If you’re just starting out in the world of special effects makeup, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to buy first. But here’s the truth—your SFX kit doesn’t need to be packed with every product under the sun. With just a few essential items, you can create incredibly realistic, bold, and creative looks.

Let’s explore the top five must-have SFX products every beginner should start with:

1.  Fake Blood – Your Ultimate Lifesaver

Let’s be honest—you can’t call it SFX without a bit of fake blood! It’s the one product every SFX artist, whether new or experienced, should have at all times.

Why? Because fake blood is used in so many effects—cuts, wounds, scrapes, horror looks, and more. Plus, it’s super forgiving! Made a mistake in your application? A splash of blood can cover it right up.

Bonus: You can easily make fake blood at home with simple ingredients. Or, if DIY isn’t your thing, there are tons of high-quality, ready-to-use options available in stores and online.

2. Liquid Latex – The All-Rounder

If there’s one word to describe liquid latex, it’s versatile. From building scars and burns to attaching prosthetics and creating zombie skin, liquid latex can do it all.

Here’s how beginners often use it: combine it with tissues or cotton to build up the skin, layer by layer, to form creepy or dramatic textures.

Important tip: Be cautious with latex allergies. Always test a small patch on yourself or your model beforehand. Safety first—because nothing ruins a fun SFX session like an unexpected allergic reaction!

3.  SFX Wax – Shape, Sculpt, Transform

Wax is another must-have that gives you creative freedom. It’s perfect for sculpting raised scars, broken noses, odd lumps, or any custom facial distortions.

One of the best things about wax is how mouldable it is. Need a fantasy forehead ridge? Want to create a gouged-out eye? Wax is your go-to.

Just be sure to smooth the edges well and use a setting product to keep your design in place.

4. Face and Body Paints – Bring the Vision to Life

To bring your look together, you’ll need a good set of face and body paints. These allow you to colour in your creation, add shading, and complete your character’s look.

Many SFX artists love alcohol-activated paints—they’re waterproof and great for long shooting days under hot lights. However, they can be drying and are not ideal around sensitive areas like the eyes.

For more delicate spots, cream-based paints are safer and softer on the skin.

5.  Cream Makeup Palettes – Colour, Blend, Perfect

Cream makeup is the secret weapon for finishing a look with full control. These palettes give you a wide range of skin tones and shades, all in one place.

They blend smoothly, offer full coverage, and are great for bruising effects, contouring, or adjusting skin tone to match prosthetics. If you’re building your first kit, investing in a quality cream palette will save you both money and effort in the long run.