Like to try before you buy?
We get it 😉

AFX products are available at many online and bricks & mortar stores throughout the world.
Please see our Retailers page for more information and for help in locating the nearest store to you!

Alternatively, contact us and we can help point you in the right direction.

Whilst a product has the same colours and effect, we may use slightly different ingredients depending on where they are sold.
For example, you might find a product sold in the EU is slightly different ingredients to the same product sold in the USA.

We do reserve the right to change ingredient without prior announcement.
However these changes will not affect the quality or consistency of the product across different regions.

Absolutely!
Rather than purchasing through this website, please use our Order Form.

This form will guide you though the order process.
Once your order has been submitted, we will email you a quote and any other information you requested.

EVERYTHING we manufacture is proudly made right here in Melbourne, Australia!

We do also sell Ve's Favourite Brushes, but we do not manufacture these products.

Yes... and no.

Discounts
Sorry, we do not offer any discounts through this website.

Should you wish to receive a Pro Discount, we encourage you to shop with one of your local Retailers, many of whom offer Pro Discounts directly.
This way you get a discount, our Retailer makes a sale and they re-order from us.
It's win/win!

Free Products
We may, at our discretion offer free products to trial.
We are more likely to do this for customers with whom we enjoy a sales history.
Please understand, requests from strangers wanting free product are less well received 🙄.
Regardless, freight charges must be paid for by the customer.

Thank you for your understanding.
Please contact us should you require further clarification.

No. Because no one is!
Quote from the FDA website - (The) "FDA does not license cosmetics firms".

Saying you are FDA licensed is false advertising and does nothing to ensure your products are higher quality - or safer.

Nor are there any FDA approved cosmetics either.
However it is true that some cosmetics colorants are regulated by the FDA.
And with the recent MOCRA legislation, you do have to register your company and products - which is a good thing.

So how can a manufacturer demonstrate the quality of their products?
Well, they could start by printing ingredients lists on their products or providing proper Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Ingredients show transparency and puts choice into the consumer's hands to make informed decisions.
I mean... you would prefer to be informed, wouldn't you??

At AFX, we are happy to say that our cosmetic products are UE, UK and USA registered.
However, you should know that certain products (such as adhesives and bloods) do not necessarily fall under the category of "Cosmetic".
But rest assured we still use skin-safe ingredients.

More information on FDA regulations can be found here.

No.
Whilst we put all of our products through a rigorous testing regimen, we have never tested on animals.
Instead, we use known safe ingredients, test on ourselves, and out on set (in conjunction with make up artists).

We don't have a pretty pink bunny, but rest our ingredients are animal-friendly and we use supply companies that are ethical, environmental and use responsible labour sources. Even our mica is sourced synthetically and without child labour.

They absolutely are!
Every product we make.
We call them TRUE vegan.

Unlike some companies who claim vegan formulations, we don't use any animal byproducts such as beeswax, shellac, or carmine-based lakes or dyes.
Even our Xanthan gum is vegan approved!

We also use supply companies that are ethical, environmental and use responsible labour sources.
Our mica is sourced synthetically and without child labour.

IMPORTANT: Although all our cosmetics and bloods are vegan, we do sell a few Ve's Brushes that contain goat hair.
These few brushes are noted on the specific product pages. Apart from these few brushes, all other brushes are vegan too.

No, we have never used talc in any of our formulations.

No, we don't.

In fact we don't need to add preservatives to our alcohol-based product because the alcohol itself does the preservation alone.
The main preservative we use in our water-based formulas is a blend of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerine.

But even though we don't use parabens, it doesn't mean we necessarily hate them.
There is a lot of 'bad press' about certain parabens, but not all are problematic.
So, don't not buy products just because they contain parabens.
Instead, do your own research and see what works for you.

Cosmetics have a shelf-life to ensure your safety.
For this reason, we place a shelf life on our product of between 2 - 3 years.
You will find relevant use-by dates on individual cosmetic products.

1. Pigment - and lots of it... all finely milled in-house to our strict requirements, so you have perfect colour strength, particle size and smooth application. High pigment loading means amazing coverage when you need it (for covering tattoos, dynamic colours, solid block designs).

2. Colours - We are know for our specially crafted colour range. And, with 130 colours, you're sure to find a selection to complement your artistic arsenal.

3. High binder levels in our Ink create flex and strength, creating a rub-proof, water-resistant film that adheres the pigment to the skin. High binder levels means you can thin out our Inks into fine colour washes and still retain good 'bite'. Even subtle details remain in place with strong adhesion and staying power.

We’ve conducted in house tests that demonstrate our Ink has on average 4 times the solids of competitive products.
So, you pay a little more to start with, but our inks last waaaaay longer and cost less in the long run.

Yes! In fact, Fluid Inks is the exact same Ink we use when we create our Palettes because it's already concentrated!
Simply pour the Fluid Ink into the Palette and allow to dry naturally.

A small amount of Ink (about 1 or 2 grams) should dry overnight.

More (5-7grams) will take a few days.

There is no difference between our Bluebird and Sideshow Ink formulations.
It is exactly the same.

The difference between Bluebird and Sideshow are the colours and the Palette volume;

1. Colour collection
Bluebird is our Pro Pallet range. Bluebird palettes are intended to be used together to provide a wide range of Pro makeup effects. Because the Pro Artist works on a variety of jobs, Bluebird Palettes allow you to mix and match between palettes.

By contrast, each Sideshow Palette has a collection of colours designed to do one complete job.
Want to make someone into a ghoul? Try our Gothic Palette. Need Bruises?  Bruiser.
Each Palette will create a unique finished look.

2. Palette volume
Our Bluebird Palettes contain a generous quantity of ink that will last for many applications.
Sideshow Palettes contain a moderate amount of product, making them more affordable.
That's what make Sideshow the choice of Students, Cosplayers, Halloween Haunts or causality simulation training and the pro on a budget!

Yes... and no...
Firstly, you should know that our Bluebird and Sideshow Ink formulations are exactly the same.

But depending on the colour, we do have several different types of formulations;
1. Our traditional formulation, with strong coverage and a wide selection of colours. Dries with a satin finish.
2. Our transparent formulation for sheer colour application but with extra-fine control. Dries with a soft matt finish.
3. Our newest translucent formulation for moderate coverage, great for highlights, accents and colour corrections. Dries with soft matt finish.

You will find all three types of formulations in both the Bluebird and Sideshow ranges.

It all depends on how you work and what you want to achieve;

A comment on our packaging...
Forget those 'on-set' palettes copies... we created the convenient palette!
And we made it out of a plastic that doesn't shatter, craze or glue shut.
All our bottles are easy-squeezable.
Palettes and bottles are fully recyclable.

There are similarities, but Tooth & Nail has significant differences to Bluebird and Sideshow.

First, we have reduced the plasticity of Tooth & Nail Inks, as they don't need flex.
Next we added loads more binder - no, not spirit gum rosin 🙄 - to create a super-strong film that resists chipping and cracking.

The result is a product that lasts.
They build from stain to colour, with a sheen that mimics a natural tooth.
And you don't need to use anything else under them to help them last!

Yes, yes and YES!

True vegan
Say it with us - TRUE vegan.
Unlike other "vegan" brands, our inks DO NOT contain ingredients such as shellac or carmine.
You don't have to trust us, just look at their ingredients!
Even those big brands who claim to be vegan, actually use animal-based ingredients 😡

We don't have a pretty pink bunny, but we do not test on animals.
Our ingredients are animal-friendly and we use supply companies that are ethical, environmental and use responsible labour sources.
Our mica is sourced synthetically and without child labour.

We proudly manufacture in Australia and most of our packaging is made locally, with readily recyclable materials.

Yes! We recommend starting at a 1:1 ratio (Ink to 95% Alcohol) and then add more alcohol as required for your particular airbrush.
Or, you can use our ready-thinned Spray Inks!

Go to Tattoo Cover Ink Colours to see our three-step application.

We have an extensive range of 130 colours including flat, iridescent, day-glow/UV, with a selection of full, transparent and translucent coverage.
You name it, we have it!

It's not common knowledge, but we have done many special order colours and palettes for artist and productions around the world.

So, depending on what you need, we may be able to help you out!
Contact us and see how we can help.

Minimums and charges may apply.

This will obviously depend on the skin tone you are matching to, but Blue Neutraliser, Blue Concealer, Warmer, Terracotta, Cinnamon and Blush are all great colours for neutralising tattoos first, before skin tones are applied. To neutralise tattoos, you can use the Ink straight from the bottle for brush or sponge application. Or, if you prefer, thin for airbrushing or use our Spray Inks.

Note: Due to their transparent nature, our Translucent Toner or Transparent colours are not appropriate for tattoo neutralising, but can be used for adding soft colour variations in the final stages of tattoo cover.

We avoid the use of fillers (such as talc) as they make the product less moisture resistant and less flexible.
They also make vibrant colours look dull and drab.

Some colours need the addition of pigments like titanium dioxide to lighten the them, but we keep our bright, prime colours as rich and vibrant as possible. As a result, the concentrated colour can look very dark 'in the mass'.

So, you might say that our colours look dark in the palette to ensure they look bright and intense on the skin.

Aquagels are our new water-based colour system.
The range includes 20 Colorwash Intense colours, a Clear mixer and Aquaclean remover.

Colorwash colours bond to the skin with tenacity similar to that of alcohol-based Inks.
However the Aquagel range is all water-based and much more gentle on the skin.
This makes Colorwash ideal for not only character fx, but also fashion, beauty and even body art!

Colorwash colours are intermixable, so you can create your own unique colours and effects - the possibilities are endless.

Key differences:

• Larger colour range including many neutrals and off-toned colours (not just brights)
• You can thin Colorwash down (like similar products), but Colorwash also contains special ingredients that allow you to build up amazing colour density
• Almost zero textural build-up
• Colours dry and wear colour-true (no color shift upon drying)
• Unique pigment-free formulation for longer staying power
• Contains special fixatives for extra wear longevity and rub resistance

Aquaclean is a two-in-one product.
One; you can use it to remove Colorwash from the skin by applying (brush, cotton pad etc.), massage it in, then rinse well with water. Repeat as required.
Two; you can use Aquaclean to fix an error in Colorwash placement, or adjust the look of your work. To do this, simply apply the Aquaclean with a cotton bud (Q-Tip) and work the area to remove only traces of the colour you wish to lift.

Next, blot the area with a damp sponge or Q-Tip to remove any traces of Aquaclean.
Note that rinsing traces of Aquaclean is important. If left on the skin to dry, it may ‘reactivate’ with moisture (sweat, water etc) and compromise the adhesion of any remaining Colorwash.

At the end of the day when all Colorwash has been removed, we recommend the use of a gentle moisturiser as part of the regular skincare regime.

Other water-based products on the market tend to move and fade throughout the day. We’ve added special fixatives to ensure our gels have longer staying power - so for quick results, it is best to use Aquaclean for removal.

In addition, Aquaclean can also be used to easily adjust or correct placement of existing Colorwash colors.

If you use water to thin Colorwash, you can compromise its adhesion.

Colorwash Clear contains the same fixatives as there rest of the Colorwash Intense range.
This means you can sheer the product down to transparent nothingness, without losing staying power.

Like any normal cosmetic – the more Colorwash you use the stronger the coverage.
But do be aware that very strong colour may not be as water-proof.
To enhance the adhesion to the skin, try building up in layers, allowing it to dry between.
Very strong applications of colour may require extra sealing (we recommend our Undetectable Satin Spray!)

Although water-based, we have designed Colorwash to be alcohol resistant. You can layer washes of Colorwash with Bluebird or Sideshow Inks, without having one move the other!
Note: alcohol may affect Colorwash after multiple applications.

Colorwash Intense is not intended for thinning, however we do know some artists who have had success doing so 😜

Aquagel Colorwash colours are made with transparent colourants so they won't work as well as opaque pigments on very dark skin.
However, they also contain a special optical brightener to help them ‘pop’ on darker skin.

For applications requiring fuller coverage, we recommend using AFX Undetectable Sprays to make them resistant to wear. For sheerer applications, sealing should not be necessary as the product already contains fixatives.

Yes they can be used with silicone, foam latex, gelatine and ‘bondo’ prosthetics.

• For truly ‘bullet-proof’ colours, mix Colorwash with a drop of acrylic adhesive (e.g. Pros Aide) and apply
• For moisture and wear-resistance, simply spray a fixative sealer (like Undetectable Satin Spray) over the top
• For temporary color effects on silicone and bondo, (such as colour adjusting for final checks) simply use Colorwash without sealing. This will allow the colours to be washed free from the prosthetic after the shot
• You can also use washes of Colorwash colours under translucent appliances.

Note: Always test for your specific use. Colorwash may stain certain materials.

Undetectable Sealers are usually intended to be used as a thin coating and are often diluted before use.
They can be thinned substantially with 95% Ethanol or Isopropyl Alcohol whilst still maintaining good adhesion to the skin.
Buying the concentrated Sealer gives you the greatest flexibility in how you choose to use it.

But, if you need something quick and convenient, then Undetectable Sprays are ready-thinned to a perfect consistency. And, they work really well in our mist spray caps (hint: be sure you clear and clean them after use).

Looks matt.
Stays matt.
You will not be disappointed!

Old Age is used to accentuate the appearance of skin texture and wrinkles, hence aiding in the appearance of age. Old Age is ideal for character and ageing makeups for film and television.

Old Age is a fluid that dries to a thin, semi-flexible film.
Applied to stretched skin and dried, Old Age accentuates the skin’s natural texture once the skin is relaxed.

Old Age is formulated for professional makeup artists that are skilled in FX makeup, skin safety and care.

No. Not at all.
Liquid latex can be quite irritating to the skin - particularly if the subject has a latex allergy.

Instead, our Old Age is made of a food-grade cellulose material which is easier to apply, colour, maintain and remove.

Need some step by step application tips? See more here.

Cosmetics should not be shared, especially those intended for the mouth.
Whenever budget allows, it is always preferable to have one set of products for each person.

To use Tooth & Nail on more than one person, spray 95% alcohol onto the colour and work with a sanitary brush, then decant the product you need onto a mixing palette to use.
Work back and forth from the mixing palette only.
Discard unused product.

Never double-dip!

Like most all FX products, you should apply the Tooth & Nail Inks to a clean, dry surface.
- With a fresh tissue, gently rub and dry the surface to the tooth
- Dilute colour with 95% alcohol and work product with a sanitary brush
- Apply to teeth (or nails etc.), building coverage as desired
- Try to avoid the build-up of saliva until after the Ink is fully dried

Throw away that spirit gum! There is no need to apply anything to the teeth before using Tooth & Nail.
Our colours are made to last longer without the use of any other 'primer'.

Tooth & Nail Inks are made to adhere best to non-flexible surfaces, but that doesn't mean you can't use them for other things!
They may not have the flex of our regular Ink formulas, but you can use them on skin and prosthetics in a pinch.

You can even use a little Tooth & Nail to colour the gums!

Easy.

Adhesive is really thin and perfect for wig work.
Position and pin your wig, then simply paint Adhesive right over the top of the lace (no need to lift and stretch the lace). Adhesive will wet-out the lace instantly!
Apply, wait a moment, then tack as usual.

Adhesive X is gelled and is great for facial hair pieces and direct hair application.
Being gelled, Adhesive X resists dripping.
Apply, wait until tacky, then push the hair into place.
Great for applying slush latex and blocking eyebrows too!

So, to conclude - one's thin and one's thick!
Of course, you might find your own preferences.
There are really no hard and fast rules 😀

There are a few key tips to get the best out of your glue, and they are the same for both Adhesive and Adhesive X.
Before you start, makes sure the skin is dry and oil-free.

To apply
1 - apply a thin layer of adhesive and allow to dry (this can take a few moments), then 'tack' the adhesive well by tapping the skin
2 - repeat with a second layer, but once the adhesive is tacky, apply the hair or hairpiece and press firmly.
For super hold, repeat step 1 twice.

If applying lace, you can tack the hairpiece with a piece of stocking to ensure the lace is fully adhered.

Sounds obvious, but actually there is a bit more to it!
Yes, Filthy is great for creating the effect of dirt, but that's only the beginning.

We originally created Filthy because we wanted actors to wash there hands during the day, without taking off the 'dirt'.
So, we created the most long-lasting colour ever. And we mean EVER. Filthy is even stronger bonding than our Inks!

Next, Filthy dries slowly allow you to 'play'.
Wash it on. Wash it out. Let it drip. Let it dry.
Just before it fully dries, Filthy can also be rolled and stippled info soft dimensional textures.

Finally, Filthy is specially formulated to adhere dust to the skin or even mixed with Inks.

So, think of Filthy as a dirt building-block!

It doesn't mater how much we tell people they will need a cleanser, they just don't believe Filthy will last as long as it does.

So... when you really need Filthy to come off, we suggest AFX Clean Up. Or, if you need something a little more gentle, AFX Melt is your best bet.
Isopropyl Myristate will also work well.

All of our Dark Arts bloods are water-based and water washable.

(Please note that we do have Ink blood colours in our Bluebird, Sideshow and Tooth & Nail ranges, but these are alcohol-based and not water miscible.)

Dark Arts bloods are highly washable and have been successfully used on hundreds of films without staining issues.
They are used in the Makeup, Hair/Wig, Costume, and SFX Art Departments, and are recognised by leading professionals as being easy to use and easy to wash.

Disclaimer
We have tested our bloods on many surface, however no two are the same.
For this reason we suggest you always test Dark Arts bloods for your specific use to ensure they perform to your requirements.
Although we take every care in the manufacturing of our products, we do not guarantee our bloods will wash out of every surface.
Nor will we compensate you for any damaged caused to items or loss of time that may result from using Dark Arts bloods.

Our bloods are made with various ingredients that help stop staining.
These include a mild surfactant (also used in baby shampoo) and even a product that inhibits dye from penetrating the surface of the skin / fabric.

An important thing to note is that if you add water to most theatrical bloods, it makes them more likely to stain.
Of course, you also lose colour strength.

However with our ingredients, we can create super- watery bloods (such as our Slash & Spray) with strong colour pay-off!

Yes - our bloods are safe to use in the mouth, but do not swallow.

Dark Arts bloods contain cosmetic and food grade ingredients, but are not intended for drinking.
No harm will come to you should you consume small amounts of blood accidentally.

You can find a list of ingredients for all our blood products on this website.
Simply go to the individual blood product page and scroll through the images. You will find the ingredient list along with the label images.

The reason we do not list ingredients on our bottles is that, although used on the skin, our bloods are not technically cosmetics per the USA, EU and UK definition of the term 'cosmetic'.
For this reason, we have decided not to list ingredients on bottles, so that they are not confused by the different world authorities.

Yes.
You can find our blood washing instructions on our SDS & Tech Sheets page and here.

Is your fake blood 'disappearing' on dark skin?
Is it looking black on camera?

Hi-Viz is a unique ingredient that opacifies water-based bloods, making the red tones easier to see.
Use for bloods
- On dark skin
- On dark surfaces
- On glass
- In clear or murky water
- In lo-light filming conditions

Importantly, bloods with Hi-Viz will still look natural on surfaces that you don't need it for.

Simply add a little Hi-Viz to your water-based blood as required.

For Dark Arts bloods, we recommend you use around 10 - 15% for most things (1 part Hi-Viz to 4-5 parts blood), but play around to find what suits you best.
Hi-Viz is NOT a pigment and will not turn blood pink when used in the recommended proportions.

Yes... But here at AFX, we argue the point often 🤣

We tend to think of Removers as substances that take off large additions from the skin - most specifically prosthetics.
Removers have high solvency to cut through glues and resins.

Cleansers are about cleaning the skin itself.
Cleansers take a longer to work, but are far more gentle.

Naturally, this is a broad interpretation and is related to how we describe our own products, rather than all products.

Good question!
Here's what we recommend -

Melt
- Developed specifically for the gentle and effective removal off AFX Old Age
- Will easily cleanse heavy character makeup
- Contains healing ingredients
- Alcohol-free

Get It Off
- Excellent for removing foam latex, silicone, Bondo and tattoo transfers
- Easily removes silicone and acrylic adhesives such as Pros Aide, Telesis, Bondo
- Is not recommended for our Inks, Old Age or spirit-based adhesives (such as our Adhesive and Adhesive X)

Vanish
- Cleans skin of 'heavy' character makeup including AFX Old Age, Inks and Filthy
- Gentle cleanser with soothing ingredients
- Perfect for cleaning skin after wig removal
- Cleans off spirit-based adhesives (such as our Adhesive and Adhesive X)
- Cleans off remnants of Ink,  silicone & acrylic adhesives

Clean Up
- Perfect for removing AFX Old Age from body and neck
- Excellent for cleansing the skin of spirit-based adhesives (such as our Adhesive and Adhesive X)
- Quickly cleanses the skin of AFX Filthy and Inks
- Not recommended for the removal of acrylic adhesives such as Pros Aide or Bondo
- Not for use on wig lace
- NOTE: Clean Up contains alcohol. Do not use on sensitive skin such as around the eyes without testing