In this tutorial, you will learn how to paint a beautiful “cranial” makeup that you can apply to your photos. You will learn how to create such a unique look using a simple technique of illustration, as well as blending modes. Let’s get started!
The author used:
- Adobe Photoshop CS6
- Wacom Tablet
The final result:
1. Create a Foundation for Makeup.
Step 1
Open the image with your model in Photoshop. Using tool Lasso 
(Lasso Tool (L)), create a selection around the skin of the model.
Step 2
Next, go Image – Correction – Hue / Saturation (Image> Adjustments> Hue / Saturation). Reduce value Saturation (Saturation) to -65. Use the tool Brush (Brush Tool (B)) to combine hard edges.
2. Draw a Makeup
Step 1
Create a new layer. Draw two circles around both eyes with a brush. opacity (Opacity) 50%. To make the makeup look organic, you need a tablet.
Step 2
Continue to draw the rest of the makeup. On the Internet, you can search for images with makeup in the style of Sugar Skull, which will help you in creating patterns for this style of makeup. Draw petals around the eyes, as well as a black nose to imitate the skull. If you need to correct the makeup pattern, just press the keys (Ctrl + T) and then apply the option Deformation (Warp) to give the drawn pattern a better position. We finish the makeup with neat lines representing the mouth wrinkles.
Step 3
For all layers with painted makeup elements, set the blending mode Overlap (Overlay). The result was barely visible, so duplicate the layers several times to make-up beautifully on the skin. At this stage, you can continue to work on the design, as I did, adding additional details, such as points, curls, including a web on the forehead.
Step 4
Create a new layer. Using a soft brush opacity (Opacity) 0-30%, brush color is black, draw shadows on the model’s face. Circle the outline of the face with a brush so that it looks more like a void, and also it will give the face a look of the skull, which will make the makeup more expressive.
At this stage, you can change the background by adding soft gray shadows to hide glaring white areas.
3. Add Color
Step 1
It’s time to add color! Create a new layer, change the blending mode for this layer to Spot light (Pin Light). Using a brush, the color of the brush is dark red # 750b0f, paint the makeup on the eyes. Next, create another layer, fill it with purple # 524ca7, change the blending mode for this layer to Overlap (Overlay).
Step 2
To change the color of the roses, create a new layer, and then use a brush to paint over the roses with blue # 317ba1. Change the blending mode for this layer to Darkening basics (Color Burn), duplicate this layer to enhance the effect.
Step 3
Create a new layer, fill this layer with black color, and then change the blending mode for this layer to Saturation (Saturation) and also reduce Opacity (Opacity) layer up to 50% to slightly muffle color shades.
Copy / paste (Copy / Paste) the original image with the background on our working paper. Apply scaling. Change the blending mode to Soft light (Soft Light). Add a new adjustment layer Curves (Curves) to enhance the whole picture.
Step 4
Use the brush to add white light highlights over the entire picture. Use both a hard and soft brush to highlight the details, add glitter to the eyes, and also soften the color shades, gently scattering them.
Step 5
To complete the make-up, create a new layer, change the mode for this layer to Overlap (Overlay). Circle the image of the model using bright blue # 0dfcea. Add color to the smoke, and draw lots of sparks to create a beautiful effect.
I hope you enjoyed creating your sugar skull makeup. I wish you a pleasant time creating your own makeup!
The final result:
