Prep your skin. Stage makeup application tends to be heavy, making it even more important that you prep your skin properly. Wash your face with facial cleanser and towel dry it gently. Dampen a cotton ball with toner and apply the toner to your face. Follow up with your favorite moisturizer. Allow the moisturizer to absorb into your skin for at least ten minutes.
Create the complexion. Theatre performers typically look like they have a flawless complexion, especially from a distance. Cake foundation is used to create a flawless, matte-looking complexion. Dampen your makeup sponge with water. Rub the damp sponge into the cake foundation to gather the product into the sponge. Starting with your nose, apply the foundation to your face evenly. Apply it heavier to areas that need extra coverage, such as under your eyes or over any blemishes. Finish by applying a light layer of matte face powder to your face.
Create the eyes. Bold eye makeup is essential when you are doing theatrical makeup. Apply an eyeshadow base to your eyelids. Put a few drops of water into a small bowl. Lightly dip your eyeshadow brush into the water and then into the eye shadow to gather the product into the bristles. Apply the damp shadow as a wash on your lid. The eyeshadow should look heavy, and the color of the shadow should be amplified. If necessary, repeat this step to get the color you desire. Use a darker shadow to contour your eye. Dip the angled eyeshadow brush into the dark shadow. Apply the shadow to the crease of your eye, blending outward so it is darker on the outer crease.
Apply false eyelashes. Dramatic eyelashes are a must in the theatre. No amount of mascara can do the job, so it's essential to use false eyelashes. Try the false eyelashes on. If necessary, trim the outer edges with scissors. Once the eyelashes are the correct size, apply eyelash adhesive to the underside of the eyelashes. Carefully apply the lashes to your eyelid. positioning them as close to your natural lash line as possible. Allow the lashes to dry for at least three to five minutes. Once the lashes have dried, line your eye with liquid liner. Finish with a light coat of black waterproof mascara on your lower lashes.
Contour your face. Use a contouring brush to add definition to your nose and cheek bones. Dip the brush into the contouring powder and load the bristles up with the product. Look into a mirror and pucker your lips like a fish. This will show you where your cheek bones and cheek hollows are in your face. Lightly apply the contouring powder to your cheek hollows. If the contouring is too dramatic, dust a light layer of face powder over the area to soften the effect. To slim your nose and make it look more defined, apply the contouring powder to your nasal bone. Use a small angled brush to apply the powder to the sides of your nostrils to slim and define your nose. Finish up by applying blush to the apples of your cheeks.
Finish up. Your theatrical makeup is nearly complete, and now it's time to add the finishing touches. Choose a lipstick that accents your costume and a complimentary lip liner. Line your lips with the liner. If you desire slightly fuller lips, line your lips just outside the natural lip line. Apply a coat of lipstick to your lips and rub them together. You're done. Enjoy practicing your new stage makeup skills and admire your theatrical makeup!