How to Apply Stage Make Up

In order to apply stage makeup, you will need to acquire a seasoned technique and purchase additional supplies for your tackle box. Additionally, you need to learn how to apply stage makeup that is appropriate for the character, setting, and historical stance. You can practice applying stage makeup by following an application order and using your skills to master different looks for various types of stage performances. Make someone a superstar with your new skills and become the makeup artist of the stars.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soap
• Sponge
• Tackle box
• Spirit Gum
• Molding wax or putty
• Fixative
• Color wheel disc with cream colors
• Disposable makeup tools (mascara wands, brushes, sponges)
• Makeup: foundation, blush, mascara, lipstick, eye shadow
• Makeup remover

1. Wash the clients face and apply moisturizer. Let the moisturizer soak in for ten minutes so it leaves the skin moist, yet dry enough to serve as a makeup primer so the makeup will not cake or crease.

2. Apply prosthetics and other special effects with molding wax or putty with spirit gum. Use a fixative to seal the prosthetics, such as Fixative A and allow 20 minutes for drying time.

3. Apply eyelashes with eyelash adhesive. Create the look you want with the eyelashes, such as separating or curling them, and allow the eyelash adhesive to dry for 15 minutes.

4. Apply the first layer of foundation. Use a foundation color that is one shade darker than the client's skin tone to prevent the skin from looking pale from the stage lights, unless your character needs a pale look.

5. Apply a second layer of foundation for modern female characters and apply lip color. Modern male characters and all characters from a previous time span do not need a second layer of foundation, and only need a minimum amount of lip color.

6. Apply eye makeup and use a fixative to seal in the stage makeup. Replace face powder with a fixative spray to give the makeup more setting and sealing power, preventing the stage makeup from smearing or melting under the hot stage lights.

7. Ask the client to stand on the stage under the stage lights to see the results of your application. Go to the back of the theatre, judge the character's makeup, and make corrections or adjustments to the stage makeup as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Carry eye drops and a water bottle in your tackle box. Some clients may have an allergic reaction or irritation from the makeup or other applications. Stock and clean your tackle box. Be sure to check your makeup supply frequently. Clean brushes, applicators, and other makeup tools between each makeup session, and throw away rubbish from the previous session. For low budget theatre, use drugstore cosmetics and tools to save money. For high paying jobs, use high-end products for premium coverage and quality results.
• Ask the client if they are allergic to any of the ingredients used in stage makeup before makeup application. Keep children and pets away from the makeup supplies, and call Poison Control if swallowed.

Resources

• Molding Wax for Special Effects
• Prosthetics Sealer
• Finishing Spray for Stage Makeup