How can you design makeup to enhance an actor's performance?

Changing the appearance of the teeth in a non-permanent subtle way can make a profound difference to appearance without doing a lot. It is an under utilized method to significantly change appearance. I notice that even professional actors are missing out on the basics of dental smile design. Obviously a lot of dentists are not well-versed in this or actors are not going far enough with their treatment! Even the most humble of my patients enjoy lovely smiles and dental health.

Every makeup is a character makeup - the image that person wants to project? Today with digital media, 4k and 8k technology using wrong products can soon run into difficulties. As the images captured shows skin tones, lines,. wrinkles, maybe 5-10 x more than before, that said using the right High Definition Foundations powders and other associated products that enhances the actors appearance and not look like a mask. Makeup artists are given the challenge to create the character to match the role of the actor, this can involve many hours of designing makeup techniques that is demanded by the production team. With the right dress code, makeup, hair and voice and acting the role we know we have done our job. Knowledge in Film stage is a must.

Designing makeup to enhance an actor's performance involves understanding the character and the production's visual context. Emphasize facial features that convey the character's personality and emotions. Use contouring to define facial structure under various lighting conditions ensuring visibility from the audience. Consider the character's age, background and storyline. Adapt makeup to align with the narrative. Waterproof, long-wearing products are essential for durability during performances. Collaboration with the actor and director is crucial to achieve a cohesive vision. Prioritize a natural look allowing expressions to translate effectively, while also considering the unique demands of stage makeup for theatrical productions.

Knowing an audience and choosing makeup, honestly, depends on the gender of identity. Knowing who you are is as easy as knowing when you are! Ghost stories are a thing of the past; unless you're starring in a horror film! Betty Boop and Cab Calloway were icons, but they were also based on real people. Keep that in mind when a certain style matters! Believe in yourself enough to not be identified by past life experiences or by past traumas.

I am of the opinion that asides the directorial interpretation, the actor has to have an indepth understanding of the character he/she is playing. With this knowledge, the actor will be able to carry whatever props and makeup he/she is given optimally. That being said, the major considerations will be the script, audience, time of the production, the capacity of the lightning effects and the number of times the actor will have to change costumes and the time the actor has to change these costumes. For instance, if the makeup is too heavy and the lightning on the stage is also much, the actor may have a difficult time managing the makeup and the heat from the light rays.

Water Based Formula's VS Water Resistant Formulas Another thing to consider is the type of formulation to use when apply the makeup. If the production calls for a lot of movement, such as a musical where dancing and singing is an integral part of the production, using a water based formula on the skin may bleed due to sweating and require multiple touch-ups. Also the lighting may affect this too. Using a smudge proof or water resistant formula will help to control this and maintain the makeup throughout the entire show.

Makeup is an art and a skill. Makeup can help an actor or actress tell their story in a more in-depth way. Makeup has the power to transform anyone into that character they choose to portray to the audience. It's simply a tool to help tell the story well.

When using heavy base makeup or lots of layers even if your using an oil free base the heat from lights, sun, anxiety and such is going to want to melt, so having a light fresh oil free dusting more often works well over a couple few hours.

Je pense qu'une bonne connaissance des produits est très importante, cela permet aussi de pouvoir adapter le choix de ceux-ci en fonction d'un budget en plus de toutes les contraintes précitées.

Keeping a Record of Looks and Products Used on All Talent Once you've designed the makeup looks for each key character and scene, having a sketch book or a face chart with the colors/products and tools used will help to ensure the makeup is consistent and the application is seamless. This is also extremely helpful to other makeup artists who are called in to assist or to step in for the key artist at anytime.

Having the right tools and makeup is an absolute must. I like to place my vinyl makeup mat down first before placing any makeup and tools. This also helps when you are working with other makeup artists. Makeup wipes, brush cleaner, tissues, hand sanitizer, disposable sponges and powder puffs are a few key items to always have in your kit. For productions on stage using a makeup wipe is perfectly fine. Toner should be optional and not necessary for theatrical makeup. If your actor tends to get shiny/sweaty fast you may want to omit the moisturizer and go straight to foundation. Again using an oil free or a water-resistant formula will help to keep the sweating to a minimum. Using a translucent powder will help too.

Cette marche à suivre est très bien pour un maquillage de base et peut être très différent selon le résultat à obtenir, chaque spectacle étant unique. J'aimerais aussi soulever que de nos jours, il est très important de se renseigner auprès de comédiens/diennes individuellement sur leurs intolérances, allergies à certains produits de bases (base hydratante, démaquillant, colle...) choix étiques (végan p.ex.) afin d'éviter des catastrophes ou des refus en bloc du maquillage etc...Cela pour avoir dès les premiers testes les bons produits...

Collaboration with the actor. Ask them what they are thinking and feeling - trust that you cast the right actor for the role and trust the detail that they can bring to a role, including makeup.

Adding white eyeliner to the waterline (the wet rim between eyelashes and eyeball) makes eyes look bigger, more awake, more youthful, and more expressive. Never go onstage with less than 4 coats of mascara. You can also use make up to contour and shape the breasts (learned that one during Cabaret lol). If you're an actor, your face skin is your most valuable asset: take care of it! Moisturize, hydrate, wear sunscreen, and don't wear makeup everyday. Your face needs to breathe! Making someone look older is a lot easier than making someone look younger. If you're an MUA wear makeup when you meet your clients/actors; your well done makeup will make your clients/actors more confident in your competence.

Get To Know Your Talent If it's your first time working with an actor or model, spend a few minutes getting to know them. Are they allergic to any formulas? Do they break out easily? Is their skin sensitive? What features do they want to stand out? Really look at their facial structure and map out a look that you will both be happy with and any details that need to be remembered, write them down. All of these questions will help you and your client to have a successful outcome.

Tell A Story Remember that words are not the only way to tell a story. Your makeup tells just as much of a story as well, so consider how the makeup develops with the character as the story unfolds. A great example would be Elphaba's development in "Wicked!". Her character starts off reserved and later becomes empowered. The makeup design should follow that same journey as well. Most importantly, be sure to coordinate with all creative departments (lights, costume, and the director) to ensure your makeup flows cohesively with the overall looks.

Especially after working with high school and middle school actors for some part of my career, I find it essential to get them involved. Whether having them be in control of their make up or having other students build up the make-up and hair department.