How to look the part on stage
There are two main types of stage makeup, cake and cream. Each type has its advantages. For making up large numbers of people quickly, traditional cake makeup is best. You put it on with a damp sponge and it doesn't need powdering or special removers. It's quick and economical and ideal for dance, pantomime, gang shows and choruses.
Cream is best for realism and for character effects. It's easy to apply and kind to the skin. You can create subtle effects because it can be blended seamlessly from one colour to another. You put it on with fingers or a latex sponge and fix it with transparent powder.
Using Cake Makeup
- Use skin cleanser before putting on your make-up.
- Cut a round foam sponge in half or use a square disposable sponge.
- Wet the sponge with water and wring it out well. The sponge should be damp, not wet.
- Rub the sponge on the cake. Do this for a time to charge the sponge with plenty of makeup.
- Wipe the makeup on, moving quickly to avoid a dry edge.
- If the makeup is streaky the most likely reason is too much water. Not cleansing the skin first can also cause streaks.
- Apply shading and highlights as required using cake eyeshadow/rouge.
- It's not usually necessary to powder cake makeup but, if you perspire a lot on stage, you can use transparent powder or antishine to counter this.
- Use a powder puff to apply the powder and a pony hair brush to flick off the excess.
- Remove your makeup with plain water followed by makeup remover.
- Use skin care cream afterwards if required.
Using Cream Makeup
- Use skin cleanser before putting on your make-up.
- You can just dip your finger in, but it's more hygienic to use a spatula.
- Cream makeup has very good covering power, so start with less than you think you need.
- Use a latex sponge (or your fingers) to spread the colour evenly over your face.
- Cream makeup will stay shiny and easy to remove until it is fixed with transparent powder. This makes it easy to change the colour balance or correct any mistakes without having to use remover.
- Use a powder puff to apply the powder and a pony hair brush to flick off the excess.
- Remove your makeup with makeup remover.
- Use skin care cream afterwards if required.
- Allergic reactions to Grimas make-up are extremely rare. If you do experience any adverse reaction, try using Grimas under make-up base.
