General Information

Are your products the same throughout the world?

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 has 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.

Where are your products made?

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.

Does AFX give Pro Discounts or free product?

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!

We may at our discretion, offer sample products to help artists work out their final, larger order.
Understandably, we are more likely to do this for customers with whom we enjoy a long sales history. Requests from strangers 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.

Are you an FDA licensed manufacturer?

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 start (we have).

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.
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.

Do you test on animals?

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 assured 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.

Are your products vegan?

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 by-products 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 Favorite 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.

Do your products contain talc?

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

I've heard bad things about Parabens. Do you use them in your 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 as problematic. It depends on the type and the percentage used.
So, don't not buy products just because they contain parabens.
Instead, do your own research and see what works for you.

How long can I store your products for? Do they have a limited shelf life?

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.

Orders & Shipping

My Order is urgent!!!

URGENT ORDERS

To make an urgent order please follow these steps carefully;

1. Put everything you want into your shopping cart as usual.

2. When you are finished shopping, go to your Cart and double-check your order.
You can also add a note for us, such as a PO# or if you wish your production to handle freight.

3. Continue to CHECK OUT where you will need to fill out your name and shipping details.

4. Do NOT enter any payment details.
Instead, in the Payment section, simply select "URGENT ORDERS!".

5. Finally, press the blue Complete Order button.
We will get back to you with an itemised invoice for you to check and approve.
Note, urgent orders attract a Priority surcharge which will be added to your invoice.


See our Shipping policy for more details, or contact us.

I need heaps! Are there limits on how much I can buy?

Yeah, nah, yeah, as we like to say in Australia.

Although we aim to maintain stock of all items, from time to time we may run out of exactly what you have ordered. Should this occur, we will contact you quickly to discus all available options.

Please understand that large quantities of any single product may need to be manufactured to your specific order.

Don't hesitate to contact us for more information. Please email us at orders@alliedfxco.com

Do your prices include taxes and duties?

We use "Delivered At Place" (or DAP) for all orders.
This means you will be responsible for paying any additional duties and taxes that may be due before your goods are delivered. These fees will usually be payable to the freight company directly. (Exception: UK orders where goods are collectively less than £135, will have V.A.T. added to your order at Check Out.)
By continuing with your purchase, you understand and agree that these extra fees will be payable by you.
Further, should you refuse to pay these fees, you acknowladge we have the right to charge you for any return shipping and administrative fees we incur, which we will deduct from your original payment method.

Can I use my own currency to pay?

Unfortunately, no. We only accept Australian Dollars and all prices on the website are shown in AUD.
But don't worry, your bank statement should show your purchase in your local currency.

What are dangerous Goods, and do they cost extra to send?

Many of our products must travel as "DG" because they contain alcohol.
International laws require DG items be packed, freighted and documented in very specific ways.

If your order includes any DG, a small packing surcharge is automatically included in your shipping rates.

We appreciate your understanding.

I am ordering for a production. Can I use a Purchase Order?

Absolutely!

To get a quote for your production please follow these steps;

1. Put everything you want into your shopping cart as usual.

2. When you are finished shopping, go to your Cart and double-check your order.
You can also add a note for us, such as a PO# or if you wish your production to handle freight.

3. Continue to CHECK OUT where you will need to fill out your name and shipping details.

4. Do NOT enter any payment details.
Instead, in the Payment section, simply select "Invoice my Production!".

5. Finally, press the blue Complete Order button.
We will get back to you with an itemised invoice for you to check and approve.

See our Shipping policy for more details, or contact us.

If I prefer, can I order with you directly?

Yes! We appreciate that you may require services not available through this website.

For example, you may;
- have specific production needs
- require specific shipping
- be interested in a custom order

Whatever your reason, you can get individual service from us.

Please contact us directly with any questions you may have so we will start the ball rolling.

Refunds, Returns, & Replacements

View our full refund policy here.

We have a 14-day refunds, returns & replacements policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return or refund.

Please follow these steps for refunds, returns & replacements;

1. Contact us regarding the problem and send images to support your concerns. Let us know how you would like the situation resolved.

2. Wait for us to return your email where we will outline the possible options.

IMPORTANT: Do not send any goods back to us unless and until we specifically request you do so. Items sent back to us without our prior approval will not be accepted. No refunds will be issued for either the item or the return freight.

To start a return, contact us at orders@alliedfxco.com.

Help! I gave you the wrong address!!

If, before your goods have been dispatched, you realise you have given us incorrect shipping information, please contact us quickly to try and resolve the situation. We will do everything within our means to help rectify the problem.

We regret there is nothing we can do once your order has left us and is in the hands of the freight company.

Once the goods have shipped, we take no responsibility for loss of goods. Your best course of action is to contact the freight company directly for advice.
Any additional costs incurred must be borne by you, the customer, and we reserve the right to charge your payment method should we be debited by the freight company for any actions taken.

For more details, please see our Terms of service.

Can I change my mind once I have paid?

A long as your order has not been sent, we will do everything possible to help you change or cancel your order.
Please note, extra processing and restocking fees may apply.
Please understand that there is nothing we can do once your order has been sent.

NOTE: once we begin work, no refunds can be given on special orders such as bespoke colours or palettes.

If you require assistance with order changes, please email us as quickly as possibly at orders@alliedfxco.com

Can I track my order?

Yes. Once your order has been finalised, you will be issued with tracking details.

What forms of payment do you accept?

This site uses several payment methods including various credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop and PayPal.

What if I no longer want what I ordered?

Unfortunately for hygiene reasons, products cannot simply be exchanged because you changed your mind.

We have made every effort to provide an accurate representation of our products in our online store. However, please note that colors or product appearance may differ from how they may appear on your screen due to the type of device you use to access the store and your device settings and configuration.We do not warrant that the appearance of any product purchased by you will meet your expectations or be the same as depicted or rendered in our online stores.

See our Terms of service for more information.

IMPORTANT: Do not send any goods back to us unless and until we specifically request you do so. Items sent back to us without our prior approval will not be accepted. No refunds will be issued for either the item or the return freight.

If you have specific questions, please contact us for verification.

Ink

What makes your Inks a better choice?
  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.

So, what is the difference between Bluebird and Sideshow Inks?

There is no difference between our Bluebird and Sideshow Ink formulations.
The quality is the same.

However, the Palette colour collections and volume are different;

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 look ghostly? 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 casualty simulation training as well as the Pro on a budget!

But remember, if you buy an Ink, from the Sideshow range, it will be exactly the same one as in your Bluebird Palette.

Can Bluebird/Sideshow Inks be used to re-fill Palettes?

Yes! In fact, our Concentrated Fluid Inks are the exact same Ink we use when we create our Palettes!
Simply pour the Fluid Ink into the Palette and allow to dry naturally.

  • A small amount of Ink (about 1-2 grams) should dry overnight.
  • More (5-7grams) will take a few days.

Note, we do not recommend using our Airbrush Spray Inks for palette refills.

Are all your Inks the same formulation?

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 provides moderate coverage. Great for highlights, accents and colour corrections. Dries with soft matt finish.

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

See the following question for info on Tooth & Nail!

Are Tooth & Nail the same as Bluebird?

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 🙄) - 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!

Which Ink do you suggest I get?

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

  • Ink Palettes:
    Convenient colour ranges, Easily Activated, Strong & handy Packaging

  • Concentrated Fluid Inks:
    Strongest coverage, Neutralising tattoos, can be thinned to suit, use to refill palettes, creamy application, many sizes.

  • Spray Inks:
    Easy direct spray application, Pre-Diluted, use through airbrush directly, spray cap gives broad coverage, great for spatter, great for direct hair application

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.

Are your Inks vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly?

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.

How do I use Inks to cover tattoos?

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

How many Ink colours do you have?

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!

Do you make custom palettes and colours?

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.

What are the best shades of Ink to use for tattoo cover?

This will obviously depend on the skin tone you are matching to, but!-

Concentrated Fluid Ink

  • 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.

Airbrush Spray Ink

  • Skin tones that match your subject, spatter colours including Aged Red, Flushed, Freckle... any colour needed to make your skin tones natural.

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.

Why do some colours look so dark in the palette?

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.

Aquagel

What are Aquagels?

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.

What makes Aquagel Colorwash colours different from existing gels on the market?

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
How do I use Aquaclean?

Aquaclean is a two-in-one product:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Do I really need the Aquaclean cleanser?

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.

See how quickly Aquaclean works

Do I have to use the Colorwash Clear?

There are two things to consider;

  • If you use water, you will make the colours really thin, making fine detail hard.
  • If you use water to thin Colorwash, you may compromise its adhesion.

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

How strong can I use Colorwash?

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!)

Will using alcohol or alcohol Inks affect the Colorwash colours?

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.

Can I thin Colorwash to put it through an airbrush?

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

Will Colorwash 'read' on dark skin?

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

Do the gels need to be sealed?

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

Can I use Colorwash to colour prosthetics?

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 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.

Sealers & Sealer Sprays

Can I thin Undetectable Sealers, or do I have to buy the Spray?

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 the nozzle after use)

Is your Matt Sealer really matt?

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

Old Age

What is AFX Old Age?

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.

Is Old Age latex-based?

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.

How do you use Old Age?

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

Tooth & Nail

**IMPORTANT!

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!

What's the best way to apply Tooth & Nail?

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 99% 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
Do I need to put anything underneath Tooth & Nail?

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'.

Can I use Tooth & Nail on other things?

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!

Adhesive & Adhesive X

What is the difference between Adhesive and Adhesive X?

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 😀

What's the best way to use Adhesive and Adhesive X?

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 the adhesive and allow to dry (this can take a few moments), then 'tack' the adhesive well by tapping the skin. The end of a brush is good for this.
  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.

Important: Our adhesives dry more slowly than other similar glues, so you have time to apply, tack, position, check and reposition as necessary 😀

Aren't 'spirit gums' old fashioned?

Yes! But hair and makeup artist depends on them.

Our Adhesives are made with premium refined 'white' gum rosin, meaning that the colour looks lighter in the bottle and invisible on the skin.
Thick, dark rosin is not necessarily stronger. In fact, it's loaded with impurities which can impede adhesion and aggravate the skin.

Our Adhesives are also balanced for skin pH, making them far more gentle.

Can any remover take off your Adhesives?

No. Using the wrong remover can actually harm the skin.

We recommend our Vanish, which is especially formulated to remove gum rosin.

Filthy

What is Filthy?

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 allowing 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!

How do I get Filthy off?

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 need Filthy to come off gently, we recommend Vanish.
If you want it off quickly, try Clean Up (caution, Clean Up contains alcohol).
Isopropyl Myristate will also work well.

Sunburn

Is it as simple as it sounds?

It really is!

Sunburn contains ingredients that work synergistically, making application smooth and simple.
You don't get nasty streaks between layers or even if you reapply after hours!

We recommend a dry puff to apply, but you can also stipple with sponges and brushes to create the colour variation you require.

What's the difference between the colours and their effects?

Not surprisingly, our Original Sunburn was the first colour we released.
It's a soft blue-red which looks great for burns that are a little older.

Also not surprisingly, Red Raw is made for fresher burns.
But it is also looks amazing for other burns such as chemical and steam, where the injury is deeper and, well - raw!

How do I get Sunburn off?

In most cases, simple soap and water will get sunburn off.

But if you need a quick fix, Aquaclean will work in a flash!

Matt That

What can Matt That used for?

Great question.
Matt That actually, it has so many uses.

The main use is a s temporary magnifier for the skin. Apply on hot spots to relieve the shine.

Apply it as a skin primer before 'beauty' makeup.

It is also great for minimising skin texture, making it an AMAZING temporary filler for closeups!

It can be used over hair lace to minimise the honey-comb effect that becomes apparent with sidelight.

And it is perfect for fixing that annoying prosthetic edge just before a take.

These are some of the reasons Matt That is so popular!

Is it a permanent mattifier?

Matt That is intended for mored temporary effects.

Work with it in the light.
Work it to camera.
Work it for the moment...

And then, when you don't need it, blot it off!

Yes, it will last, but it is not "permanent" like our Matt Sealer or Matt Spray.

How do I apply it?

Simply pump a small amount onto the tip of a brush, brush it on and then tap it out.

Matt That will get matter as it dries.

The Dark Arts Company Bloods

Are your bloods water-based?

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

However we do have blood coloured Inks in our Bluebird / Sideshow and Tooth & Nail ranges, but these are alcohol-based and not water miscible.

Do your bloods bead (on silicone)?

The short answer is no.
Our Dark Arts bloods have special surfactants in them to help alleviate this effect.

On encapsulated silicone, you should have no trouble with any of our bloods.

However, on raw, un-encapsulated silicone we recommend using our Mid-Flo bloods or thicker.

Do Dark Arts bloods stain?

Dark Arts bloods are highly washable and have been used successfully by Makeup/Prosthetics, Hair/Wig, Costume, SFX and Art Departmentson hundreds of films without staining issues.

Disclaimer:
We have tested our Dark Arts bloods on many surfaces, however our tests are not exhaustive.
For this reason we suggest you always test them 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 The Dark Arts Company bloods.

Yes, but how easy are they to wash?

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

You'll find some helpful washing instructions on our Tech Sheets page.

Are your bloods 'mouth-safe'?

Dark Arts bloods contain only cosmetic and food grade ingredients and can be used safely and repeatedly in the mouth.

Swallowing small amounts will not cause harm, however please note that they are not intended for drinking.

Note: all theatrical blood use colours in levels not intended for general food consumption. Any theatrical blood consumed, even in small amounts, can cause a range of ailments from general cramping to digestive issues.
Do not drink Dark Arts, or any mouth-safe theatrical bloods.

There are no ingredients listed on your Dark Arts bloods!

The reason we do not list ingredients on our bottles is that, although safe on the skin, our bloods are not considered 'cosmetics' per some international definitions.

Instead, you can find a list of ingredients for all our blood products on this website.
Simply go to the individual blood product and you will find the ingredient list underneath the product image.

What is Hi-Viz Blood Additive?

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

When used at recommended levels, bloods with Hi-Viz will still look natural without any pink tinge.

How do you use Hi-Viz Blood Additive?

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

For Dark Arts Bloods, we recommend you use around 1 part Hi-Viz to 4-5 parts blood for most applications, 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.

Cleansers & Removers

Is there a difference between a cleanser and a remover?

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.

So, what do I use where?

Good question!
Here's what we recommend -

Melt
- Developed specifically for the gentle and effective removal of 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
- Cleans off spirit-based adhesives such as our Adhesive and Adhesive X
- Gentle cleanser with soothing ingredients
- Perfect for cleaning skin after wig removal
- Cleans off remnants of silicone & acrylic adhesives
- Not for use on wig lace

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

Aquaclean
- For removal of all water-based dyes, used in product such as Sunburn and Colorwash.

Sil-Sol

I've never heard of Sil-Sol before?!?

Actually, we have been making Sil-Sol for years, especially for the medical prosthetic industry.

So what is Sil-Sol?

Sil-Sol is a proprietary solvent we developed especially for lab use.
It's is a safer alternative to solvents such as Naptha.

Sil-Sol is extraordinarily versatile, finding uses such as;

Sculpture aide to:
– blend oil-based modelling-clay
– create slurries to create texture

Colouration aide to:
– thin RTV silicones and pigments to create a range of fluid washes and spray colours to permanently colour silicone FX, props and animatronics

Fabricating aide to:
– modify the viscosity of casting silicones to create a ‘slushable’ fluid.
– fill moulds just like you used to with latex! Simply pour and slush. Add more layers for extra thickness, then fill with poly foam etc.
– Sil-Sol will evaporate out of the cured silicone without altering the silicone’s strength. (Some shrinkage may occur).

Is Sil-Sol safe?

Sol-Sol is much safer than solvents such as Naptha and does not appear on the Props 65 list of products.

But Sil-Sol is still an evaporative solvent and should always use with good ventilation and appropriate filter masks or supplied air apparatus, especially when spraying.

Sil-Sol is not intended for use on skin.
It does NOT freight as dangerous goods.

Other inquiries? Let's chat.

Please email us at orders@alliedfxco.com