The techniques used in stage makeup include:
1. Base Makeup:
- Application of a foundation or liquid base to create an even skin tone.
- Concealing blemishes and dark circles to provide a smooth canvas.
- Powdering the face to set the foundation and reduce shine.
2. Contouring and Highlighting:
- Adding definition to the face by using darker shades to create shadows (contour) and lighter shades to bring forward features (highlight).
- Creating more prominent cheekbones, a sharper jawline, and a lifted brow bone.
3. Eye Makeup:
- Emphasising the eyes with eyeshadows, blending multiple colours to create depth.
- Applying eyeliner to enhance the shape and size of the eyes.
- Using false eyelashes or individual lashes to make the eyes look more dramatic.
4. Eyebrow Shaping:
- Shaping and filling in the eyebrows with pencils, powders, or wax to create a desired shape and define the expression.
5. Lip Colour:
- Applying lipstick, lip gloss, or other lip products to enhance the lips and add colour.
- Using lip liner to define the shape and prevent bleeding of lipstick.
6. Special Effects Makeup:
- Creating wounds, scars, bruises, ageing effects, or other special effects to transform actors into different characters.
- Using prosthetics, latex, and other materials to create realistic and detailed features.
In stage makeup, the focus is on creating a highly visible, exaggerated look to ensure the audience can clearly see the actors' faces from various angles and distances within a theatre or performance venue. Actors, makeup artists, and directors work collaboratively to determine the appropriate makeup for each role, taking into consideration factors such as the character's personality, historical period, lighting, and the overall artistic vision of the production.