Making it Look Real
Faking a beard stubble can be difficult to do right; a thin layer of stubble can create a dramatic impact on your appearance, but looking too ‘stubbled’ can make your attempts look artificial and contrived. How to go about creating this look calls for a deft touch and a discerning eye.
Since stubble is the product of natural growth, it stands to reason that the best way to achieve a realistic looking stubble is through some kind of artificial alternative. When it comes to faking a stubble, cosmetics are the way to go. Whether you’re looking to film a single scene, or you need something that you can use for a more extended period of time, you can create a realistic look that doesn’t appear to be fake.
Applying the Products
The trickiest part of achieving a realistic beard stubble is the application. To make sure the results look as good as possible, it’s essential to apply the product in the right way. Begin by using as light a hand as possible with the applicator to get a more natural look. Lightly dusting the hair-free areas, such as around the jawline and upper cheeks, will give you a good basis from which to start building up the look.
The next step is to apply a slightly thicker layer of the product to give your artificial stubble more substance and consistency. Here you can use a wider range of applicator styles and a wider brush head, depending on how long and thick you want your stubble to look. Be sure to take your time when creating texture and working the colour into the hairs.
Using a Texturising Powder
The last step to making a realistic stubble look is to use a texturising powder. A texturising powder should be applied after the stubble product in order to add more definition and continuity to the look. The powder’s job is to give the artificial stubble more movement, making it look more real.
To apply, you can use a spray bottle filled with a few drops of texturising powder and a small amount of water. Spray the mixture onto the beard and use a wide-toothed comb to separate and move the hairs, giving the stubble a more natural, unstructured look.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve achieved the desired look, you can use a finishing spray to keep everything in place and make sure the final look doesn’t appear overly groomed. For light-to-medium stubble, you won’t need too much in the way of finishing product; for heavier stubble, though, you’ll want to make sure you use one to help keep the look more natural.
Finishing the look with a small amount of hairspray will also help give the artificial stubble more movement and make it less prone to sliding out of place. But don’t overdo it; the idea here is to add texture and definition, not to flat out your facial hair.
Tools of the Trade
To achieve a realistic looking beard stubble, you’ll need to find the right tools for the job. The two most important tools you’ll need are a good stubble product, and a suitable range of applicator tools.
For best results, opt for a product specifically designed for creating artificial stubble. These products are designed to mimic natural growth, so they will be able to give you a realistic looking finish. As for applicator tools, you’ll need a selection of different brushes, depending on how full and thick you need the stubble to look.
Understanding Your Skin
When it comes to making sure your stubble looks natural, it’s essential to understand the type of skin you have. Different products will work better on different types of skin; for example, if you have dry skin, you’ll need to opt for lightweight, oil-based products, while if you have oily skin, you’ll need to look for water-based products with minimal oil content.
It’s important to take into account how easily your skin absorbs product, too. Otley skin may require several applications of product before you start to achieve a realistic look, while oily skin may only need a few light coats.
Keeping it Clean
It’s important to make sure you keep your fake beard stubble clean and dirt free. If you wear it too long, it can start to look grubby, which will ruin the authenticity of the finish. To keep the look clean, wash it once in a while and use a little conditioner.
Once you’ve washed and dried your stubble, you’ll want to apply a light styling wax or gel to keep everything in place. Don’t go overboard with this, though; too much product can quickly make the stubble look artificial.
Making it Last
One of the benefits of choosing a cosmetic stubble product is that it can be reused. In between applications, simply wash it off and store it in a cool, dark place. This can save you a lot of time and money compared to having to go through the process of applying and re-applying regularly.
For best results, you should choose a product that is easy to take off, as otherwise you risk having to scrub it off and possibly damaging your face. When you do get it on and off, it should come off easily and without leaving any residue or staining.
Mismatched Stubble
It’s also important to take into account the size of your face when it comes to faking a beard stubble. If your beard isn’t the same on both sides, you may need to adjust the amount of product you use in order to get the most even look. The same is true for women, who may need to use less product due to the smaller size of their faces.
Being aware of the size of your face and being careful with the amount of product you use can help you to create a realistic looking facial stubble that doesn’t look artificial or contrived.
Achieving a Balanced Look
The key to achieving a balanced, believable looking stubble is to take your time and make sure you focus on the detail. Product selection, application technique, and taking into account the size and type of skin you have are all important factors that can significantly influence the final outcome.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of creating a convincing facial stubble, you should find that it’s easier to create different looks, depending on how long and thick you need your stubble to look. With some practice and patience, you’ll soon have a repertoire of realistic stubble looks to choose from.
Using Different Shades
When choosing a product for making artificial stubble, look for one with a range of shades, from light to dark, to give you more options when it comes to creating the look. Different tones will allow you to create natural looking variations in the stubble, making the look more believable.
Using bronzer or blush can also help you to achieve a more natural look. By adding just a hint of shadow or highlight, you can give the illusion of stubble that has grown thicker in some parts and lighter in others. This sort of subtlety can take your stubble look to the next level.
Conclusion
Fake beard stubble can be a great way to give yourself a new look that makes you feel confident and attractive. It doesn’t have to be difficult to get a natural looking finish; understanding the basics of product selection and application, as well as taking into account the size and shape of your face, can make all the difference. With practice and patience, you can find the perfect stubble look for you.
