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How to Make Theatrical Makeup

Theatrical makeup and over the counter makeup is expensive and some of it even contains ingredients that might be harmful to sensitive skin, especially if you aren't used to wearing it. Learn how you can make your own theatrical makeup from natural ingredients and some items you might find around your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring Spoons Bowls Water Shortening Food Coloring (red, yellow and blue) White Corn Syrup Saucepan Cornmeal Red and Brown Paint Gelatin Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
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Instructions

  1. How to Make Theatrical Makeup

    • 1

      Use shortening as a base makeup. Put the shortening in a bowl and mix in your choice of food coloring to achieve the base facial color you're after. Use a light dusting of flour instead of powder to set the shortening. Add unsweetened cocoa powder to the flour to create a darker foundation powder.

    • 2

      Combine 2 1/2 tablespoons of water with 60 drops of red food coloring, ten drops of yellow food coloring, and 3 drops of blue food coloring, mix well, then combine the colored water with white corn syrup. Pour in slowly, until you achieve the desired consistency. This will give you a theatrical staple: blood.

    • 3

      Heat a 1/4 cup of cold water and gelatin until the gelatin dissolves. Paint corn syrup on your face wherever you want a scab, then apply cornmeal to the corn syrup. Apply a thick coat and let it dry, then brush away the excess and paint the scabs any combination of nasty colors you'd like.

    • 4

      Glue small hairbrush bristles onto peppercorns and use eyelash glue to apply the peppercorns to your hands and face. These will make perfect warts.

    • 5

      Use cottonballs shredded and colored with food coloring to create beards, moustaches, and thick eyebrows. You can apply the cottonballs with eyelash glue or even corn syrup. Mix and match your homemade theatrical makeup to create a range of gruesome creatures.

Film Production

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