Applying a foam latex or silicone prosthetic

This page has safety advice that hasn't yet been checked by our safety reviewer. Treat it as general guidance, and follow your game's, venue's or product's own safety rules first.

A guide to attaching ready-made foam latex or silicone prosthetics with skin-safe adhesive, blending the edges and removing them safely, for first-time makeup cosplayers.

A prosthetic appliance — whether foam latex or silicone — is a pre-sculpted piece designed to change the apparent shape of your face or body. Foam latex pieces are lightweight and move naturally with your expressions, while silicone pieces tend to be heavier but capture fine skin-texture detail very well. Before you ever reach for an adhesive, sit down and identify which material your prosthetic is made from, because the best adhesive and removal method can differ between them. The most important step happens days before your event: a patch test. Apply a small amount of your chosen skin-safe adhesive — one made for prosthetics and rated for use on skin — to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear, leave it for the time recommended on that product's packaging, then remove it gently and wait a full day to check for redness, itching, or swelling. If you have a known latex allergy, foam latex prosthetics are not safe for you; look for silicone pieces instead, check that your adhesive and makeup are latex-free too, and still patch-test the adhesive separately. To apply the prosthetic, make sure your skin is clean, oil-free, and dry. Most makers apply a thin, even layer of adhesive to the skin (or both the skin and the back of the piece, depending on the product's instructions), wait for it to reach the correct tackiness as described on the label, then press the appliance into place from its centre outward. Blending the edges is where patience pays off. You can stipple a small amount of the same adhesive over the seam, or use a dedicated edge sealer, then work skin-toned makeup — usually a silicone-compatible or alcohol-activated formula — across the join until the transition disappears. Removal should be slow and kind to your skin. Never pull a prosthetic off dry. Apply a prosthetic-safe adhesive remover around the edges and let it work its way under the piece gradually; forcing it can tear both the appliance and your skin. Follow up with a gentle cleanser to clear any residue, and moisturise afterwards, since repeated adhesive use can dry out the skin. Safety matters throughout this process. Work in a well-ventilated area when using adhesives or solvents, as fumes can build up quickly in a small space. Keep adhesives and removers well away from your eyes, never apply them to broken or irritated skin, and wear nitrile gloves if your hands are sensitive. Younger makers should have an adult present for all adhesive and removal steps. Never use craft glues, household contact cements, or any product not rated for skin contact as a substitute for proper prosthetic adhesive, since they can cause rashes or chemical burns and can tear skin when the piece comes off.