Stage Makeup 101
Stage Makeup 101
Stage Makeup 101
By Rylee Vogel
Makeup artists are an essential part of the incredible team “in the wings” that brings a production to life. It is important to foster students’ passion for this craft and to highlight the importance of makeup on the stage. Not only does this teach skills for a potential career as a theatre makeup artist, but it also encourages creativity, problem solving, experimentation, and self-expression.
Stage makeup is used to modify an actor’s appearance to better tell the story. It is critical because often stage lighting is very intense and can wash-out an actor to an audience sitting in darkness. Stage makeup is very different than daily makeup because it is designed to be looked at from afar. Stage makeup usually looks silly up close and often has different application techniques than traditional looks. Here are a couple of beginner techniques to help give your students the best foundation.
There are many beginning stage makeup kits available for student purchase. Ben Nye is the most popular, and they create a variety of starter kits based on budget. However, buying a specific kit is not necessary, so long as you obtain the following:
- Primer/Moisturizer
- Oil-based Foundation
- Oil-based Contouring Makeup
- Rouge/Blush
- Powder
- Eyebrow Pencils
- Eye Shadow
- Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Lip Liner
- Lipstick
- Makeup Sponges and Brushes
There are many different ways to apply stage makeup. This specific method is used and taught by professional makeup artists and is frequently used by performers across the world.
Primer/Mosturizer
Due to the heavy nature of stage makeup, it’s important to begin with a clean, primed, and moisturized face. This helps prevent irritation, protects the skin, and ensures the makeup sticks properly so it can last throughout the performance.
Foundation
Stage makeup foundation differs from regular foundation in that it should be a slightly warmer tone than the actor’s natural color. This is critical because stage lighting tends to make the performer appear pale, and a warmer tone balances out the look. Apply a generous amount to cover the full face and blend it thoroughly into the neck and hairline.
Contour/Blush
Depending on the character the actor is portraying, choose which features to emphasize with contour or blush. For example, if the actor is playing a traditionally masculine role that requires defined features, contouring the jawline and under the cheekbones will add definition. For a soft, feminine look, rosy cheeks with minimal contour are the best option. Contour can also be used to age a younger actor by adding wrinkles or lines.
Powder
After applying foundation, contour, and blush, brush or pat a thick layer of powder onto the face. This is a crucial step because stage makeup is usually oil-based. The powder reacts with the oil to set the makeup in place. This combination creates a porcelain finish and is moderately transfer-proof for approximately four hours before it may begin to clump or cake. This is another major difference between stage makeup and everyday makeup. Stage makeup is designed to be bold and durable for a short period of time.
Eyebrows
Actors often wear wigs or alter their hair to portray a character. Eyebrows should be filled in with a slightly darker shade than the actor’s hair color to maintain consistency under stage lighting.
Eye Makeup
The goal of eye makeup is to enhance the actor’s expressions so they can be seen clearly from a distance. This means using dark eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara, regardless of the actor’s gender.
Lips
Once all the other makeup has been applied, complete the look with lip liner and lipstick. This not only creates a cohesive appearance but also helps emphasize the mouth, which is essential for clear expression on stage.
Finishing Touches
Set the entire look with a setting spray or an additional light layer of powder. This final step helps the makeup stay intact for the duration of the show.
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