Encore Alcohol Activated Palettes
European Body Art's Encore palettes are professional alcohol-activated SFX makeup for film and theatre, ideal for realistic wounds, prosthetics and skin tones. The colours dry down to a matte finish, stay waterproof and are made for long-lasting results. Take a look at the Encore Master Palettes, the compact Encore Slim Palettes or all SFX products from European Body Art.
What is Encore alcohol-activated makeup?
Encore is professional alcohol-based makeup. Instead of water you use 99% alcohol or an activator to activate the colour. As soon as the alcohol or activator evaporates, the pigment bonds firmly to the skin and you get a matte look that doesn't feel sticky and looks natural. The palettes are highly pigmented, so a little product builds a lot of colour. Want to go deeper into the technique? Read our guide on alcohol-activated makeup.
Why choose Encore palettes?
Encore is popular in film, TV, theatre and special effects because the makeup is waterproof and long-lasting. The colours stay crisp, don't bleed and hold up for hours, even under warm studio lights. Because the layer is transfer-resistant, your work won't rub off onto clothing or props.
How do you use Encore palettes?
Dip a clean brush or sponge briefly into 99% alcohol and sweep it across the colour in the palette. Apply the makeup in thin layers and build up coverage gradually. Use a fine brush for detail and stipple larger areas with a sponge. Let each layer dry for a moment before adding the next.
How do you remove Encore makeup?
Because Encore is alcohol-based, you remove it with an alcohol-based remover. European Body Art has its own Unveil and Vapore for taking off the makeup. But Mouldlife Life-Wipes or Ben Nye Remove-It All work wonderfully too. Afterwards wash your skin with a mild soap and apply a hydrating cream if needed.
Which Encore palette should you choose?
The regular range holds single-theme palettes, from skin tones (light to dark and skintones with adjusters) to special effects such as Blood, Injury, Bruise, Undead, Zombie, Autopsy and Contour. Some were developed together with well-known artists like Neill Gorton, Bruce Fuller and Joel Harlow.
The large full-size palettes contain 10 colours. Want more colours in one palette? Take a look at the Master Palettes, which are smaller and more compact but hold 12 colours. Curious whether an alcohol palette suits the way you work? Then pick one of the Slim Palettes, small palettes with 5 colours to get to know alcohol makeup.
What do you use Encore palettes for?
- Realistic wounds, bruises and scars
- Zombie, undead and horror looks for Halloween
- Even skin tones and camouflage for film, TV and theatre
- Body paint and detail work that needs to stay waterproof
- Long makeup and shoot days where nothing is allowed to smudge
Tips from SchminkenGrime.nl
Always use 99% alcohol and not household alcohol diluted with water, because water won't activate the colour properly. Clean your brush or sponge between colours so the shades in the palette stay pure. Work in thin layers and let each one dry for a moment. If you're working with a lot of product or large areas, make sure the room is well ventilated, as the alcohol evaporates.
Frequently asked questions about Encore
What does alcohol-activated makeup mean?
The pigment in the palette is activated with alcohol instead of water. Once the alcohol evaporates, the colour bonds firmly to the skin and dries down matte and waterproof.
Is Encore really waterproof?
Yes. Encore holds up well against sweat, water and rubbing, which makes it ideal for long shoot days and warm venues. That's why you remove it with an alcohol-based remover, not with water alone.
Can you use Encore on prosthetics and silicone?
Yes. Alcohol-activated makeup is a common way to colour prosthetics, transfers and silicone pieces, because the colour adheres evenly and moves with the material.
Do you need special alcohol?
Use 99% alcohol or the matching activator. Alcohol with a lower percentage contains too much water, which means the colour activates less well and stays wet longer.
Can you mix and layer Encore?
Absolutely. Build up from light to dark and let each layer dry briefly before adding the next, so your work stays crisp and doesn't smear.
Is Encore suitable for beginners?
Encore is professional makeup with a small learning curve, because the alcohol evaporates quickly and you need to work at a steady pace. If you want to try alcohol makeup first, a Slim palette with five colours is a nice and affordable way in.
Where is it better not to use Encore?
Don't apply Encore directly to the lips or the eye's mucous membrane. Otherwise follow the instructions on the packaging and, on sensitive skin, test a small amount first.
Read more about alcohol-activated makeup
Want to know more about working with alcohol-activated makeup and mixing natural skin tones? Our SchminkenGrime Blog tells you all about it. Click an article to read on.
