The Skin Illustrator On Set Character Contours palette is a collection of ten colors in Washes formula —more translucent than the original formula— designed by Bill Corso to build natural contours and character makeups through layering. Activated with isopropyl alcohol, it bonds firmly to skin, platinum silicone and latex, and withstands sweat and the contact demands of on-set work.
Technical specifications
| Feature |
Detail |
| Number of colors |
10 |
| Formula |
Washes (translucent alcohol-activated washes) |
| Finish |
Translucent, suitable for additive layering |
| Colors included |
Dark Purple Taupe, Purple Taupe, Taupe, Golden Taupe, Warm Taupe, Mauve Taupe, Rose Taupe, Cool Taupe, Olive Taupe, Grey Taupe |
| Compatible surfaces |
Skin, silicone, latex |
| Activator |
Isopropyl alcohol / Skin Illustrator Activator / Slow Activator |
| Version |
On Set (professional on-set use) |
What it is used for
This palette is designed to build subtle, realistic character makeups through layered translucent washes. The taupe range covers the full neutral cool/warm spectrum needed to shade, model and age any skin tone or prosthetic without losing naturalism.
- Contouring and shading of silicone and latex prosthetics in film and television.
- Natural character makeups or aged looks with chromatic depth.
- Intrinsic and extrinsic painting of silicone pieces for special effects.
- Body painting makeup with translucent layers over skin.
- Blending prosthetics with the actor's base skin tone using glazes.
- Mixing with other Skin Illustrator palettes to expand the available color range.
How to use it
- Make sure the surface (skin, silicone or latex) is clean and free of grease.
- Dampen the brush, sponge or applicator with 99.9% isopropyl alcohol or with the specific Skin Illustrator activator.
- Pick up color from the pan with the damp applicator — colors activate within seconds.
- Apply in thin layers and allow to dry between each one; the Washes formula allows translucency to build up without becoming muddy.
- Mix colors directly on the palette or on the surface to adjust the shade.
- For greater longevity on skin, seal with a setting spray suitable for alcohol-activated makeup.
- Remove color with isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated alcohol makeup remover.
Tips and advice
Controlling translucency
The Washes formula is much more open than the original Skin Illustrator formula. To increase opacity, build up dry layers rather than loading more pigment in a single pass. This avoids a blotchy effect and maintains natural gradation.
Mixing with other palettes
The ten taupes in this palette are directly compatible with the colors in the Flesh Tone Palette, the Complexion Palette and the Dark Fleshtone Palette. Mixing them on the same palette or on the surface exponentially expands toning possibilities without compromising alcohol adhesion.
Appearance of dry pans
It is common for palettes with a high pigment content to show small cracks or bubbles on the dry surface of the color. This does not affect the quality or performance of the product in any way; simply activate the color with a damp brush to restore its full intensity.
Frequently asked questions
Can this palette be used directly on skin without prior preparation?
Yes, but the skin must be clean and degreased. Natural skin oils reduce the adhesion of alcohol-activated makeup. Apply a little isopropyl alcohol with a gauze pad beforehand to clean the area and achieve better hold.
Is it compatible with platinum silicone?
Yes. Skin Illustrator On Set Character Contours colors are formulated to adhere to cured silicone, both for extrinsic painting (on the surface) and intrinsic painting (mixed into layers during casting). It is one of the most widely used palettes for finishing platinum silicone prosthetics.
Which activator is recommended for longer working time?
For long sessions or when you need more time to blend and mix, use the Skin Illustrator Slow Activator instead of standard isopropyl alcohol. It extends the open time of the color without affecting the final hold.
Are the colors sweat-resistant during filming?
Yes. Once activated and dry, Skin Illustrator alcohol colors offer very good resistance to sweat and touch, making them particularly suitable for continuous on-set work. For maximum durability in extreme conditions, sealing with a compatible setting spray is recommended.
Can the colors be diluted or lightened?
Yes. Adding more isopropyl alcohol to the brush reduces pigment concentration and lightens the result. You can also mix directly on the palette with lighter colors from the Skin Illustrator range to adjust the shade.
How is the palette cleaned after use?
Simply wipe the pans with a dry cloth if mixed pigment from a previous session remains. The alcohol in the activator itself cleans away any mixing residue. Store the palette closed and away from heat sources to preserve the colors.
Does this palette also work on latex?
Yes, Skin Illustrator colors are compatible with cured latex surfaces. Adhesion is very good as long as the latex is clean and dry before application.
What is the difference between this palette and standard Skin Illustrator palettes?
The On Set Character Contours palette uses the Washes formula, which is more translucent than the original formula. This makes it ideal for building depth and contour additively, whereas standard palettes such as the FX Palette offer greater opacity and direct coverage.
