How Do I Makeup My Face Like a Pantomime?

Mime makeup is easy to recognize.

Pantomime is a form of storytelling that uses body language without speech. This form of performance has existed for thousands of years, and is still found today. Mimes wear a very specific form of makeup, which resembles a stylized clown. While there are a few standard features always found in mime makeup, you can modify several details to form your own creation. All of the materials you will need is available at a drugstore or costume shop.

Things You'll Need

• White cream makeup
• Makeup powder
• Powder puff
• Powder brush
• Black eyeliner
• Black eyeshadow (optional)
• Black makeup pencil
• Lipstick

Instructions

1. Apply white cream makeup to a makeup sponge. Wipe the sponge against the container of makeup, then swipe it onto your forehead, over your nose and down your cheeks. Stop just under your chin to create a whiteface effect.

2. Powder the makeup with no-color makeup powder and a powder puff, pressing the powder firmly into the makeup to set it. Brush away any excess powder with a powder brush.

3. Apply black eyeliner around your upper and lower eyelids, circling your eyes. If desired, apply black makeup powder to your eyelid for a smokey eye.

4. Draw a black line down from the middle of your lower eyelid with a black makeup pencil. This line can be as short as 1 inch or go all the way down your cheeks, depending on your preference. Additional lines can extend up above your eyes or out from the sides if you desire.

5. Fill in your eyebrows with a black makeup pencil, making them into solid arch shapes. If desired, you can cover your eyebrows in white makeup and draw exaggerated ones onto your forehead above your real ones.

6. Apply red or black lipstick, either covering the entire lips or keeping the lipstick in the center for a beestung look.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also begin by drawing a black circle around your face, from hairline to chin, and filling in only that portion with makeup.

References

• "Stage Makeup-Sixth Edition"; Richard Corson; 1981