Here’s a throwback to the days before THE WALKING DEAD was the most over TV show in the history of the world. (“Over” is wrestling/carnie-speak, in case you didn’t know; as in “getting over with the fans,” i.e. achieving a certain status of success.) AMC released a how-to chart for turning yourself into a zombie. Truthfully, while it does provide a handy list of materials you will find useful, and the sequential order in which makeup and prosthetics should be applied, it won’t guarantee you end up looking like a professional-grade zombie. To achieve that, as is the case with achieving anything of quality, you’re going to have to practice.
I have several friends who are makeup techs, both on the “amateur” level and on the professional level. I am not infrequently awed by what they are able to do to themselves and others. They work hard at it. It isn’t something that just anybody can manage with a few bucks worth of liquid latex, oatmeal, and food coloring. Makeup FX is an artform, and only gifted artists truly excel at it. That being said, with a little effort and not a whole lot of money, it IS possible for your average fan to get pretty good at it, given a little time. Any budding makeup masters in the house?