26 Must-Read Books for Mastering the Art of Special Effects Makeup

Applying special effects makeup truly is an art form that requires a great deal of knowledge and skill. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you perfect this highly specialized and technical craft. We sorted through the multitude of books out there to bring you the top 26 must-read books for mastering the art of special effects makeup.

1. Dick Smith’s Monster Make-Up Handbook — This book is written by Dick Smith, a legendary special effects makeup artist considered by his peers to be the “Godfather” of special effects makeup. Including makeup techniques ranging from the basic to the advanced, this is the book that inspired many of today’s most successful makeup artists.
2. Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen — With this full-color book you’ll learn exclusive tips and techniques from seasoned makeup artists. It’s jam packed with amazing information that would normally take you years to learn. Featuring a recipe-style approach as well as the how’s and why’s of special effects makeup and prosthetics, this book also contains a DVD with step by step tutorials that make it easy to learn these techniques.
3. Grande Illusions — Written by Tom Savini, a top special effects makeup artist, this book walks you chronologically through his films up to 1982. In this book he describes his love for the art and how he developed his interest in special effects makeup. It includes many how-to examples and rare photos.
4. Grand Illusions (Book 2) — This sequel to “Grande Illusions” covers Tom Savini’s films from 1983 to the present. It has even more full color pictures and detailed instructions of Tom’s amazing special effects work. A must-have for any beginner or advanced special effects artist!
5. The Monster Makers Mask Makers Handbook — This in-depth manual teaches you step-by-step how to make custom latex rubber masks. A fully illustrated book with many tips and tons of information on materials and techniques. A fantastic resource!
6. Prop Bulders Molding and Casting — If you are looking to increase your knowledge of molding and casting compounds then this is the book for you! Covers everything from neoprene latex to silicone,  including a section on vacuforms and plans to help you build your own vacuform machine.
7. A Complete Guide to Special Effects Makeup: Conceptual Artwork by Japanese Makeup Artists — A completely up to date guide written by some of Japan’s most talented and up and coming makeup artists. Features step by step instructions with full color pictures for everything from basic techniques to masks and full scale prosthetics. Dozens of projects for you to follow along with!
8. Special Effects Make-Up — Written by European special effects makeup artist Janus Vinther, this how-to book explains the techniques behind creating life like imitations of body parts, monsters, and bloody wounds. Features more than 300 gory full color photos. This is a great book for beginners!
9. Special Make-Up Effects — This book concentrates on the horror and special creations genre. It gives useful information on materials, techniques, and tips to create unique makeup effects. Offers a large amount of information and fills in the holes other books have often left out.
10. Techniques of Three-Dimensional Make-Up — This fully illustrated guide offers more sophisticated techniques used for stage and film. Features all the steps of aging an actor, making positive and negative molds, making foam latex appliances, casting hands and special features, and duplicating natural features.
11. Making Faces, Playing God: Identity and the Art of Transformational Makeup — This well-written book explores the psychology of physical transformation. The author also talks about how we as an audience and society view physical transformation of actors. This is the book for anybody interested in visual arts, film, theater, and in philosophical problems of transformation.
12. The Face Is a Canvas: The Design and Technique of Theatrical Makeup — A revolutionary book written by Irene Corey that treats the study of makeup as a creative art form. She approaches the face as if it’s a canvas. She writes of her methods and techniques and includes photos, illustrations, and paintings.
13. The Makeup Artist Handbook: Techniques for Film, Television, Photography, and Theatre — This gorgeous full color book is for film, theater, and television makeup artists who need to know the basics on how to create flawless makeup. Includes tips and techniques from many professional makeup artists and includes a full reference section.
14. Stage Makeup: The Actor’s Complete Guide to Today’s Techniques and Materials — This is a wonderful, all purpose, “how-to” guide for theater makeup. It explains all the basic techniques including putting together a makeup kit, analyzing facial features, creating a picture file, caring for skin, and using a color-mixing chart. A must have resource for theater actors and makeup artists!
15. Theatrical FX Makeup — A practical hands on guide to the art of using makeup to create visual effects. Theatrical FX is a thorough resource of tips, tricks, and techniques used by talented makeup artists. Includes many step by step instructions and a supply list.
16. Men, Makeup & Monsters: Hollywood’s Masters of Illusion and FX —  A dozen of today’s most talented makeup professionals explain how they accomplished their most notable effects in this in-depth book. Whether you are looking for a career in the industry or just want to know “how did they do that?”, this is the book for you.
17. Behind the Mask — This book is jammed full of color pictures of the greatest monsters and the men that brought them to life. Includes many never-before-seen pictures and information from The Terminator, The Exorcist, Star Wars, and more. A fantastic reference for hobbyists, up and coming makeup artists, not to mention horror movie fans!
18. Kryolan Makeup Manual by Arnold Langer — A wonderful source full of information and inspiration for professional theatrical makeup application. Includes sections on laying crepe wool, 3D materials, and bald caps. Covers everything from aging to zebra makeup!
19. Stage Makeup by Richard Corson — This book is widely referred to as the bible of stage makeup! It addresses principles and techniques in the use of makeup for the contemporary performer. This easy step by step guide has 20 comprehensive chapters covering all aspects of stage makeup application.
20. Stage_Makeup_Step-by-Step — This book uses a clear and logical format to answer hundreds of questions pertaining to makeup for stage and television. It is broken down into sections on small stage, medium stage, and large stage makeup. Also covers makeup for Afro-Americans, Orientals, and Hispanic actors.
21. The_Complete_Make-up_Artist:_Working_in_Film, _Television, _and_Theatre — Contains everything a student needs to know to embark on a career in media makeup. This book provides a wealth of information, activities, and advice. Features step by step color illustrations throughout!
22. The Silicone_Art_Book — This book covers the materials, methods, and techniques for coloring, painting and finishing silicone rubber. Has loads of information on rapid catalysts, the different types of silicone, coloring, and seaming.
23. Make-up_Designory’s_Character_Make-up — This book is a step by step guide for those wanting to create character based makeup. It explains techniques ranging from simple effects to complex prosthetic makeup. Full color photos accompany each step to offer easy to follow instructions.
24. A_Consumer’s_Dictionary_of_Cosmetic_Ingredients — Take the guesswork out of finding safe and effective cosmetics! This book helps you sort out the good ingredients from the bad. Virtually every chemical found in cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, perfumes, shaving creams, etc. is evaluated in this book.  Alphabetical arrangement makes it easy to look up any ingredient.
25. Books about Animation, Makeup and Special Effects — These books cover the basics of amateur animatronics, robotics, and techniques of three dimensional makeup. Learn fantastic information on creating a life mask, molds, casting, foam latex, and more!
26. The Big List of Makeup Books — A comprehensive list of must have books for any aspiring special effects makeup artist. These are the books that you will refer to over and over again!

And don’t forget that Halloween is right around the corner. If you really want to look spooky, check out our selection of Halloween costumes, including our Halloween masks and costume makeup.

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