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vickybunnyangel — Painting Elf Ears Tutorial
Published: 2011-03-09 04:31:49 +0000 UTC; Views: 24088; Favourites: 170; Downloads: 190
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Description
We all have different skintones, and sometimes it's hard to find prosthetic ears that match. I typically buy unpainted elf ears and these range in colour from generic beige to grey.This tutorial can also be used for painting your ears crazy colours like blue, grey, pink etc. Just follow the tips for midtones, highlights and shadows.
The reason why you can't start right off the bat with your regular make-up is because it can degrade the latex.** What I'm showing you is a way to protect your ears from being destroyed! That is mainly what the Castor Oil is for. Fancy theatrical make-up sites will tell you that Rubber Mask Grease (RMG) is like THE BEST THING TO USE for painting latex but I had one hell of a time trying to find it. Plus it's pricey.
The Castor Oil method + regular theatrical make-up is a good win-win way to go. Since you can use the make-up on your regular skin as well (hence guaranteeing a match! woot!). RMG is not recommended for skin.
**having said that I have successfully used straight Krylon Aquacolour and experienced zero latex degradation, and I suspect most waterbased make-ups can be painted on naked latex as well. I have not used regular make-up like covergirl/mac/etc on latex ears
AM I A MAKE-UP PRO? NO
This has proven to work for me which is why I'm sharing it. You have something different that works for you? that's fabulous.
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I predict I will get questions on how to apply elf ears, so until I make my own tutorial on that topic, I will direct you to a nifty instructable!
[link]
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Comments: 38
Wonderful tutorial, I have one question, can I buy castor oil from a apothecary and use it and ordinary make up to paint my ears?
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Ahh thank you for making this! I recently bought some ears for a cosplay and the paint I bought didn't match my skin like I thought it would and I wasn't sure how I was supposed to use foundation or creme makeup as a substitute for paint.
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Thanks for your tips. Seems like one must paint ears every time it is used..do you know of a permanent solution? And for the castor oil/makeup method, does it rub off too easily onto wig, hands etc...when it is worn? And is cleanup just soap n water?
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I put on the castor oil, and then I used Make Up forever foundation, and it's been perfect so far. Just to give you some feedback I guess. Thanks for the tutorial!
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This is marvelous! I've been looking for a good tutorial on painting elf ears for a while now and there really aren't many out there that look realistic in the end. This was a great help to me. Thank you!~
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Freaken awsome! I have a question, where did you buy the make-up and the oil.
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Hi Zelda! I got the make-up at a local theatrical make-up store. I totally forgot the name now but it WASN'T Malabar's if you are familiar with Toronto costume shops. I think it was Candy's theatrical or something like that.
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Thanks for this! I'm being Mido from Zelda and I bought unpainted ears (Due money constrains) and I was at a loss as to what to do.
Although, could you use a different oil (Olive or vegetable oil for example) or would it not work the same?
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hmm I don't know about olive or vegetable oil...Most of the make-up places specify Castor Oil, so it's probably a special thing. I'm not sure if the other oils will break down the latex or not
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Thanks for the tips! I'll be painting my first pair soon, so this is very helpful. Is it possible to temporarily attach things like fur with, say a water soluble glue and remove it later to switch between two costumes with the same pair of ears, or would that damage the latex, do you think?
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Yup! I know spirit gum works (the same thing you'd use to stick the ears on you anyways) well for attaching things, and spirit gum remover gets rid of the residue easily. I'd also try eyelash glue. Not sure about water soluable glue, but I imagine it should be ok?
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ah, eyelash glue! That's a great idea! Thanks for the tip!
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Great tutorial! ^.^ This is pretty much exactly what I did with my troll ears.
My partner and I are selling Aradani ears at the next couple conventions and we have to paint them aaaallll, it's crazy! >.<
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Thanks! I feel your pain man...any good ideas on making the fit of the Aradani ears smaller? The ones I bought kind of don't fit me >.>
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Hmm, maybe if you cut them a bit? Adding an ear cuff seems to help too.
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mb I should take a picture of it...but I think I'm thinking of is there a way to "dart" ears?
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I don't see why not. Maybe cut a dart in the back of it and when you glue them on make sure those edges meet.
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well I know what I will be experimenting with soon
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Awsome !
I wish I would have done this 6 years ago when doing my dorw
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ooooo do a drow again please!
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I do a drow at least once a year, now more often on Halloween but not all the time...
But we gave ourselves for Halloween a Japanese theme, and I did more clothes for Arhuaniel (my drow 
I changed my wig, now have getas (but received them the day after Halloween -_-) ordered a fan fit for a drow, and sewn a kimono for her... not sure I nailed it perfectly but it is my ... second kimono only....
You've seen my old pictures of Arhuaniel?
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yup! I've seen pics of Arhuaniel in your gallery before
Is it something you would wear to a convention?
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I did
I think I'll wear the costume with the kimono in Otakuthon this year 
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of course I will be there!!
Not sure if your LARP is based off of the forgotten realms lore, but I'm doing Lolth one day! and want to have a big drow family
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I'll be your first priestess and the most vicious and loyal one ! 
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HAPPY EAR PAINTING
loool so cute! <3
I may have to try this on my Link ears... I bought the lightest shade available and I am too pale for it still. OTL But I guess since it's already pre-painted maybe I should get some unpainted ones to play with instead. XD
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Thank you!! :3
I think you should be able to paint over the painted ones as well if they're a light colour. Try it out since you have them already
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nice. this also works if you want to be a vulcan, or one of my relatives. lol
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Indeed it does! LOL your relatives have pointy ears? for real?
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no, were just weird. lol
but you never know, maybe one of us.....hehehe
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I wouldn't be surprised
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yeah, some of that is a little much.
but if they ever find a way to give a man whings..lol
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Wings eh? that might make your clothes difficult to fit
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not really you just have to make some alterations
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Cut slits in the backs of all your shirts and maybe a few jackets and your wardrobe is ready to accommodate wings.
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