Choosing the perfect artificial blood for makeup, SFX, Halloween, and theatrical effects.
Artificial blood comes in many types, each built for a different purpose. You can find products in different colors, consistencies, and formulas, some safe for skin, some for the mouth, and others for costumes and props.
Different types of blood include liquid blood, viscous blood, and blood suitable for use around the eyes, in the mouth, on costumes, props, and more.
Diffrent types of fake blood products
- Stage Blood (liquid blood)
- Blood Paste, Thick Blood or Blood Gel
- Blood Capsules
- Blood Powder
- Blood Spray
- Blood Paint
Stage Blood
Stage blood is the most common type. It has a normal consistency and creates the look of fresh blood in and around wounds. People also call it liquid blood or FX blood. The term “stage blood” is sometimes used as a catch-all, but most people picture fresh liquid blood when they hear it.
Many brands and manufacturers offer stage blood in several colors. Most have a light arterial blood and a darker venous blood. Some brands also sell a darker, slightly coagulated version – perfect for wounds that are meant to look a few hours old. A few manufacturers also make zombie or monster blood for special effects.
Blood Capsules
Blood capsules are small gelatin capsules filled with fake blood. You place one in your mouth and bite down to release the effect. Use multiple capsules at once for a bigger impact. They work great for fight scenes and for characters like zombies, vampires, and monsters.
You can buy ready-filled capsules or empty ones you fill yourself. Use a clean pipette to fill them, and work over a sink in case of spills.
Always use blood that is safe for oral use. Do not swallow the capsules. Wash your hands before handling them, or wear disposable gloves.
Mouth Safe Blood
Mouth-safe blood is made for use inside the mouth and on the lips. Some types have a peppermint flavor and a pleasant smell. It is a great choice for blood capsules. Even though it is safe to use in the mouth, try to avoid swallowing it. Actors can spit it out or let it slowly drip from the mouth for different effects.
Eyeblood
Eyeblood is a product from Kryolan. It simulates bloodshot or injured eyes and comes in red, green, blue, yellow, and black. You apply it just like eye drops.
Do not use Eyeblood while wearing contact lenses or crazy lenses.
Blood Powder
Blood powder is a red powder you apply in a thin, invisible layer on skin or props. When it comes into contact with water or another liquid, blood appears. This makes it perfect for cutting effects – use it with a dull knife for a convincing result. You can also spray water on skin dusted with the powder to make blood appear magically. Graftobian Magic Blood Powder is one popular example.
Blood powder also works well for mixing large amounts of thin liquid blood for decoration or large-scale effects.
Blood Paint
Blood paint is artificial blood made for props, scenery, masks, and costumes. It does not rub off, looks wet even when dry, and stays permanently on surfaces. Think of it as paint that looks like blood. It is ideal for Halloween attractions, haunted houses, and costumes.
Do not use blood paint on skin.
Some tips when using fake blood
Many types of liquid blood products must be shaken before use.
Remove blood with soap and water – baby wipes are not recommended because they can leave a pink stain on your skin. Always check the product or the manufacturer’s website for removal instructions.
Sugar syrup blood attracts insects. Avoid it for outdoor use. Choose a non-syrup formula like Clink Street blood instead.
Wear gloves when working with large amounts of blood. Removing blood from the palms of your hands is especially tricky with cheaper brands.
If blood keeps staining your skin, try applying moisturizer, Vaseline, or lotion first. This creates a barrier between the skin and the blood. Test a few different products to find what works best. Don’t apply too thick a layer – it will make the skin look shiny. If staining is still a problem, switch to a professional-grade blood.
If blood beads up on the skin instead of lying flat, the surface is likely oily or silicone-based. Add a single drop of soap to act as an emulsifier. Note: never use soap-mixed blood in the mouth.
Application techniques
Various techniques can be used to apply artificial blood to wounds, injuries, and the skin.
- Stipple sponge
- Q-tip or cotton swab
- Kleenex or paper
- Makeup brush
- Spray on
- Splatter
- Flick on
Choosing the right blood
Consider price, ease of removal, area of use, how it affects clothes and costumes, color, and consistency.
As a rule, more expensive blood is easier to remove. Always buy from a makeup or SFX brand. Cheap party store blood is often low quality and hard to remove.
Check whether the blood works for your specific use case — skin, mouth, eyes, hair, or costumes. If it is not stated on the product or the manufacturer’s website, assume it is not safe for mouth or eye use.
Some blood types are waterproof. These hold up well in wet conditions but can be harder to remove and tend to cost more.
Some professional fake blood brands
These are some of the most popular fake blood brands used in film, theater, and case simulation worldwide. Professionals choose them for their realism and easy removal. Many work well on silicone without beading. Some stay on skin and props without staining clothes — and still look fresh when dry.
- Robert Smith Blood
- Nick Dudman Blood / Pigs Might Fly South
- Fleet Street Bloodworks
- Vermillion FX
- Glynn McKay
- Clink Street Blood
- EBA Performance Blood
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FAQ: Artificial Blood
What is artificial blood, and how is it used in various applications?
Artificial blood is a substance designed to replicate the appearance of real blood. It is commonly used in filmmaking, theater, special effects (SFX), and Halloween costumes to simulate injuries, wounds, or other blood-related effects.
What are the different types of artificial blood available in the market?
There is a variety of artificial blood products, including liquid blood, thick blood, mouth-safe blood, eye blood, and blood capsules. Each type serves specific purposes in creating realistic effects for different scenarios.
Can artificial blood be used on the skin and in the mouth?
Yes, many artificial blood formulations are safe for use on the skin and inside the mouth. However, it’s essential to choose the appropriate type based on the intended application, and precautions like not swallowing certain blood types should be observed.
How can artificial blood be applied to fake wounds and injuries?
Different application techniques can be used, including brushes, sponges, or even by dripping or spraying, depending on the desired effect. Each technique contributes to creating realistic and convincing blood effects.
Can I use artificial blood in the eyes?
How to remove artificial blood?
Artificial blood is mostly removed with soap and water. Other types may have other special instructions on how to remove it. Read on the product, the website of the place you bought it from or the website of the manufacturer.
How to remove blood from clothes and costumes?
You remove blood from costumes by first rinsing them before then putting them in the washing machine and washing them successively.
Note – Some types of blood can be more difficult to remove from textiles, clothing and costumes than others.
Which type of stage blood should I choose?
The rule of thumb is that the more expensive the blood, the easier it is to remove. Also buy blood from a different make-up brand or manufacturer. Cheap types from party stores are often of poor quality and can be difficult to remove.
How to remove artificial blood from hands?
Getting blood off the inside of hands can be difficult. It is therefore recommended to use gloves when working extensively with blood, if possible. Then you will also hopefully not have to spend time washing blood from your hands.
Can I thaw frozen artificial blood?
Some blood products survive freezing. You can thaw them and use them as normal. Store blood at room temperature to prevent freezing in the first place.
Why does blood stain my skin even after I follow the removal instructions?
Try applying moisturizer, Vaseline, or lotion before you use the blood. This creates a barrier that protects the skin. Test a few products to find what works best. Don’t apply too thick a layer – it will make the skin look shiny. Still having problems? Switch to a professional-grade blood.
Can artificial blood stain hair or wigs?
It depends a lot on blood type and hair type. The basic rule is that the more expensive and more professional blood you obtain, the easier it is to remove from hair, beards and loose hair parts.
Does artificial blood have an expiration date?
Many types of blood have an expiry date by which it is recommended that you use the products. Some have also recommended shelf life after opening. This can vary from anything from, for example, 3, 6, 12 or 36 months. Kryolan Eye Blood has a shelf life of one month after opening. The shelf life or expiry date is usually marked on the container of the blood.
Can I use expired blood?
It is possible to use expired blood, although it is not recommended. You may have to assess this yourself on your own. If the blood is suitable for oral use, it is not recommended to use it orally in the mouth after the expiry date. The same applies to the use of eye blood in eyes.
Is there blood that dries and stays dry and still looks wet?
There are several types of blood that dry and do not infect. This is very practical to avoid blood getting on costumes, clothes or other places.
How long does artificial blood take to dry?
The drying time of blood varies. The drying time can be shortened with a hairdryer as long as you are careful not to burn the person you are applying make-up to. Note that some types of blood contain ingredients that prevent the blood from drying at all as it is always liquid. An example of such a product is Filmblood from Grimas.
Is there blood that can withstand water and moisture?
Yes there are some types of blood that tolerate water. But note that this type of blood can be difficult to remove and is also sometimes a bit expensive.
The blood that I use in my mouth dissipates too quickly. Is it possible to create the effect of a bloody mouth that lasts longer?
One possibility is to use blood colored tooth enamel to color the teeth blood red.
How do you store fake blood?
Artificial blood is stored away from direct sunlight in a closed original container at room temperature, unless otherwise mentioned on the website or on the product. Avoid storing the blood in places where it can get cold because then the blood can freeze.
Always follow safety guidelines and product instructions when using fake blood. For specific concerns, consult a professional makeup or SFX artist.