The Skin Illustrator On Set Greg Cannom Warm Beige 1 palette is a selection of six highly pigmented oil-based colours developed from William Tuttle's original cream and wax formulas, and refined by four-time Oscar winner Greg Cannom. Designed for film, television and special effects productions, it works on skin, silicone and latex without losing adhesion or colour under set lights.
Technical specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|
| Number of colours | 6 |
| Colours included | Cafe Ole, Suntone, Shibui, Rhama, Tawnshee, Embeth 3 |
| Formula type | Oil-based cream (wax/cream base) |
| Compatible surfaces | Skin, silicone, latex |
| Collection | On Set Signature — Greg Cannom |
| Brand | Skin Illustrator / PM Colors |
| Main use | Professional makeup for film and television |
What it's used for
This palette is designed for makeup artists and special effects artists who need warm beige tones with high colour fidelity on set. The six colours have been Greg Cannom's favourites on productions such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Mrs. Doubtfire and Bram Stoker's Dracula. Typical applications include:
- Character design on silicone and latex prosthetics
- Skin tone matching on shoots with studio or natural lighting
- Direct painting on skin for character and fantasy makeup
- Blending with other Skin Illustrator shades to customise colour
- Correction and detail work in ageing, wound and transformation makeups
- Film, television, theatre and professional photography productions
How to use it
- Make sure the surface (skin, silicone or latex) is clean, dry and free of grease.
- Load the brush, sponge or applicator with a small amount of colour — the pigmentation is high and the colours go a long way.
- Apply the colour with light touches. For greater coverage, build up thin layers rather than applying one thick coat at once.
- Blend the shades directly on the palette or on the surface to achieve the exact tone you need.
- To increase durability on set, set the makeup with an HD matte spray compatible with oil-based formulas.
- To remove the makeup from skin, use 99.9% isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated oil-based makeup remover.
Tips and tricks
Colour mixing to match skin tone
The six shades in the Warm Beige 1 palette are designed to work together. Start with the base tone closest to the actor's skin tone and add minimal amounts of the adjacent colours to adjust warmth or saturation. Work the blend on the back of your hand before applying it definitively to the prosthetic or skin.
Application on silicone and latex prosthetics
On silicone, oil-based colours penetrate the material's surface layer, providing a very natural visual integration under camera. Apply in very thin layers and allow to dry briefly between coats to prevent the colour from running under set lighting. On latex, adhesion is equally solid, but make sure the piece has no residual talc or release agent before painting.
Palette maintenance and cleaning
Clean brushes and applicators with 99.9% isopropyl alcohol between colours to avoid contaminating the palette shades. Store the palette closed, away from direct heat and sunlight, to preserve the texture and pigmentation of the colours.
Frequently asked questions
Can this type of oil-based makeup be used directly on sensitive skin?
Oil-based formulas such as those in Skin Illustrator Warm Beige 1 are for professional use and are intended for application on skin in a production context. If the actor has particularly sensitive skin or known allergies, always carry out a patch test on a small area at least 24 hours before the shoot.
How long does the makeup last on set without touch-ups?
Duration depends on the level of perspiration, set temperature and whether a setting spray is used. Combined with a compatible HD matte spray, the oil-based makeup from the Warm Beige 1 palette can hold up well throughout a full shooting day. In conditions of intense heat or heavy movement, it is advisable to have a touch-up kit ready.
Can it be mixed with other palettes in the same range?
Does it work on all types of prosthetic silicone?
Yes, Skin Illustrator oil-based colours adhere well to platinum silicone and tin silicone commonly used in special effects prosthetics. Make sure the surface is free of release agent residue or talc powder before applying the colour, as these contaminants can hinder adhesion.
How is this type of makeup removed at the end of the day?
To remove oil-based makeup from skin, the most effective method is to use a dedicated oil-based remover or 99.9% isopropyl alcohol applied with a cotton pad. The same process works on silicone or latex pieces, always applied gently to avoid damaging the prosthetic surface.
Is it suitable for theatrical use as well as film and television?
Yes. Although the Warm Beige 1 palette is designed for the demands of shooting under high-definition cameras, its pigmentation and durability make it equally valid for theatre, artistic photography and live character work.
What tools are best suited for applying these colours?
You can use synthetic hair makeup brushes, latex sponges or fine-pore cellulose sponges, and silicone applicators. For large areas, a sponge provides more even coverage. For details and gradients, a fine brush or a cat's tongue brush is the most precise option.
