description
I use Mehron Makeup Metallic Powder for my body painting shoots. Mehron has been the leader in professional makeup for over 90 years. This ultra-fine Metallic Powder Makeup can create dramatic makeup designs and effects. The soft Metallic Powder Makeup is finely crafted, evenly blended, and formulated to add dynamic shiny accents to any makeup look. Their products are used on the runway, stage, and movie sets around the world. Mehron Makeup is proud to offer distinct professional products for each of our three major makeup segments: beauty, body art, and performance – and now photogrammetry!
- Gold and Silver are my preferred colors
- This soft powder is finely crafted and evenly blended
- Formulated to add dynamic shiny accents to any makeup look
- This ultra-fine Metallic Powder Makeup creates a stunning metallic finish
- Options are high gloss or matter finish
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Proudly Made in the USA since 1927
Application
The metallic body paint is applied to the model with a 100% body coverage application including the hair, with the exception of the bottom of the feet. The body paint can be applied in three ways:
- Direct Powder Application (Matte): the powder is applied directly to the skin, using a brush, sponge, or fingers. This method is not messy, but takes longer than either liquid form to achieve the same effect and seems to require more powder
- Mehron Mixing Liquid Application (Matte): the powder is mixed in a small bowl with Mehron’s Mixing Liquid. The solution must be thoroughly mixed and is then applied via brush, sponge, or fingers, with the brush being the preferred method. Several applications are required for the best effect. The solution dries to the touch and does not as easily rub off as either of the other methods. The effect is a compelling metallic matte finish that does not require frequent touch up, and is not as messy as the oil application.
- Baby Oil Application (HiGloss) [Preferred Method]: the powder is mixed in a small bowl with baby oil. The solution must be thoroughly mixed and is then applied via brush, sponge, or hands. After numerous shoots in this style I’ve found the best results are achieved by applying a base layer by hand, followed by a 2nd layer via a foam paint brush. The application takes approximately 20 minutes. The result is an extremely high gloss metallic effect that actually blows your mind the first time you see it. You will literally look like liquid metal that explodes with stunning visual effects under strobe rim lighting and constant LED with colored gel filters. The downside is that it’s messy, requires frequent touch-up, and will get on anything you touch but is easily removed and doesn’t stain what it touches.
Removal
Regardless of application method, the Mehron Metallic Body Paint comes off easily in the shower. A clean guest bathroom with fresh towels is available during and after the shoot, and the body paint shots are the last series of shots in the session. The Baby Oil application takes about 10 minutes longer of shower time using dish washing liquid and a luffa sponge / brush (supplied).
Model feedback
All the models I’ve shot in this medium have had a lot of fun with the body painting segment. It’s both a unique look and experience. I’ve used the baby oil application for all but one session. Here is some general feedback from the models:
- “The application took less time and was easier to apply than I anticipated, and it was not only worth it, it was really cool” (this model actually left with the body paint still applied – apparently she wanted to freak out people in several drive-thrus on the way home)
- “The matte finish is not messy at all once it dries and photographs well, but after seeing the results from his other shoots with the high gloss application I wish we would have used the baby oil. Everyone should try this at least once!”
- “I was blown away with this look. I’d never seen anything like it and was sad when I had to take it off. Way cooler than I expected”
- “I don’t think you guys will understand how much fun I had with this shoot. And yes, the “paint” was nontoxic. Wasn’t even paint actually.
- “The body paint does come off in the shower, but it took a while, maybe because my hair is so thick. It was wild looking when the water hit the paint tho, it looked like silver beads running down my body”
No models have complained that the body paint was itchy or irritating, however, if you have an issue or feel uncomfortable being completely covered with oil, like suntan oil, you should definitely let me know up front. Before applying to the hair a styling gel is applied so that the paint will adhere to the gel for easier removal in the shower. Please let me know if your hair has been treated.
Metallic body Painting examples
