Makeup Unit:
Complete the following makeup designs and applications:
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Basic stage makeup (Neutral Character)
Old Age
Fantasy
Horror/Gore (may include hands and arms)
Icon Imitation (Entertainment Figure or Movie/TV Character)
Design:
Make a character sketch; unrelated to the actor portraying the character.
Picture/sketch example
Make sure to include information for all portions of the character sketch and diagram; the more details
the better.
Design sketches allow both the designer, director and the actor to have a visual for the makeup concept
which can give clarification for all those involved with the makeup process for the character.
It is always a good idea to do some research regarding the character before beginning with a makeup
design and sketch. Research begins with reading the script, discussing concepts with the director,
reviewing notes from past productions, and viewing pictures of past productions. All of these forms of
research can supply you with a catalyst for your own design. However, just as with writing, copying
someone else’s design without written permission is a form of plagiarism.
Make sure to use color, and as much detail as possible on your sketches. When visual depictions are
difficult to interpret, such as the representation of glitter on a drawing…use words to fill in the blanks of
explanation.
Basic/General Makeup Application
Prepare the face for makeup application by washing, drying and prepping with moisturizer or astringent.
1: Using a foundation in a color closest to your natural skin tone apply an even covering of FOUNDATION
to the face and neck area using your fingertips or an application sponge. Be sure to go to the hairline
under the chin and down the neck. If the ear is exposed, apply foundation to the ear as well.
Remember: Heavy makeup does not mean darker makeup!!
2: Apply ROUGE. Crème, apply a stroke to the “apple” of the check and blend upward with fingertips or
a sponge. Powder, apply to the “apple” of the cheek with a brush and blend upwards with the brush.
3: LIPS: Using a lip brush or Q-tip, line the lips with a crème rouge or lipstick. Fill in the lips using an edge
to center pull of the brush; not side to side.
4: EYES: (A) Using an eyeliner pencil or a thin eye lining brush, line the lower lids of the eyes starting
about 1/3 from the corner of the eye continue the line to just outside the outer corner of the eye. For
the lower lid, begin in the center of eye to the outside corner of the eye. Blend any hard edges of the
lines. (B)Use a light shadow on the portion of the eye just under the brow (one shade lighter than the
foundation color). For the crease of the eye and the lower lid apply shadow that is slightly darker than
the foundation color; brown is the most natural choice. A color that coordinates with a costume may
also be used in place of the brown.
5: POWDER: Apply translucent powder to a powder puff or large power brush; shake off excess. Lightly
pop the puff or brush directly on and off the face to apply powder. DO NOT DRAG the puff or brush
across the face.
6: MASCARA: Apply mascara to both upper and lower eyelashes. If the eyebrow appears washed out by
the foundation, use the mascara or an eyeliner pencil to slightly darken the appearance of the brow.
Old Age Application:
When people age, bone structures become more
prominent, the skin sags and wrinkles, portions of the
face appear thinner and lose color pigmentation and
the hair begins to turn gray. Using highlights and
shadows in particular areas of the face, makeup can
help to accentuate these aging attributes transforming
an actor from young to old with a series of brush
strokes.
HIGHLIGHTS: Pull brushstrokes upward with LIGHT
TONES
SHADOWS: Pull brushstrokes downward with DARK
TONES
Use the natural lines of the face and neck to create and
old age makeup design. Some manipulation of the face
such as smiling, frowning, squinting, raising the brow,
etc. may be necessary to achieve optimal enhancement
of the natural layout of the face.
Step 1: Apply a light and even base coat of foundation
Step 2: BONE STRUCTURE: Create highlights on the
brow bone below the eyebrow, on the cheekbone, and
down the bridge of the nose. Create shadows in the
upper area of the eye socket, under the cheekbones, on
the sides of the nose, and in the hallows of the temples.
Step 3: MOUTH: Smile! Use highlights and shadows
along the line creasing from the base of the nose to the
corner of the mouth. Use the same techniques at the
corners of the mouth.
Step 4: EYES: Tightly squint the eyes enhance the
natural line of the face. Use highlights and shadows to
create crow’s feet at the outer corner of the eye.
“Droop” the eye by using highlights and shadows along
a diagonal line running beneath the eyebrow closest to
the inside of the eye and down and along the rim of the
bone bordering the eye socket to the outside of the eye.
Create bags under the eyes using highlights and
shadows along the lower edge of the eye socket.
Step 5: FOREHEAD: Raise your eyebrows to create the
natural lines in the forehead. Use highlights and
shadows to accentuate these lines to create wrinkles.
Step 6: Use highlights and shadows to indicate tiny
vertical lines above the upper lip. Lightly fill the outer
areas of the mouth within the lip line with a reddishbrown or purplish rouge to indicate loss of
pigmentation and thinning of the lips.
Step 7: Accentuate the natural lines of the neck with
highlights and shadows to create sags and wrinkles in
the neck area.
Step 8: Use white crème makeup or white shoe polish
to white or gray the eyebrows and the hair to indicate
gray or whitening of the hair.