on silicone prosthetics, Glazing Gels applied over the base pigmentation add highly convincing depth and translucency. Also check the Skin Illustrator Complexion Palette to expand tone correction and adjustment possibilities.
Frequently asked questions
Can this type of makeup be applied directly to sensitive skin?
Alcohol-based makeups may be irritating on very sensitive skin or open wounds. Always perform a patch test on a small area before full application. The Dark Flesh Tone Palette is formulated for professional use in character makeup; if the performer has a history of sensitivity, consult the medical department or use an appropriate protective barrier.
How is this makeup removed from skin when finished?
Being alcohol-based, the Dark Flesh Tone Palette is easily removed with isopropyl alcohol 99.9% applied with cotton or gauze. The process is the same on silicone or latex surfaces. Avoid excessive rubbing on skin; work with gentle, repeated dabbing motions.
Can it be mixed with makeups from other bases (water, grease)?
Mixing directly on the palette with water-based or grease-based makeups is not recommended, as the alcohol base is not miscible with them. You can layer (superimpose coats) over already-dry grease-based makeup, although adhesion may vary. For best results, always work within the alcohol-based Skin Illustrator system.
How long does the makeup last on set without touch-ups?
Wear time depends on perspiration, heat from lights and the performer's activity. Correctly applied in thin layers and set with HD Matting Spray Clear, alcohol-based makeup offers excellent durability on set. In high-perspiration conditions, touch-ups between scenes are common practice.
Is it compatible with platinum silicone prosthetics?
Yes. The Dark Flesh Tone Palette is compatible with fully cured platinum silicone. It is commonly used both for pre-pigmentation in the workshop and for on-set finishing over applied prosthetics. Do not apply the liquid to uncured silicone, as alcohols can interfere with the curing process.
Can it be used with any airbrush?
Yes, Skin Illustrator liquids are compatible with standard dual-action airbrushes. If the product is too thick for your equipment, thin it slightly with isopropyl alcohol 99.9%. Always clean the airbrush with alcohol after use to prevent pigment from drying on the needle or nozzle.
What is the difference between the liquid version and the solid palette version?
The liquids and concentrates are ready to apply with a brush or airbrush without needing to be activated with alcohol. The Skin Illustrator Dark Fleshtone Palette in compact format requires alcohol activation before each use. Liquids are preferable for airbrush work and large surface areas; the solid palette is more portable and precise for touch-ups and fine details.
How should opened containers be stored?
Always close the cap tightly after each use to prevent alcohol evaporation. Store containers upright, away from heat and direct light. If the product thickens over time, add a small amount of isopropyl alcohol 99.9% and shake well to restore consistency.
