The Skin Illustrator On Set Greg Cannom Essentials palette brings together the six colors that legendary makeup artist Greg Cannom has used throughout his career to build some of the most iconic characters in modern cinema. Based on the original cream and wax formulas by William Tuttle, these grease-based pigments work on natural skin, silicone prosthetics and latex, offering precise coverage and clean blending that professional FX makeup artists need on set.
Technical specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|
| Number of colors | 6 |
| Formula type | Grease makeup (cream/wax) |
| Compatible surfaces | Skin, silicone, latex |
| Application method | Brush, sponge, mascara applicator |
| Collection | Skin Illustrator On Set — Greg Cannom Signature |
| Manufacturer | PPI / PM Colors |
What it's used for
This palette is designed for professional FX makeup artists and character makeup in film, television and theatre. The grease-based colors allow precise blending directly on the palette or on the skin, with excellent adhesion on both natural skin and prosthetics.
- Painting and coloring silicone and latex prosthetics on set
- Aging and tone gradation in special effects makeup
- Color matching between natural skin and prosthetics or encapsulated pieces
- Creating shadow, depth and facial texture effects
- Blending with other Skin Illustrator palettes to expand the color range
- Character makeup in film and television productions
- Continuity touch-ups during shooting
How to use it
- Make sure the surface (skin or prosthetic) is clean, dry and grease-free before applying.
- Load a flat brush or sponge with a small amount of the desired color directly from the palette.
- Apply with soft, circular motions, building coverage in thin layers for greater control.
- Blend the colors directly on the skin or on the palette to achieve the shades you need. You can combine them with other Skin Illustrator Flesh Tone or Complexion palettes to expand the range.
- Once the desired result is achieved, set the makeup with an HD matte spray to prevent it from fading or transferring during shooting.
- To remove the makeup, use isopropyl alcohol 99.9% or a suitable grease makeup remover. Rub gently with a cotton pad or makeup remover disc.
Tips and advice
Color blending and tone control
The six shades in this palette are selected to work in harmony with each other. For smooth color transitions, blend small proportions directly on the back of your hand before applying to the prosthetic. If you need darker or cooler tones, combine with the Dark Fleshtone palette or the FX Palette to expand your options.
Application on silicone prosthetics
On silicone, grease makeup has less grip than alcohol-activated colors. Apply very thin layers and allow each layer to settle before adding the next. Using a matte or setting spray significantly improves durability on set during long shooting days.
Palette cleaning and maintenance
To clean brushes between colors, use an absorbent paper and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol 99.9%. Avoid contaminating the palette colors by mixing directly in it with a dirty brush. Store the palette with the lid tightly closed, away from heat sources, to preserve the creamy texture of the pigments.
Frequently asked questions
Is this type of makeup suitable for sensitive skin or people with allergies?
The formula is designed for professional on-set use. If you have sensitive skin or a history of cosmetic allergies, always perform a patch test on a small area before full application. Check the manufacturer's ingredient list if you need to verify specific components.
Can it be used on foam latex prosthetics?
Yes. The Cannom Essentials palette is compatible with latex. The creamy texture of the grease makeup adheres well to the porous surface of foam latex and allows smooth blending to match the actor's skin tone.
How do you set it to last through a long shoot?
Grease makeup on its own can shift with sweat or friction. To lock the result in long productions, apply an HD matte spray over the makeup once the character look is complete. This seals the pigments and prevents smearing or transfer onto clothing and costume.
Can these colors be mixed with other brands of grease makeup?
In general, grease makeups with a similar base are compatible with each other. However, for optimal and consistent results, it is recommended to mix within the Skin Illustrator range, such as the Flesh Tone, the Complexion or the FX Palette, as they share the same formulation base.
How is this makeup removed from the skin?
Grease makeup is removed with appropriate solvents. The most effective and accessible method is to use isopropyl alcohol 99.9% applied with a cotton pad or makeup remover disc, rubbing gently. Cleansing oil or specific FX makeup removers can also be used.
How many colors does the palette include and what shades are they?
The palette includes 6 colors personally selected by Greg Cannom as essentials in his working kit. These are the shades he has regularly used in his most well-known character looks, focused on flesh tones and tone transitions for realistic effects. For exact details on each color, refer to the product images.
Is a primer needed before applying these colors on silicone?
It is not strictly necessary, but a very thin layer of primer or a silicone-specific sealer can improve adhesion and extend the durability of the makeup, especially in scenes with a lot of movement or perspiration. The makeup artist's experience will determine whether the production workflow requires it.
What is the difference between this palette and the other Skin Illustrator palettes?
The Cannom Essentials palette is a personal selection by Greg Cannom, focused on his everyday working shades for cinematic character makeup. Other palettes in the range, such as the Flesh Tone or the Complexion, offer broader or more specific tone ranges. The FX Palette is geared towards more dramatic effects such as wounds, bruises and gore effects.
