Facial contrast is the centerpiece of stage makeup. Manipulation is dependent upon the difference between the color of the foundational makeup and the highlights and shadows that are applied in places like the eye sockets, around the nose, cheeks, and chin. When the contrast is increased between the highlights and shadows versus the foundation, the skin appears to age. Decreasing the contrast creates the illusion of youth.
Stippling is simply using material like a sponge to dab the makeup against the skin. For more minute effects, use a brush to create the stippling effect. The purpose of stippling is once again to create a difference between the foundation and the makeup that is stippled. The primary purpose of stippling is to manipulate the texture of skin. Stippling effect can create illusions from rough skin to scarring to aging. Stippling with a brush can create skin effects like moles or freckles.
Stage hair is typically made from crepe hair, although animal and even human hair can be used. Crepe hair is the most economical, but is rarely found on Broadway. The reason for this is that crepe hair looks less realistic because it doesn't contain the same highlights and shades that animal and human hair does. If you really want a fake beard or wig or moustache to look real and you can afford it, stay away from the cheaper crepe hair.
A substance commonly referred to as nose putty is often used to enhance facial features that range from the nose to the chin. Nose putty can be used to alter the appearance of a person very realistically, but removal can require massage and scraping. An alternative to standard nose putty is derma wax. Derma wax is softer than nose putty, meaning it does not adhere to the same degree. At the same time, however, it can be removed much more easily.