Spirit gum

A resin-based skin adhesive used to hold prosthetics, facial hair, and small decorative pieces onto skin — a staple for costume and theatrical make-up work.

Spirit gum is a resin-and-solvent adhesive that comes in a small bottle, usually with a brush applicator. You brush a thin layer onto clean, dry skin (and often onto the piece too), let it turn tacky, then press the piece firmly in place. A dedicated spirit gum remover dissolves the bond; pulling a piece off without remover can irritate or damage skin, so have remover ready before you begin. Spirit gum is flammable and gives off fumes, so use it in a well-ventilated area away from flames and keep it well away from your eyes. Do a patch test on a small area of skin a day before a full application to check for a reaction, and supervise younger makers closely during application and removal. Bond strength and drying behaviour vary by product, so follow its own instructions.