Makeup application is an art form. For most people, applying makeup consists of covering up blemishes and accentuating features. For juniors Abby Peyton and Peyton Owen, makeup is used for a whole other type of transformation.

Owen knew she wanted to be a special effects artist when she was seven. She grew up watching all the original horror movies, inspiring her to pursue makeup artistry.

“Halloween is kind of like my birthday. The whole of month October, I spend all my time at getting make up and paint to test out. I always go a little overboard,” said Owen, who started getting into make up in the seventh grade. Since then, she has explored beautifying makeup as well as gory, special effects makeup.

“The first time I watched ‘Nightmare on Elm Street,’ I saw Johnny Depp get sucked up into his bed like a blender. I instantly knew that I wanted to learn how to do things like that. I wanted to do films and makeup,” said Owen.

There are staples in every makeup artist’s bag. This includes various types of fake blood, liquid latex, and clay. Peyton’s favorite things to use are liquid latex and cotton. Using those two items, Peyton can create stringy skin, extra flesh, and zombie skin with holes.

“Body painting can be pretty difficult because shading and highlighting is very important to make what you’re painting look realistic,” said Peyton.

Both Owen and Peyton will be doing beauty makeup as well as special effects for their friends for Halloween. It’s part of the perks of having aspiring makeup artists as friends.

“Glam and gore are both great, but I’d have to say I prefer gore body painting. There are far more creative possibilities,” said Peyton.

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“I was self-taught. I never had a teacher or watched tutorials much, but I would say don’t shy away from makeup if you have an interest in it. It’s really up to your imagination,” said Owen.

Simple makeup application is difficult enough for your average teenager. To create and manipulate materials for an illusion takes time and practice.

“YouTube tutorials are great. Definitely don’t be afraid to try something new. If you’re watching a YouTube video to do something, take that and make it your own. Stray away a little bit and add your own flair,” said Peyton.