As with any stage makeup application there are a few basics that should be considered. The person applying the makeup will need to determine exactly what animal she will create. A photograph of that animal, with as much detail of the animals face as possible, will assist in the creation.
The artist will also need supplies. This will include makeup brushes, loose powder, a large powder puff, base caked makeup for the underlying skin tone, application sponges, a makeup wheel or individual color containers of makeup that hold the colors needed, and a container of black caked makeup for things like whiskers and outlining the eyes.
It is suggested that a container of baby wipes also be provided for the removal of makeup when the wearer no longer requires the animal face or when design mistakes need to be altered.
It is advisable that the person applying the makeup also supplies a makeup cape for the individual undergoing the transformation to prevent makeup from damaging clothing and that all makeup is checked to ensure that it is still fresh and safe to use.
Both the artist and the wearer should check all ingredients in the particular makeup prior to application to ensure that no allergies exist to the products.
As previously stated, the application of stage makeup for animals can be very creative. Consequently, the artist can add fake teeth, facial hair, scars, fake noses and many other prosthetic devices to the design. Remember, however, the more effects that are used, the more costly the supplies and the greater amount of time it will take in the application process.
The face should be clean and dry and the base color selected should be applied with an application sponge evenly to the hairline. The base color should be blended well so that no streaks appear on the face. The application of the base is the preparation of the canvas for the artist.
You will have two choices in relation to the eyebrows--either use them as part of the design, or cover them up with the base color.
Now using the make-up brush and the black color, outline the shape of the eye for the animal. This part of the application process does not need to be heavy, as it is only intended to provide a basic guide for the application of color. Once the eyes are complete, continue to outline the rest of the features that you believe are integral to the animal chosen (Reference 1).
NOTE: If at any time a mistake is made, use the baby wipes to remove the outline and be careful to re-apply the base where it has been wiped off and start again.
Having selected the eye, nose, mouth and other colors for application, begin with the eyes and fill in your outline. Start by applying the colors sparingly to ensure that they are what you had in mind, and then slowly begin to strengthen the application so that the colors stand out.
After the main features of the animals have been colored in, add any other colors or effects to the rest of the face that are needed, such as, leopard spots.
Return to the use of the black cake makeup. Using the makeup brush, now is the time to carefully outline the main facial features that you have created boldly. The black outline will make them really stand out.
What many people do not realize is that powdering is an integral part of the make-up process. This is because it sets the makeup to the face and makes it last longer (Reference 2). It also subdues the features and this is why the application of those features initially is heavy.
Using the large powder puff and loose powder, load the puff with a lot of powder and lightly blot it all over the face. Make sure that before you attempt this you inform the wearer to close his or her eyes and mouth! The powder should be thick on top of the makeup and cover the entire face, but be careful not to smear the make-up during the application.
Now, with the use of a large makeup brush with extra soft bristles, slowly brush the powder from the face. The object here is not to remove all of the powder, but only to remove the excess. A light hand is needed so that while the powder is being removed the makeup is not disturbed.
Loose powder removed, now shake out the excess powder from the powder puff and carefully press the powder that remains into the makeup. This should be done with a gentle blotting.
If you have chosen an animal that has whiskers, now it the time to use your smaller makeup brush and black cake makeup and apply them to the creature. Load the brush with the black makeup and pinpoint where the whisker should start, set the tips of the brush there and then allow your wrist to jerk out from the face quickly. This gives the whiskers a tapered effect.