Stage Makeup Notes (& Photos)

Theatrical Makeup

Major Categories 

•Straight/realistic (Has nothing to do with sexual orientation – don’t get worked up!)

•Old Age/ Illness

•Special Effects…often bruises, scars, burns & blood

•Facial Hair: beards, moustaches, eyebrows, etc..

•Fantasy

•Prosthetics

–Noses, ears, large wounds, warts, etc….

 Common Application Materials

•Makeup wedges

•Q-tips/cotton

•Brushes (usually mop, round, and flat)

•Stipple sponges

•Airbrush

The makeup itself – the essentials…

•Cosmetics (stage versions)

•Creme foundations, colors – including wheels-f/x (yes, that’s how creme is spelled for this)

•Adhesives – spirit gum, prosthetics, etc.

•Liquid latex 

•Powders

Bruises, scars, burns, and blood 

REMEMBER:

•Always consider point of impact and how the injury happened

•Randomness is good, uniform is bad!

•Fresh looks different than old.

•Blood is always LAST - it doesn’t dry!

•The stipple sponge is your friend