Whether you’re an amateur performer who loves community theatre in their spare time, or you’re hoping to get your big break on Broadway, it’s always good to know how to do your own makeup.
Makeup for the stage is a little different from everyday makeup. With all the lights shining down on you, and the audience sat a fair distance away, it’s important to create more definition than normal.
To help get you started, we’re sharing the basics so that you can get your theatre makeup perfect every time.
Let’s get started!
Prioritize primer
On an average day, you’ll likely have time to re-apply or touch up your makeup. But in the fast-paced world of theatre, there’s no time between scenes to check how you look. That’s why primer is vital.
Performing can be hot and sweaty, too, under bright lights, meaning it’s best to look for a mattifying, oil-free primer to help fight the shine.
Matte finish foundation
Just like the primer, you’ll need a matte finish foundation to help hide how hot and bothered you feel inside. It’ll also help prevent the show lights reflecting off you. As mentioned, you’ll likely have a variety of different stage lights beaming down on you, which can quickly wash out your natural skin tone. As such, most performers opt for a foundation at least a shade darker to their everyday product. That way, when the light hits, you don’t look ghost-like!
Define the cheekbones
To help with the total washout, it’s a good idea to emphasize the cheekbones with a bronzer and a little blush. After all, you’ve just covered your normal rosy cheeks with a dark foundation, so it’s time to bring back your natural complexion. Brush blusher into the apples of your cheeks and gently blend with your foundation for a natural look.
Emphasize the eyes
If you’re not expected to wear a specific eyeshadow color, it’s best to just create a slightly-bolder-than-natural look. Add a lighter shadow to below the brow and a dark brown hue to the actual lid. This will help create definition that the audience will be able to see.
Then it’s time for the liner. Keep the liner close to the lash line to create a simple line around the eye. This will not only create definition, but also help enhance the look of your lashes.
Which brings us onto mascara. If you aren’t keen on false lashes, a volumizing mascara will do just the trick. Apply a few coats to really make your eyes sparkle while on stage.
Finally, for the eyes, you can fill in your brows for a bolder look. This is particularly helpful if you’re not blessed in the eyebrow department …
Pop a pout
Lastly, to complete the look, a rosy red pout is required. Choose your favorite red lipstick and pucker up!
To make sure your look stays put for the whole show, don’t forget a good setting spray. Otherwise, you might not quite look the part in the second half …
Now, you’ve got the basics down, you’re free to experiment with different eye shadows, highlighter and hey, why not some glitter?
To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category
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