Since this is where we'll get the most exposure, this is where I'll start, and we'll go step by step. It may seem like I'm telling you to go with a heavy hand (which I am) but...well, it may be easier to show then tell why.
Stage makeup in studio lighting. Looks kinda...slutty, or weird, right?
The same stage makeup on stage, with stage lights. Much better, wouldn't you say?
Step 1 - Skincare
Always have a clean and moisturized face before starting any makeup. This may seem like a given to some of us, but hey, I said basics and I mean it
For stage purposes, feel free to use a moisturizer with a little sunscreen in it, but not too much! Sunscreen tends to reflect white (due to the chemicals in it) so having an spf of 10 or over may effect the rest of your makeup!
Step 2 - Base
This includes concealer, powder, and foundation. For stage use, I would always recommend makeup intended as such: Ben Nye, Kryolan, or (if you have the money and can splurge on it) Makeup Forever. Ben Nye is the easiest to find in costume shops, but Kryolan has its own store in the city, and is the brand I'd definitely recommend most. Always match your foundation color on your jawline, so that you can get a good match with your face AND neck! And if you decide not to use these brands, just make sure your foundation has NO SPF in it!
Always start with foundation, and use a clean latex sponge or (if you have one) a foundation brush. Work from the center of your face out, and apply in thin layers until you get the type of coverage you think you need. For stage, due to bright lights, you'll often need much heavier coverage than you would normally, so don't be afraid to do more than usual! And remember to BLEND BLEND BLEND, especially around the jaw, hairline, and nose (where lines tend to be obvious and/or foundation tends to cake up.)
Concealer isn't a necessity for all of us, as such heavy foundation may cover all of your, er..."imperfections", but if you feel the need, don't hesitate to use it! For under the eyes, go half a shade to one shade lighter than your foundation color, and for red spots try to match it exactly. Apply it with a clean latex sponge or brush, then pat it into your skin with your ring finger. Don't forget your eyelids! Concealer makes a great "base" for eyeshadow, keeping it from creasing or running away on you.
Powder's the last base step. I always recommend translucent, so that you don't end up changing the color of the makeup you just did! Apply it with a powder puff in very light patting motions, or with a large fluffy brush.
Step 3 - Eyes
Liner, mascara, shadows of all shapes, sizes and types...where to start?
Well, the best place to start is to dust a thick layer of your powder under your eyes. That way if your eyeshadow ends up getting sprinkled all over, you can just wipe it all away with a brush!
There are many many MANY types of eyeshadow, but the easiest ones to use are powder. They come in tons of colors and textures, so it will be easy to pick out ones that match your character's outfits!
The most basic type of shadow application is as follows: bright color on your eyelid, dark color in your crease (the space between your eyeball and your socket), and shimmery light color just underneath your eyebrow (that's your browbone!) as a highlight. There are variations, of course, and you can always add more, but three shadows will add the depth and color needed to look good on stage. And don't be afraid to make it super dark and super bright! You may feel silly, but it will look GREAT! After all, the closest people are at least 50 ft away - unless your colors are loud, they won't see them!
Eyeliner is a quick way to draw attention. A black pencil is the way to go for ease of use and visibility on stage, no matter how pale or dark you are! Line your upper lashline from inner corner to outer, and your lower lashline from the outer corner to 3/4ths of the way in. Thick lines, while usually a bad thing, actually look good on stage, so don't be afraid to make it thick! Don't forget to use your highlighting eyeshadow on the inner corner of your eyes and on that last 1/4th- it will make them look big and wide awake!
Mascara makes your lashes longer and thicker looking through waxes and other such things. For stage, I'd recommend a waterproof variety - maybelline great lash is a good one! And don't forget to curl them! That will help add to your "big and wide awake" look (something we all need after a night spent practicing, sewing, and generally screwing around till 3 AM XD) I -also- recommend false lashes - a cheap pair from the drugstore that you'll throw away afterwards. They really do make a difference!
Step 4 - Cheeks
Go for a pinky-peach blush- it looks pretty and natural on stage, and who could ask for more? And no shimmer! Apply it with a fluffy brush along your cheekbones. Don't know where they are? Just smile! See those round parts next to your nose? That's called the apple of your cheek. Who knows why, but there you go. Simply draw a line from there to your temples. Voila!
If contouring's your thing, we'll cover that in another section at another time - this is for basics!
Step 5 - Lips
This step involves three things- lipstick, lip liner, and gloss. All of them have a good shelf life, so you can buy one and have it stay good for up to 3 years!
Lipliner isn't a step most people take, but it's another one of those that "looks good on stage." Simply pick a lipliner that's two shades away from your natural lip color, outline your lips, and blend inwards with a finger so that the line isn't so crazy harsh.
Lipstick, like eyeshadow, has many colors and textures. The easiest to work with is a texture called either "satin" or "cream" or a variation of those. It's soft, with very subtle shine. Try to match your lipliner color with your lipstick, and apply it however you like. A lip brush is the most precise way!
Gloss is super easy- just get a clear one, slick it on, and go!
There. Now that wasn't TOO terribly hard, was it?
