How to Make Stage Makeup

Makeup has been a part of the theatre as long as theatre has been a part of world culture. Painting the face has always been a way to convey character. But stage "greasepaint," made of heavy oil-based products, has gone out of style as more skin-sensitive products have come into being. Modern stage make up is no longer significantly different from street make up and there are cheaper, alternative sources available.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Makeup plot
• "Street" makeup products
• Pre-moistened towelettes

1. Determine the style of make up design needed for the production with a makeup plot. Realistic shows have different make up needs than a children's show, for example. Makeup that looks "real" can come from products identical or very close to those used for everyday "street" make up. Makeup that must be more "fantastic" may require less natural colors to accentuate character: purchase real stage color cakes for these needs.

2. Calculate the durability needs of the make up plot. If the show requires a lot of physical exertion, the makeup must resist heat and perspiration. Oil-based products will prevent "runs" because of sweat, but they will also tend to slide off the skin once the body temperature is elevated. Water based products, like "pancake" base, will not "slide" under hot lights but will react poorly to sweat.

3. Establish your makeup budget with consumption in mind. Pancake base makeup is cheaper than oil-based products and a tin of pancake will last longer during a run. Double your order for base if you use oil based makeup. Pancake is also impossible to ruin if left uncovered for long periods.

4. Substitute "street" products whenever possible. Street make up is less expensive than "stage" products especially when purchased in "no name" brands at discount stores. It is also easier to acquire street makeup from local stores in a pinch. Ordering makeup from theatrical houses can cause delays while waiting for delivery.

5. Look to Mary Kay for help. Mary Kay Cosmetics are extremely gentle to the skin and take to "lining" very well. They seem to be a perfect medium between water and oil based products and serve as a fine substitute for true stage make up in most cases. The Mary Kay "correction" makeup, used for covering acne and other flaws, is especially good. You can often acquire donations of free Mary Kay products from local distributors. These distributors often have free samples available; they also go out of business and have supplies to liquidate. Stockpile donated Mary Kay bases, setting powders, mascaras, blushes, liners and colors.

6. Eliminate expensive theatre make up removers. Pre-moistened towelettes, like Baby Wipes, are less abrasive to the skin, certainly smell better, and serve just as well as stage removers. Ask each actor to provide their own Baby Wipes.

7. Require all performers to provide their own personal make up products during a run of a show. After all, production companies don't provide underwear to actors so why should they provide a personal item like makeup? Banish traditional "shared" make up practices; sharing can often spread skin-borne germs. This practice will reduce costs significantly for your theatre organization over the season.

Tips & Warnings

• Oil based make up applies more evenly and accepts "lining" better than water-based products. "Set" oil based makeup with a coating of fine face powder to prevent melting under lights.

References

• "Stage Makeup: The Actor's Complete Guide;" Laura Thudium;1999
• "Stage Makeup;" Richard Corson;1990

Resources

• Mary Kay Cosmetics
• Stage Makeup Supplies
• Ben Nye Stage MakeUp Online