Effort    /5

There will be points awarded to each entry based on the use of makeup skills and techniques. You will gain extra points if you use additional items such as hair, costumes, and/or props to make a complete horror makeup look.

Skill/Technique    /5

Points will be awarded to each entry based on the application of the makeup itself. Some examples include:

• If prosthetics are used, are there any edges showing or is the prosthetic glued to the skin completely?
• If there is blood used, does it flow in a natural way from the wound/wounds?

The details in the makeup look are very important to the look you create!

Photo Quality/ Composition    /5

Points will be awarded in this category based on whether the photo could be used in a portfolio or magazine ad. If the photo is clear, well lit, with an appropriate background for the photo, higher points will be awarded. Blurry, badly lit photos with busy backgrounds will receive lower points.

Fun/Originality    /5

This is the category where you get points awarded for using your imagination! Horror makeup can be anything and everything! Use your imagination to create a new take on a classic or something completely out-of-this-world scary. The more creative the entry is, the more points the artist will be awarded. Originality is key! Please note that copying someone else work will cause the entry to be disqualified.

Story    /5

This category allows for the backstory of the entry. Points will be given based on explaining what the person or creature is, and not how you applied the makeup. Have fun with this category! It is your chance to tell the world about YOUR creation!

Effort    /5

Higher points will be awarded to those who combine diverse skills with incredible imagination to create a detailed and captivating fantasy look. Makeup technique is fundamental, but the more visually stunning the final image is— through the tasteful use of hair, costume styling, props, and accessories — the more points will be awarded.

Skill/Technique    /5

Students who demonstrate the use of polished makeup skills, detailed application, symmetry (when it is supposed to be symmetrical), and diverse use of techniques, will be awarded higher points. There are no rules in fantasy, so don’t be afraid to change, refine, and create new techniques.

Photo Quality/ Composition    /5

A good quality image is essential. The photograph should be clean, crisp, and appropriately lit. Higher points will be awarded to images that look like they could be in a glamour magazine or media feed. Points will be deducted for images that are blurry, messy, or have cluttered or thoughtless backgrounds (e.g. messy bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.). This doesn’t mean that you need an expensive setup, it just means you need to clean the oils off your camera lens or to borrow a better phone or camera. Incredibly gentle retouching is acceptable, although your makeup should be doing the perfecting on its own. Blurred skin, visible or over-retouching, and filters will result in a loss of points or disqualification.

Fun/Originality    /5

Create a makeup look that is original and from the deepest recesses of your imagination. I expect to see wonder and beauty! Have fun every step of the way! If you copy or tweak an influencer’s existing work, you will be disqualified. You are an artist — don’t copy. And, I can promise you, everyone in the industry has seen enough of the over-done and constantly copied tutorials. Originality is difficult, especially in a social media-driven world, so accept the challenge to create.

Story    /5

A few sentences about your creation, and the story behind him/her/it, can do a lot to sell your image. Don’t fall into the trap of telling what you did with the makeup. Instead, tell the story of who or what this person or creature is. The stronger your story and concept, the more precise and clear your application will be, and the more points you’ll be awarded. In the past, amazing makeup artists have lost the contest because they refuse to tell a story. Don’t let that be you.

Final note

This contest is based on merit, skill, technique, talent, and effort. It is not a popularity contest solely based on votes and the number of media followers you have. I do encourage you to share your work and get the support of your friends, but popularity will not win the contest— and it shouldn’t. Skill, creativity, and effort should always determine the win, and as professionals, we should remind our followers and fans of this. Put everything you have into creating an incredible look— and even if you don’t get a single social media like, your talent, concept, and skill could still win you the contest.