How to Apply Theatrical Makeup

Posted by admin in Theatrical Makeup on Oct 20th, 2009 | 0 comments

Basic Application of Theatrical Makeup

While theatrical makeup may look like it would be easy to apply, it can sometimes be very tricky, and hard to apply properly if you don’t know how. Theatrical makeup is considerably thicker than regular makeup, which can often give a person the impression they are putting it on too heavy. The truth is, most people do not apply theatrical makeup thick enough. Even if your finished faced appears to be very dark when you’re finished, it will likely fade under bright stage lights. The following paragraphs will provide some basic techniques that go along with applying stage makeup properly.

When applying basic theatrical makeup, the foundation should always go first. Try to choose a shade that is a shade or two darker than your regular skin tone. Starting at the forehead, blend the foundation upward, towards the hairline. When this is complete, cover the rest of the face with foundation, including:

• ears
• eyelids
• neck

It is important, when applying theatrical makeup, to not forget to cover the neck. If the neck is forgotten, it could cause the face to look mask-like. Once the darker foundation is used on these areas, a lighter shade then should be applied over the shadows that can appear under the nose, as well as on the chin.

When applying theatrical makeup properly, after the foundation has all been applied, the blush should be done. Of course men would want to choose a paler shade of blush than women would. The blush should be streaked over the cheekbone, then gently blended. It should also be lightly blended over the nose and forehead. Use the blush generously, as it will need to be visible to the audience. When the theatrical makeup blush is applied properly, it will almost always be darker on a woman than on a man.

In regards to theatrical makeup, applying eye makeup can often be considered the ”hard part“. Firstly, the eye area is often lightened by using a white highlighter along the brow bone, as well as under the eye. The highlighter should be carefully blended, so that the area is lightened, but that there are no white streaks present. Next, a color should be selected, that is just a tad darker than the natural skin tone. This color should be brushed over the eye, above the lid, but under the brow. This color should also be blended under the eye. Now you may add color to your eyelid, much like you would with regular makeup. However, with theatrical makeup, you should apply it darker than you would on a normal day. Once all of this is done, it is safe to apply mascara.

For best results from theatrical makeup, lipstick should come next. This is a pretty simple part of theatrical makeup application. Lipstick and lip-liner can go on in any order, depending on personal preference. They should be applied in the same way you’d apply every day makeup, only darker. Up close, it will look fake, but from the stage will look perfect.

Lastly, once all of the other theatrical makeup has been properly applied, loose powder should be dusted completely over the face and neck. Doing so will help ensure the theatrical makeup will not run or streak when the actor or actress sweats on stage.