The Skin Illustrator Bloody 5 Palette is a reference alcohol-activated makeup palette for special effects requiring realistic blood. Five carefully selected colours to recreate everything from fresh wounds to aged blood, with exceptional coverage and adhesion on skin, platinum silicone and latex.
Technical specifications
| Feature |
Detail |
| Product type |
Alcohol-activated makeup (ink palette) |
| Number of colours |
5 |
| Colours included |
Prime Red, Blood Tone, Aged Blood, Black, Rose Adjuster |
| Compatible surfaces |
Skin, silicone, latex |
| Compatible activators |
Skin Illustrator Activator, Skin Illustrator Slow Activator, isopropyl alcohol 99% |
| Removal |
Telesis Super Solv, Telesis Makeup Remover |
What it is used for
The Bloody 5 palette is designed to recreate blood effects with maximum realism. The combination of its five tones allows you to build up colour layers with true-to-life nuances, from bright red to clotted and darkened blood. It is an indispensable tool on film, television and theatre sets, as well as character makeup events.
- Wounds, cuts and lacerations in film and TV special effects
- Zombie, vampire and gore creature makeups
- Painting platinum silicone prosthetics and latex pieces
- Quick touch-ups on set thanks to its compact pocket format
- Themed events: Halloween, escape rooms, zombie walks
- Blending prosthetics with natural skin through colour transitions
- Training and practice in SFX makeup courses
How to use it
- Prepare the surface: skin must be clean, free of grease and creams. Silicone or latex prosthetics must be dry and free of release agent residue.
- Choose the right activator: use the Skin Illustrator Activator for normal drying times or the Slow Activator if you need more working time. As an alternative, isopropyl alcohol 99% works perfectly.
- Load the brush: apply a few drops of activator onto the chosen colour in the palette and load the brush with the activated mixture.
- Apply the first layer: spread the colour gently and build up intensity with successive layers rather than loading too much at once.
- Blend the tones: combine Prime Red with Blood Tone for fresh blood, add Aged Blood for clotted areas and use Black sparingly to deepen shadows. Rose Adjuster is used to soften transitions with the skin.
- Allow to dry between layers: drying is fast; wait a few seconds before applying the next layer to better control the result.
- Fix if necessary: on skin, the product is very resistant to touch once dry. On prosthetics, consider whether additional sealing is needed depending on shooting conditions.
- To remove: use Telesis Super Solv or Telesis Makeup Remover. Do not use water, acetone, MEK or 70° alcohol for removal, as they are not effective and may damage the prosthetic or irritate the skin.
Usage tips
Always use 99% alcohol
The go-to activator for these palettes is isopropyl alcohol 99.9%. Do not use pharmacy-grade 70% alcohol or ethyl alcohol: the water they contain prevents the pigments from activating correctly and the result loses coverage and durability. With IPA at 99% you get the cleanest activation and fastest drying.
Build the blood in layers
The common mistake is trying to achieve the final colour in a single pass with too much pigment. Always work in thin layers: start with Blood Tone or Prime Red as a base, add depth with Aged Blood in pooling areas, and use Black very sparingly to create clots and shadows. Rose Adjuster is key to feathering the edges of bloodied areas so the transition with the skin looks natural.
Maintenance and transport
The palette's compact format makes it ideal for carrying in a pocket kit on set. Close the lid firmly after each use to prevent colours from cross-contaminating. If the pigments show dry activator residue from previous sessions, a fresh drop of IPA on the surface reactivates them in seconds. Store the palette away from direct heat sources to preserve colour consistency.
Frequently asked questions
Can this palette be used directly on skin without prior preparation?
Yes, but for the best result the skin must be clean and grease-free. If the area has moisturiser or oil on it, adhesion is significantly reduced. Clean with a little isopropyl alcohol 99% before applying the Bloody 5 Palette and the result will be much longer-lasting.
Does it work on platinum silicone without a primer?
Yes. Skin Illustrator palettes are formulated to adhere directly to platinum silicone without the need for a specific primer, provided the surface is clean and free of release agent residue. This is one of the most widely used makeup systems in the SFX prosthetics sector precisely because of this compatibility.
What is the difference between using the specific activator and isopropyl alcohol?
The Skin Illustrator Activator and Slow Activator are formulated to give greater control over working time and finish. The Slow Activator slows down drying, which is useful for complex blends and gradients. Isopropyl alcohol 99% is a perfectly valid alternative for most work: it dries faster and is more economical. For very fine detail work or in hot conditions where drying is very rapid, the Slow Activator provides more working margin.
What is used to remove alcohol makeup from skin?
The recommended system is Telesis Super Solv or Telesis Makeup Remover. Do not use water, acetone, MEK or 70° alcohol to remove the makeup from skin: they are not effective with this type of formulation and can be irritating. The appropriate remover dissolves the product quickly and without aggressive rubbing.
How do you achieve dark, aged blood with this palette?
Combining Aged Blood as a base with small amounts of Black mixed in wet gives a very convincing result of dry, clotted blood. For pooling areas, apply more Aged Blood without diluting too much in activator, which creates a more opaque, matte layer that mimics coagulation. Prime Red and Blood Tone are reserved for highlights and fresh blood areas.
Is it suitable for use on latex?
Yes. The Bloody 5 Palette is compatible with latex surfaces. Adhesion is good, although in areas of heavy movement or flexion the makeup may crack over time, as happens with any pigmentation system on latex. Applying thin layers and allowing them to dry fully between coats improves durability.
Can it be mixed with other Skin Illustrator palettes?
Yes, all Skin Illustrator palettes are compatible with each other as they share the same formulation base. Combining the Bloody 5 with the Flesh Tone Palette or the Complexion Palette allows you to seamlessly integrate blood areas with the actor's or prosthetic's skin tones.
How long does the makeup last once applied on set?
The staying power is notable: alcohol makeup withstands moderate sweating and the physical contact typical of set work much better than water-based makeups. In conditions of intense heat or heavy sweating, touch-ups may be necessary. The palette's compact format is designed precisely so that on-set touch-ups are quick and discreet.
