Library helps cosplayers up their game with special effects make-up class

Thomas Gowin, 17, puts the final touches on his bruise during the special effects make-up class at Safford Library. - David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

SAFFORD — With Halloween just around the corner, and plenty of costume contests at various events throughout the Gila Valley, The Safford City-Graham County Library taught teens how to apply special effects make-up.

“I think they had a lot of fun with it,” said instructor Elizabeth Henley. “I think that getting the sense, for them, that it’s a story that they’re telling really helped with where they were putting the wound, how they were doing their shadow and highlight. And then, of course, there’s more blood, which is always fun.”

Instructor Elizabeth Henley shares some tips on matching skin tones during a special effects make-up class at Safford Library. – David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

The teens learned how to use make-up to simulate bruises, as well as application and coloring of ubber wounds, including blending the wound into the skin to look realistic.

“I really like to use pens and markers to make fake injuries, and a lot of times, they don’t look that (realistic). So I wanted to learn some tips about how to actually make good looking injuries,” said Kyle Zaugg, 13.

Kyle Zaugg, 13, makes sure the blood on his hand wound is placed just right during a class on special effects make-up at Safford Library. – David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

The next holiday-themed event at the Safford Library is the Storytime Halloween Carnival, Thursday, Oct. 28, from 10-11:30 a.m.. The event for children 0-5 and parents or guardians will feature stories, games and a costume parade through the library.

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