3Cosmetic Considerations and Application in Embalming

Complexion

The color and texture of the skin.

Albinism

Depigmented skin that appears off-white or straw-colored.

Vitiligo

Localized white spots or skin discolorations.

Carotene

The yellowish pigment of the skin.

Melanin

The brownish pigment of the skin.

Hemoglobin

The reddish pigment of the skin.

Normal Complexion Factors

Age, climate, health, and genetics.

Abnormal Complexion Factors

Blood discolorations, pigmentary discolorations, and moisture changes.

Blood Discoloration Cause

The escape of blood into intercellular spaces due to trauma or hypostasis.

Jaundice Discoloration

A yellowish to greenish skin discoloration.

Addison's Disease Discoloration

A bronze skin discoloration.

Decomposition Discoloration

A green skin discoloration.

Formaldehyde Gray

A grayish skin discoloration caused by embalming chemical reactions.

Fluid Burn

A pink skin discoloration.

Emaciation Skin Appearance

Sallow, yellowish, or light brown appearance.

Dehydration Skin Appearance

Light to medium brown tissue discoloration.

Desiccation Skin Appearance

Darker brown tissue discoloration.

Pre-Embalming Shaving Rule

Shave everyone using disposable razors one time only.

Dodge Shaving Cream Alternative

A soak of half Metaflow and half Restorative.

Infected Pores Treatment

Reduce carefully with a tissue, avoiding gloved hands.

Eye Line of Closure

Two-thirds superior palpebrae and one-third inferior palpebrae.

Phenol Injection for Bruises

Superficial injection with a small diameter needle, ideally before embalming.

Warm Color Areas

Areas of the skin characterized by red hues.

Highlight Color Rule

White, or at least two shades lighter than natural skin tone.

Shadow Color Rule

Brown, or at least two shades darker than natural skin tone.

Mortuary Cosmetics Base

Typically contains a red pigment base and reacts to cold skin.

Over-the-Counter Cosmetics Base

Typically contains a yellow pigment base and reacts to warm skin.

Blue/Purple Bruising Camouflage

Corrected using green camouflage.

Yellow/Greenish Bruising Camouflage

Corrected using purple camouflage.

Jaundice Counterstain

Corrected using red-based pigments.

Foundation Application Direction

Begin at the center of the face, working toward hairline and neck.

Translucent Powder Purpose

To set foundation or camouflage cosmetics and remove sheen.

Highlight Definition

A surface reflecting the maximum amount of light.

Shadow Definition

A surface reflecting little or no light.

Corrective Highlighting Effect

Appears to bring an area forward or emphasize it.

Corrective Shadowing Effect

Appears to make an area recede or become de-emphasized.