Apply Stage Makeup

From dance competitions to theatre performances, there are many occasions when stage makeup is necessary. Stage makeup is different from regular makeup because people look different under those bright lights. Read on to learn how to put it on.

Steps

1. Wash your face and apply a skin moisturizer before beginning. This helps the makeup to last longer, and it will keep your skin from becoming dry and tired, later. Actors prone to oily skin should use a skin toner for this step. Apply the moisturizer all over the face and neck, and a light, colourless balm on the lips.
2. Add foundation. Typically, foundation that is one or two shades darker than your skin tone works best. This helps you to not appear pale onstage. Spread it evenly all over the face, neck, and into the hairline.
3. Apply blush. Next, apply the blush. A typical men's blush should be a terra cotta colour, while younger boys can have blush that is more pink or red. Women and girls have their choice of peach or pink blush. To apply the blush, smile your cheesiest smile and apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks. Then gently sweep the colour upwards..
4. For eye shadow, use only natural tones such as brown, white, or peach. No purple, blue, black or other unnatural colours unless it is required for character purposes. For a show like Godspell, your director will want girls to have brighter colors on the eyes, and even glitter on eyes and cheeks in addition to the blush/eyeshadow to be able to catch the light. Start with a light skin tone and gently cover the area of skin below your brow. Then, put a medium shade of brown on the eyelid and sweep it up and out. Next, line your crease with a darker brown and your tear duct with a white colour.
5. Apply eyeliner. Line the top of the eyelid along the lash line and from the middle of the bottom lash line out to the corner. The line should be even but not too thick. Use brown eyeliner for men and brown or black for women. (Black eyeliner is used more often for more dramatic characters.) Use white eyeliner on the waterline to make the eyes appear bigger and brighter.
6. Set the stage makeup. Apply your translucent powder by using a plump brush. Remove any excess powder by tapping the brush on a paper towel before applying the powder to the face and neck. When you set the makeup in this way, it is less likely to get ruined if the actor sweats during the performance
7. Apply lipstick. Most men use a more natural shade of lipstick while women can use varying shades depending on character, time period, and mood. Try to use a matching lip liner or the lipstick will bleed.Using a "Colorstay" lipstick or stain will keep the lipstick in place throughout the show- without a lip liner.
8. To Apply mascara, chose the same color as the eyeliner. If you apply before you set the makeup, it will look like you have snowflake on your eyelashes. While applying the mascara, try not to let the lashes clump together.
9. Wash your hands as you do not want to get makeup on your costume.
10. Make sure to apply false eyelashes if they're required. False eyelashes make your eyes pop. If your eyelashes come off before you go on stage use The Falsies Push Up Angel Washable Mascara. Falsies Push Up will give you the look of false eyelashes. Apply three coats of mascara to make it look like you're wearing false eyelashes. This way it will look like you have false eyelashes and your eyes will still pop.
11. Step back from the mirror a bit and look at yourself. You should have an exaggerated look to combat the bright stage lighting. Keep in mind that your public will be seeing you at different distances and from different angles. The people in the front of the audience will see you just fine, but, you want to appear natural to them. The people who see you from a distance must be able to see your expressions and the stage makeup will help you to accomplish this.
12. Finished.

Tips

• Use a mascara brush that has been washed out to remove mascara clumps from the eyelashes.
• Try to put on mascara right before the show because it will easily start flaking and ruin the rest of the makeup.
• Make sure you consult with your director before doing the makeup.
• Use a primer to set your foundation and carry a powder in a shade lighter and darker to bronze and highlight.
• Wash off the makeup as soon as possible because it may cause breakouts. Makeup comes off with a makeup removal wipe. Clean and Clear Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes will remove all of your makeup at once.
• Use a liquid mascara remover as soon as you get home. Pore the mascara remover onto a cotton ball and wipe it off. Be careful not to accidentally get the mascara remover in your eyes.
• To ensure you put the eyeliner in the right spot, have the wearer look up for the top, and look down on the bottom.
• If you are unsure about your makeup, remember to ask questions, state what you are confused about, and ask for help.
• Peach blush and Peach eyeshadow will give you a subtle look. Peach makeup is more natural.
• After using the makeup removal wipes wash your face with soap and water. This will remove any makeup that was left behind.
• Be sure that your makeup is hypoallergenic and alcohol free. You don't want to have an allergic reaction to your makeup or have your face burn while you're on stage.
• If you get the wrong foundation go to the mall and ask a makeup expert for help.
• Most performance companies use a makeup artist to apply makeup.
• To avoid getting lipstick on your teeth after you apply your lipstick, put your (cleaned) finger into your mouth, then close your lips around it and then pull your finger out. This should get the excess lipstick off of the inside of your lips and your teeth will remain lipstick-free!

Warnings

• Make sure not to get any of the lipstick in your mouth. If you do, gargle water. If it gets in your eyes, flush thoroughly with water.
• Try not to get lipstick on your teeth.

Things You'll Need

For Women

• Cream or Liquid Foundation that matches your skin tone
• Pink or Peach blush
• A range of brown, white, and peach eyeshadows.
• Brown Eyeliner
• Mascara
• Lipstick
• Lipgloss
• False eyelashes
• Makeup remover wipes

For Men

• Cream or Liquid Foundation that is 1-2 shades darker than skin tone
• Terra Cotta Blush
• A range of Brown Eyeshadows
• Brown Eyeliner
• Setting Powder
• Baby Powder
• Tissues

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