It's all in the details---the highlights and lowlights
Applying theatre makeup is an art in itself. Highlights and shadows play starring roles. If the makeup is applied too lightly, the actor will appear washed out in the bright lights; if it is applied too heavily, the actor will seem like a cartoon. While some plays or musicals may require a heavy hand when applying the makeup, realistic theatre makeup needs to be evaluated every step of the way to ensure believability.
Instructions
Face Preparation
1. Clean the face using a mild cleanser. Pat dry.
2. Apply cake foundation or base with a moistened sponge. Cover evenly, going up to the hairline and down the entire neck.
3. Blend the color with the natural skin at the edges.
Eyes
4. Apply the lighter-colored shadow first, using either an applicator brush or fingertip. Cover the entire eyelid up to the eyebrow, softening the color on the outer edge.
5. Apply the dark-colored shadow along the fold of the eyelid, from the inner corner out to just beyond the outer edge of the eye.
6. Apply eyeliner on both the top and bottom lids. Begin with a thin line at the inner corner and gradually increasing the thickness of the line to the outer edge. Continue the line, angled slightly up, past the edge of the eye, about 1/4 inch or so.
7. Dust eye makeup lightly with powder to set the color(s). This helps keep the colors from smudging or running.
8. Apply mascara at least twice for added length and thickness, or apply false eyelashes.
Cheeks
9. Apply the light-colored shade first. Cover the entire cheek area using the blush brush (for powder blush) or pad (for cream blush). Concentrate the color on the apple (the bony structure) of the cheeks.
10. Apply the dark-colored blush below the apple of the cheeks. Start at the middle of the eye and continue at an upward angle toward the hairline. Follow the natural arc of the cheekbone.
11. Apply powder over the entire face to set the cheek color and foundation.
Lips
12. Outline the lips with the lip liner, staying just outside of the natural line of the lips.
13. Fill the lips in with the lip liner. This lasts longer than lipstick alone.
14. Apply lipstick.
