The Skin Illustrator Zombie Palette is a 10-colour alcohol-activated makeup palette formulated specifically to recreate undead, zombie and corpse effects with cinematic-level results. Developed for two-time Oscar winner David LeRoy Anderson and used in productions such as Dawn of the Dead (2004), it delivers exceptional coverage and long-lasting adhesion on skin, silicone and latex.
Technical specifications
| Product type | Alcohol-activated makeup palette |
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| Number of colours | 10 |
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| Compatible surfaces | Natural skin, silicone, latex |
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| Recommended activator | Skin Illustrator Activator / Skin Illustrator Slow Activator / isopropyl alcohol 99% |
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| Removal | Telesis Super Solv or Telesis Makeup Remover |
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| Use | Special effects makeup (SFX), theatrical and film character work |
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What it is used for
This palette is designed for special effects makeup artists, theatrical character artists and SFX artists who need to accurately reproduce the appearance of the dead, zombies and the undead. The colour range is carefully selected to achieve cadaverous tones, deep bruising, necrosis and decomposition quickly and professionally.
- Zombie and undead character work in film, television and theatre
- Corpse, necrosis and skin decomposition effects
- Shading and detail work on silicone and latex prosthetics
- Painting bruises, lividity and putrefaction marks
- Chromatic integration of prosthetics with the actor's skin
- Character work for horror events, professional Halloween and audiovisual productions
How to use it
- Prepare the surface: skin must be clean, dry and free from oily creams. Silicone or latex prosthetics must be clean and free of release agent.
- Activate the colour: dampen a brush or sponge with isopropyl alcohol 99%, Skin Illustrator Activator or Skin Illustrator Slow Activator. Never use 70° alcohol, MEK, acetone or water, as these will ruin the formula.
- Load the brush with the required amount of pigment by gently passing it over the surface of the colour pan.
- Apply in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. Successive layers increase intensity and opacity.
- Mix colours directly on the palette or on the skin to obtain custom shades of lividity, necrosis or bruising.
- Once dry, the makeup sets firmly and resists sweat and movement. You can seal it with Skin Illustrator Activator spray for added durability.
- To remove, use Telesis Super Solv or Telesis Makeup Remover with a soft cloth.
Usage tips
Controlling intensity and colour mixing
The amount of alcohol on the brush determines the fluidity and transparency of the colour. A drier brush will give more opaque, saturated layers; more activator produces glazes and gradient effects. To achieve characteristic zombie tones (greys, greens, muted purples), mix directly on the palette before applying to skin or prosthetics. Skin Illustrator Slow Activator extends the open time and is especially useful for extensive gradient work or in hot conditions.
Working on silicone and latex prosthetics
On silicone prosthetics, apply very thin layers to prevent colour from building up on the thin edges of the prosthetic and revealing the trick. It is advisable to use a small amount of activator so that the ink penetrates the surface microstructure more effectively. On latex, make sure the surface has no residual mould release powder; clean it with a cloth dampened in isopropyl alcohol 99% before you start painting.
Palette storage and maintenance
Store the palette closed in a cool place away from direct light. If over time the colours lose some surface moisture, simply activate them as normal with a dampened brush; there is no need to add any liquid directly to the pan. Clean brushes between colours with isopropyl alcohol 99% to avoid contaminating the pans and to maintain the chromatic purity of each colour.
Frequently asked questions
What is used to activate these colours?
The Skin Illustrator Zombie Palette is activated with Skin Illustrator Activator, Skin Illustrator Slow Activator or isopropyl alcohol 99%. It is essential not to use 70° alcohol, water, acetone or MEK, as these products do not correctly activate the formula and may even damage the makeup.
Can it be used directly on skin?
Yes. The Skin Illustrator Zombie Palette is formulated for direct use on human skin. Its alcohol formula is suitable for professional cosmetic use. It is safe for most skin types when applied correctly, although as with any cosmetic product, a patch test on a small area is recommended before extensive application on people with very sensitive skin.
Does it work on silicone and latex?
Yes, this is one of the key strengths of this range. The Skin Illustrator Zombie Palette adheres correctly to silicone and latex prosthetics, making it an essential tool for seamlessly integrating prosthetic colour with the actor's skin.
How long does the makeup last once applied?
Once dry, the makeup offers notable resistance to sweat and movement. Durability varies depending on the area applied, the actor's activity level and environmental conditions. For long shoots or performances, adhesion can be reinforced by applying Skin Illustrator Activator spray as a final sealer.
How is this makeup removed?
The Skin Illustrator Zombie Palette is easily removed with Telesis Super Solv or Telesis Makeup Remover. Apply the remover with a soft cloth or gauze and wipe away with gentle movements. Do not use water alone or conventional soap, as these are not sufficient to dissolve the alcohol formula.
What is the difference between this palette and others in the same range?
The Zombie Palette is specifically designed for dead and undead tones: greys, muted greens, purples, cadaverous browns and blacks. Other palettes in the Skin Illustrator range cover different needs: the Flesh Tone Palette covers living skin tones, the Complexion Palette focuses on complexion corrections and nuances, the Dark Fleshtone Palette offers dark skin tones and the FX Palette includes a broader range of effects colours. Each one serves a specific purpose within character work.
Can colours from different Skin Illustrator palettes be mixed?
Yes. All products in the Skin Illustrator range are compatible with each other. You can mix colours from the Zombie Palette with those from the FX Palette or other palettes in the same brand to expand your colour range and achieve more customised effects.
What alcohol should I use as an activator if I don't have the official activator?
The most accessible and recommended substitute is isopropyl alcohol 99%. It is important that the purity is 99%; lower-grade alcohols contain too much water and do not correctly activate the formula, and can also affect the adhesion and durability of the makeup.
