Makeup has a rich history of being able to create characters on and off the stage. From clowns to coverup, the world of makeup is vast and exciting. However, stage makeup can be a challenge when it comes to community theater. Many people do not know how to do proper makeup that will pop on stage. While every character, stage, and individual’s makeup needs will vary, here are some basic tips to ensure you look good while you perform.
1. Face Prep
Your skin is your canvas, and you need to start with a good canvas to end up with a masterpiece. Wash your face thoroughly taking extra care to exfoliate and moisturize. It is important to apply a skin moisturizer and/or primer before beginning any makeup application in order to help protect your skin and help the makeup last longer. Be sure to apply it over your entire face and neck and use a colorless balm on the lips
Many actors utilize a skin toner or primer instead or in addition to moisturizer, especially if they are prone to oily skin. If you utilize a moisturizer, be sure to let it sit for about a half-hour to ensure that the makeup will apply more easily. Starting with a clean, dry face is the first step for any performer.
2. Add foundation and Blush
It often works best to use a foundation that is a relative match for your skin tone but is one or two shades darker to ensure that you don’t look pale on stage while still making it look even. If the character you’re playing is meant to look pale or ghostly stick with cold, pale tones. Make sure to do at least 3 full hair and makeup runs so directors can know if it looks good on stage.
Cream foundations often last longer than powder and may be easier to make it look even. You can use a sponge or foundation brush for the application of foundation. If you use a sponge, dab it into the cream and use the same technique to apply it to your face, making sure it is evenly spread across the face and neck. Take extra care at the hairline to blend it in evenly. The same goes for blending foundation from the jawline to the neck.
The heaviness of the foundation will depend on the character and the size of the venue. Generally, the larger the theater (and farther away from the audience), the slightly heavier the foundation, and the opposite holds true for small theaters and close audiences. In community theater, you usually only need a tiny bit more to be stage ready.
Blush works to provide more defined contours to the face on stage. While men are best served by a terra cotta color, younger boys can utilize pink or red. Women and girls can both use pink or red blush. For best application, smile wide and apply the blush to the apples (the hollow) of your check with a gentle upward sweeping motion with the brush.
3. Eyeshadow/eyeliner
Natural tones such as browns, tans, and nude pinks work best for eye shadow unless a different color is needed for a specific character. Many productions will utilize brighter colors in the eyes of the girls. 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 white color.
Base colors off your show and character. The birds in Seussical will obviously call for different eyeliner than the mothers in Our Town. Eyeshadow is also easily overdone, so make sure you keep it clean.
Eyeline should be applied after the eyeshadow. The character will define the color you use, with lighter colors for both men and women and darker colors reserved for dramatic characters. While you can use a pencil liner, a liquid liner often provides a more prominent line that can be seen from a distance. If you are not a skilled artist at eyeliner, Q-tips work wonders for corrections. Always have Q-tips in your makeup bag.
Males should use brown eyeliner while women can use brown or black. White eyeliner can be used to make eyes look bigger and brighter. Apply eyeliner by carefully extending it up and outward beyond the edge of your eye to subtly merge it with the line of your lashes for a more open look.
4. Mascara and False eyelashes
It’s best to use mascara the same color as the eyeliner. A number of experts suggest applying mascara after you set the makeup to avoid a snowflake effect. It can help to use the opposite hand to lift the eyelid slightly from the position of the eyebrow. Using the other hand, apply the mascara using an upward sweeping motion to the eyelash being careful not to let the lashes clump together.
Eyelashes are a very easy and effective way to make characters pop. I’ve used purple and white mascaras to make characters seem more mystical. Applying false eyelashes takes practice, so make sure to do it several times before your first makeup run.
5. Applying lip liner and lipstick
You should start with the lip liner before applying the lipstick. When lining the mouth with a lip liner, subtle is better at enhancing the natural contours of the individual’s mouth. While men should stick with natural or nude lipstick shades, women have a full palette depending on the character, time period, and mood of the piece. It is most common to have the lipstick match the eyeliner and lip liner. I recommend looking for “superstay” lipsticks.
My favorite lipstick on stage is Maybelline
super stay matte lipstick, but experiment
with what works best for you.
6. Set the stage makeup
The process of “setting” the makeup is needed to make it last longer and prevent running or smudging when the actor sweats. There are powders as well as sprays made for this step. With translucent powders, use a plump brush to lightly sweep a thin coating of powder across the face being sure to do the same with the eyes, nose, moth, and neck. Remove any excess powder by tapping the brush on a paper towel before applying the powder to the face and neck.
7. Cleanup and review
After washing your hands, take a minute to review your makeup to be sure that no parts are over- or under-emphasized in keeping with the character, the period, the mood, and the distance from the audience. Once you check your costume, your set for another performance.
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