The Skin Illustrator On Set Complexion Palette is the compact pocket version of the acclaimed Skin Illustrator Complexion Palette, the industry standard in film and theatrical makeup. It includes the same 10 colors as its full-size counterpart in a format designed for quick touch-ups on set, with the same coverage and durability that define Skin Illustrator. A must-have for any FX artist working on skin, silicone or latex.
Technical specifications
| Feature |
Detail |
| Makeup type |
Alcohol ink (alcohol-activated) |
| Number of colors |
10 |
| Range |
Complexion tones (natural flesh tones) |
| Format |
Compact pocket palette |
| Compatible surfaces |
Skin, silicone, latex |
| Recommended activator |
Skin Illustrator Activator / Slow Activator / isopropyl alcohol 99.9% |
| Removal |
Telesis Super Solv or specific solvent |
What it's used for
This palette is designed for professional makeup artists who need versatility and portability without compromising the quality of the Skin Illustrator range. Its complexion colors cover a wide range of natural skin tones, ideal for both realistic character work and prosthesis blending:
- FX makeup for film, television and theatre
- Blending and transitioning silicone and latex prostheses with natural skin
- Character work and skin tone correction directly on skin
- Quick on-set touch-ups thanks to its compact format
- Painting silicone pieces made in the workshop before or after fitting
- Combined use with other Skin Illustrator palettes to expand the color range
How to use it
- Make sure the surface (skin, silicone or latex) is clean, dry and free of grease or residue.
- Dampen a brush or sponge with isopropyl alcohol 99.9%, with the Skin Illustrator Activator or with the Slow Activator (for longer working time).
- Load the brush by gently touching the desired color in the palette until the ink is activated.
- Apply to the surface with soft strokes, in thin overlapping layers to control intensity and blending.
- Mix colors directly on the palette or on the surface to achieve custom tones.
- Allow to dry between layers; drying is very fast thanks to the alcohol base.
- To remove, use Telesis Super Solv or the solvent recommended by the manufacturer.
Important: Always activate colors with isopropyl alcohol 99.9% or with the specific Skin Illustrator activators. Never use 70% alcohol, MEK, acetone or water: these solvents do not correctly activate the ink and can ruin the result. For work on skin, always perform a patch test on a small area before full application.
Usage tips
Control intensity with the brush
The amount of alcohol on the brush directly determines the opacity of the color. A nearly dry brush on the palette gives maximum coverage and saturated colors; more alcohol produces translucent glazes ideal for tone transitions over prostheses or subtle corrections. Always work in thin layers: it is much easier to add color than to remove it.
Make the most of the On Set palette on set
Its compact format makes it perfect to carry in your touch-up kit during shooting. You can combine it with the full-size Skin Illustrator Complexion Palette in the workshop and use the On Set for touch-ups between takes, maintaining color consistency without carrying all your equipment.
Compatibility and mixing with other palettes
The On Set Complexion colors are fully compatible and mixable with the rest of the Skin Illustrator range: the Flesh Tone Palette, the Dark Fleshtone Palette or the FX Palette. You can mix directly on the palette or on the working surface to achieve any custom tone.
Frequently asked questions
What is used to activate these alcohol paints?
The Skin Illustrator On Set Complexion Palette is activated with isopropyl alcohol 99.9% (never 70%), with the Skin Illustrator Activator or with the Slow Activator for longer working time. Using other solvents such as acetone, MEK or water does not correctly activate the ink.
Can it be used on silicone and latex as well as on skin?
Yes. The On Set Complexion Palette is formulated to adhere correctly to skin, platinum silicone and latex, making it an essential tool for blending prostheses and character work with the actor's natural skin.
How long does the makeup last once applied?
Once dry, Skin Illustrator makeup has very high resistance and staying power. Its durability depends on factors such as perspiration, friction and surface type, but under normal shooting conditions it holds up perfectly throughout a full working day.
How is this makeup removed?
It is removed with Telesis Super Solv or the specific solvent recommended by the manufacturer. Do not use acetone on skin or on silicone prostheses, as it can damage both the skin and the material.
What is the difference between the On Set version and the full-size palette?
The On Set version is a compact pocket palette with the same 10 colors as the full-size Skin Illustrator Complexion Palette. The product content per color is smaller, making it ideal for on-set touch-ups and transport, while the large version is the reference for intensive workshop use.
Can colors be mixed between different Skin Illustrator palettes?
Is it suitable for sensitive skin or should a patch test be done first?
As with any professional alcohol-based makeup product, it is always recommended to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before full application, especially for people with sensitive skin or prone to allergies.
Does the makeup need to be set with an additional sealer?
In most cases no additional sealer is needed, as Skin Illustrator alcohol inks have an inherent resistance once the alcohol has evaporated. For extreme perspiration conditions or long-duration work, a specific sealer compatible with alcohol paints can be applied.
