The Big Question...Makeup?

[Captain Jack Sparrow 478]

Hey guys, I wasn't sure where to post about makeup so figured this was the best place.

As we know it can be a touchy subject for us guys hahaha but a very important step in Cpt Jack costuming. For years I have been trying to create Cpt Jack's/Johnny Depp's look. I have tried the Ve Neil's pirate pallets in the past and found the alcohol activated makeup very difficult to use to say the least. But I am now looking for some more simple makeup that would be easier to apply and do the job well. I seem to have relatively sensitive and fair skin.

I was wondering what makeup you guys use or what advice you could give. I am after makeup that will give that classic Cpt Jack tanned pirate complexion and that will create Johnny Depp's distinct gaunt cheekbone look etc. I have considered pencils, rouges and browns to create this shadowing etc.

I also need to be able to create his dirty pirate look overall. I want the tan to be natural looking and without patchiness, which is something I seemed to never achieve with the pirate pallets. It always ended up being either too light or far too dark! And patchy!

I also need something for the lips so that they look more pale (not too red/healthy). As though I have been living in the sun/heat on a ship etc lol.

Is there anything anyone could recommend for my purposes? I do not have many supplies and haven't bought much make up in the past apart from the pirate pallet stuff. I would likely also need brushes, pencils and other makeup tools etc to apply the makeup. I really need some solid advice as I do not know much about makeup artistry but am very keen to learn.

Any suggestions?

Thank you so much for any help you can provide!

CJS 478

[FleetStreetNightmare]

I don't have much in terms of advice because I too would love tips on makeup and how to get a more dirty pirate look. But I do have a link to this cheap makeup that someone who does Jack on deviantart uses. It's this 10 Color Camouflage and Concealer Palette, and she was a female Jack but she does Jack at events all day and has never had a problem with the makeup coming off or anything. And that stuff is so cheap, it would be worth a try. Looks like it offers a lot of colors that you could probably mix to create the exact tone you need and you could even use the darker shades for the contouring. I think she did mention something about getting a good priming or finishing powder to put over the makeup, I imagine misting a finishing spray would work to hold the makeup too. I may go ahead and order that palette to experiment with it.
Also that seems odd that Ve's Pirate Palette would be so hard to use, it's supposed to be relatively easy to spread evenly. Would it be possible for you to use an airbrush machine? I have been curious about trying the airbrush makeup from Temptu, or finding an airbrush machine that I could use alcohol activated makeup in since that is what I think they may do for Depp's makeup. But then again with airbrushes, it is better if you have someone to do the makeup for you, I'd imagine it would be difficult to airbrush makeup onto yourself... lol

[Captain Jack Sparrow 478]

Thanks mate. I will check out that link.

As for airbrushing, I have tried it and it is difficult. Often still turns out quite dark and the alcohol activated makeup will often burn my skin and eyes etc. Gotta be very careful with that stuff. A lot of fumes and chemicals!

[Mondas42]

I also could do with some makeup tips please....

[jacksadventures]

For me air brushing is the only way. I use skin illustratior alcohol paint airbrush form and I love it use wit the green marbel sealer and it works really well! I've used it I'm were condition you can think of and it holds up very very well. I like the air brush because it's quick and can achieve very subtle effects with it so it looks more natural

[jacksadventures]

For a color list I use natural #2 for skin tone and aged blood , and black for cheeks and tattoo wot atancil I made and the rice paper for the brand mixed with a over spray I the aged blood makes a very realistic brand effect if you don't want to apply the actual brand appliance . For the eyes I use the kohl eye black that they used in the movies you can get it through swag arts or amazon , I get all my air brush paints through FX whearhouse . Com

[liarr]

I use ben nye medium brown (applied lightly and worked in) , thick kohl eye liner, and plains dust.

[Captain Jack Sparrow 478]

I use ben nye medium brown (applied lightly and worked in) , thick kohl eye liner, and plains dust.

Where's a good place to find Ben Nye pallet?

[liarr]

most costume supply shops carry it.

[Captain Jack Sparrow 478]

most costume supply shops carry it.

Thanks mate, what's the actual pallet called?

[liarr]

http://www.makeupmedley.com/stage-special-effects/highlights-shadows-contours/ben-nye-creme-brown-shadow-0-25-oz/?gclid=CImLxMfK_bkCFYU5QgodbxcAMA pretty sure it's this.

[Captain Jack Sparrow 478]

Thanks mate! So I'm guessing you buy all the colours separately?

[liarr]

yes, i only have the dark brown one. i use a makeup sponge and apply it lightly.

[Captain Jack Sparrow 478]

Ok cool thanks mate! So you really only need that one colour for Jack purposes?

[liarr]

pretty much, yeah. for the wound on the jaw, i dab on a really dark spot of brown and lick a finger, and rub the middle of the spot til it goes to my lighter skin tone through all the makeup. it works, i promise.. dry blood being dark brown and all.

I use that ONE color, but i am very strategic when it comes to how to apply. I use subtle contouring techniques to make my structure look closer to jacks.

[Captain Jack Sparrow 478]

pretty much, yeah. for the wound on the jaw, i dab on a really dark spot of brown and lick a finger, and rub the middle of the spot til it goes to my lighter skin tone through all the makeup. it works, i promise.. dry blood being dark brown and all.

I use that ONE color, but i am very strategic when it comes to how to apply. I use subtle contouring techniques to make my structure look closer to jacks.

Haha nice! Yeah I was gonna ask, how you do the contouring?...

[Mondas42]

Hi

As I have a rounder face than the esteemed Mr Depp that no amount of dieting will sort- I blame DNA, I would be interested as well in using makeup to help with making my face look a little thinner.

[liarr]

Hi

As I have a rounder face than the esteemed Mr Depp that no amount of dieting will sort- I blame DNA, I would be interested as well in using makeup to help with making my face look a little thinner.

Haha nice! Yeah I was gonna ask, how you do the contouring?...[/quote]
i've never taken a makeup course, so I'm not sure i can explain it well. I apply the tan makeup just a little bit darker  under my cheekbones, and my "smile lines" and blend it so it's not obvious, just very subtle.  i already have cheekbones and jowl structure that works well for jack, but i'm just pushing it just a -little- further . I guess I apply the makeup like a topographical map? the more bony the area should look, the less dark it is.

its no where near as obvious as this jack, but you can learn a lot by looking at this pic and then recreating it, but the keyword is "subtle"

[Captain Jack Sparrow 478]

Thanks heaps mate! That is helpful advice!

[Mondas42]

Brilliant,

However I'm finding it hard to find the Ben Nye stuff in the UK, I can get it shipped from the states but the postage costs are three times the cost of the makeup. What do our other UK Jacks use?

Martin

[Blade Savvy]

Brilliant,

However I'm finding it hard to find the Ben Nye stuff in the UK, I can get it shipped from the states but the postage costs are three times the cost of the makeup. What do our other UK Jacks use?

Martin

Sorry Martin, but whilst a UK Jack...here in Cyprus, no make up required during the summer!   Will need some now for winter mind you..  So like you  

Keep well shipmate!

[Mondas42]

I just bought some Grimas professional cream makeup in dark brown for men. Seems ok to me.

[RobbW]

Yes, I'm trying to learn more about the makeup process, as well.  I purchased the Ve Neill's Pirate Palette to use this past Halloween.  In YouTube tutorials I have watched about applying the Ve Neill's stuff, the Jack was using 99% rubbing alcohol.  However, I bought the gelled alcohol with the palette instead because it was advertised as not runny and doesn't dry out as quickly.  I had a horrible time applying the PP makeup.  Once I got the makeup onto the sponge, it dried up so quickly that it wasn't possible to blend it in.  Everywhere on my face that I tried to apply it ended up looking cakey and blotchy.  I hated using it.  I had to resort to the conventional makeup to finish in time to go out trick or treating with my daughter.  

Unfortunately, I hate the conventional makeup, too!  No matter how hard I try to keep cool, I always end up getting warm and sweating while applying the makeup.  That is the reason I bought the PP makeup because it isn't supposed to run with sweat or rain.  Also, when using the conventional makeup, I always end up overdoing it.  My eyes look like raccoon eyes and the rest of my face always comes out too dark.  My face and especially my jawline is wider than Johnny's.  So, I tried to do the makeup contouring to thin my face out a little.  I was horrible at it.

So, I'm in the same boat as many of the rest of you.  I need tips, tricks, advice, tutorials, etc. on applying the Captain Jack makeup.  And not just on simply applying it, but applying it quickly, too!  I always take forever to get the makeup on (like an hour).  I really wish someone had a foolproof process for putting the makeup on quickly with only a couple tools/products and having it look great.

BTW, I know that Jack pictured above with the heavily contoured makeup.  That's Captain Rick.  His costume isn't SA, but his voice, mannerisms, and acting are so spot on that you don't notice the inconsistencies in the costume.  He does a lot of charity work as Jack.

[FleetStreetNightmare]

RobbW - haha I know that Jack too! He goes to a couple of the Midwest conventions. Never saw him in person though, just seen lots of vids. He does a very stylized Jack Sparrow, but I think it works really well for him (his act is also very exaggerated, but again.. seems to work well for him). Each Jack seems to do things their own way and I think that's pretty neat to see.

Anyways, as for the makeup and devising one overarching method that will work for everyone, I don't think that is exactly possible. Everyone has a different facial structure and they will just have to figure out for themselves what methods work best for them. I think much of mastering the makeup is just a lot of trial and error until you find a method that works best for you. And spending 1hr on makeup seems about right to me. Usually takes me 1.5-2hrs to get ready as Jack. I think I even remember someone telling me that it takes them 3-4hrs, so I think we have it pretty good getting our timing down to 2hrs lol

[RobbW]

Captain Rick does lend his own style and personality to the character. He does the parades in my city, too. When walking the route, he does Jack very well. I have never met the non-Jack Captain Rick in person. I have only ever seen him as Jack.

Yeah, I know I just need to practice the makeup. Doesn't help that so far I have only put on the costume and the makeup once a year for Halloween. But I plan to start getting "Jack"-ed up more frequently once I upgrade my costume a bit more. I plan to do birthday parties for friends and family. Not as a side business or anything. Just for the fun of it. I know the type, style, and process of applying makeup is going to be different for each Jack. I was just interested to hear if anyone came up with a combination for themselves that was quick but good. Maybe something like they found a foundation that they can just rub all over there face, apply the eyeliner, and call it a day. And it still looks great.

I hate how long it takes to put on the full costume. This Halloween, it took me so long that I nearly ran out of time to trick or treat with my daughter. I finally just had to give up and throw on whatever part of the costume was handy and run out the door. All the neighbors said I looked great, which is quite flattering considering I probably only had half the costume on!

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