80s Zombie Makeup: The Ultimate Guide

The 80s were a golden age for horror movies, and with them came a distinct and iconic zombie aesthetic. From the decaying flesh of George A. Romero's "Dawn of the Dead" to the gruesome makeup of "The Evil Dead," 80s zombies weren't just mindless monsters; they were terrifying visual representations of flesh-eating nightmares. If you're aiming for a truly authentic 80s zombie look, this guide will walk you through the essential steps and techniques.

The 80s Zombie Aesthetic: A Look Back

The 80s zombie aesthetic was all about showcasing the gruesome reality of decomposition. Unlike the more polished and elegant zombies of the modern era, 80s zombies were raw, visceral, and often incredibly detailed. Here are some defining characteristics:

Decaying Flesh: The most prominent feature of 80s zombies was their decaying skin. Think exposed muscle, pus-filled sores, and rotting flesh.
Intense Color Palette: The makeup relied on a bold palette of greens, yellows, purples, and browns to accentuate decay.
Heavy Blood Effects: Blood was used liberally, often in a chunky, viscous style, adding to the gruesome effect.
Extreme Detail: 80s zombie makeup artists meticulously crafted their creations, paying close attention to minute details like teeth, wounds, and even veins.

Step-by-Step Guide to 80s Zombie Makeup

1. Prep Your Canvas: The Foundation

Cleanse and Moisturize: Start with a clean face and apply a good moisturizer to create a smooth base for your makeup.
Primer: Use a green-tinted primer to give your skin a slightly sickly tone.
Foundation: Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone but a shade or two lighter. This will create the pale, sickly look associated with zombies.

2. Creating the Decay: The Core of 80s Zombie Makeup

Color Palette: Use a mix of greens, browns, yellows, and purples to create a realistic decay effect.
Flesh Tone Variations: Apply the colors sparingly at first, focusing on areas like the cheeks, forehead, and around the eyes.
Color Blending: Use a sponge or brush to blend the colors seamlessly, creating a natural-looking decay.
Eyes: Deepen the eye sockets with darker shades of brown and purple, creating a sunken and hollow appearance.
Teeth: Use a white makeup pencil or a little latex to create the appearance of rotting or broken teeth.

3. Adding Depth and Detail: Enhancing the Visual

Wounds: Use latex or wound putty to create realistic wounds, gashes, or bites.
Blood Effects: Use fake blood in a thick, chunky consistency to create the classic 80s zombie blood look.
Veins: Use a dark green or purple makeup pencil to create veins that are visible through the decaying skin.

4. Finishing Touches: Bringing It All Together

Hair: Use a hairspray or gel to create a messy, dishevelled look for your hair.
Clothing: Choose clothing that is torn, dirty, and tattered to complete the 80s zombie look.
Final Touches: Use a setting spray to ensure your makeup lasts all night.

Essential Tools for Your 80s Zombie Makeup

Foundation: Light foundation (one or two shades lighter than your natural skin tone).
Concealer: Choose a green-tinted concealer to cover blemishes and create the sickly look.
Eye Shadows: A mix of greens, browns, yellows, purples, and greys for creating the decay effect.
Blending Sponges and Brushes: Essential for flawlessly blending your makeup.
Blood Effects: Use thicker, viscous fake blood for a true 80s aesthetic.
Wound Materials: Latex, wound putty, or even tissue paper can be used to craft convincing wounds.
White Makeup Pencil: For teeth, veins, and highlighting details.
Setting Spray: To keep your makeup in place.

Related Keywords for Your 80s Zombie Makeup Inspiration

Zombie makeup tutorial
80s horror makeup
George A. Romero zombie makeup
"Dawn of the Dead" makeup
"The Evil Dead" makeup

FAQ

Q: What are some good 80s zombie makeup inspiration sources?
- A: Watch classic 80s zombie movies like "Dawn of the Dead," ""Day of the Dead," "The Evil Dead," "Re-Animator," and "Return of the Living Dead."
Q: What is the best way to create realistic blood effects?
- A: Thick, viscous fake blood is essential for that 80s look. You can find many recipes online or purchase it pre-made.
Q: Can I use everyday makeup products for 80s zombie makeup?
- A: While you can use some everyday products like foundation and eye shadow, you'll likely need more specialized products like latex, wound putty, and thick fake blood to achieve the full effect.

Conclusion: Embrace the 80s Zombie Aesthetic

Mastering the 80s zombie makeup look requires dedication and attention to detail. Channel the raw and realistic decay of the classics, embrace the bold color palette, and don't be afraid to get messy! With this guide and some creative inspiration, you'll be ready to unleash your inner 80s zombie and scare the living daylights out of those around you.

Call to Action: Share your 80s zombie makeup creations on social media and tag #80sZombieMakeup for a chance to be featured!

Video Zombies