The Evolution of Theatrical Makeup
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Theatrical makeup, in comparison with the usual looks ordinary people wear, truly is exaggerated and heavier. This is intended as the audience must be able to make out the performers’ faces from a distance. “For many performers, the act of putting on makeup is an important part of the ritual of preparing for a performance” (McLafferty). Just like how Greeks used to put on masks to immerse themselves in the roles they are playing, makeup helps the performers internalize the characters in the play.
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Many tribes across the globe have used face paint both in times of war and celebration. In Egypt, kings and priests wore stylized make-up for official ceremonies and actors of classical Greek theatre wore masks that were painted to symbolize the characters they were portraying.
Greek actors often wore masks to enable one actor to play multiple roles without the need for makeup adjustments, but in Asia, actors preferred to use makeup instead of masks because this enabled them to use facial expressions. Actors tended to apply makeup in bright colors with bold designs.
MASKS
During the 1500s and 1600s in England, theatrical makeup was used to accentuate and highlight facial features, and false beards were common. White face powder with India ink for applying lines and bright pink or red rouge were part of the typical stage makeup kit of this era.
BEARDS, POWDERS, & INKS
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In the 1800s, the use of cosmetic pigments and powders became widely used for performers were expected to look sophisticated and polished. Aside from pigment powders, stage makeup for this era include chalk and burnt cork and paper. PIGMENTS, POWDERS & CHALK
LIGHT'S EFFECT ON MAKEUP Pink tends to gray the cool colors and intensify the warm ones. Flesh pink flatters most makeup. Fire red ruins makeup. Green grays all flesh tones and rouges in proportion to its intensity. Blues gray most flesh tones and cause them to appear more red or purple. Violet causes orange, flame, and scarlet to become redder.
Greasepaint When the 1900s approached, greasepaint – lard combined with pigments, was a breakthrough not only in the world of stage, but also film. Greasepaint paved the way for smooth makeup applications and an allaround purpose. What we know now as lipsticks, liquid liners, waxes, and makeup sticks started from greasepaint.
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In 1914, Max Factor developed the socalled “pancake makeup,” which was water-based makeup that offers stage performers thick and matte coverage. It truly was a big innovation as the evolution of similar formulas originated from his invention.
It creates a lovely new complexion. It helps conceal tiny complexion faults. It stays on for hours without repowdering. FROM A VINTAGE MAX FACTOR FROM THE BÉSAME COLLECTION
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Makeup is considered to be an art form itself. Stage artists represent themselves realistically through detailed, dramatic and safe cosmetic products. Characters in period plays and even animals can be mirrored with accuracy.
Makeup is required on the modern stage because powerful stage lighting systems can remove all color from a performer's complexion and eliminate shadows and lines. To ensure a natural appearance, makeup restores this color and defines the facial features. It also assists the player in looking and feeling the part, which is especially important in character interpretation.
l a n o i s s e f o r p t i k p u e mak A. Cleansing Agents Makeup Removing Wipes (great for fast removal) Makeup Remover Cream or Lotion (many still swear by old-fashioned Cold Cream) Makeup Remover Cloths Facial Cleanser Toner Cotton Balls Moisturizer B. Application Tools Applicator Sponges Foundation Brushes Liner brushes (in varying sizes) Dusting or Fan Powder brushes Cotton Swabs Powder Puff Blotting Papers C. Makeup Elements Base (Foundation, Cake Makeup,or Cream) Cream Contouring Colors Rouge (blush) Setting Powder Eye Liners Lip Liners Eye Colors (Creams as well as Powders) Lipsticks or Lip Colors Eyelash Brush Eyebrow Comb/Brush Waterproof Mascara False Eyelashes Eyelash Glue
C.Sprays and Extras Barrier Spray (for foundation prep) Fixing Spray or Finishing Anti-Shine or Gel Treatment (to set your look) D.Effects Items Stage blood Spirit Gum Spirit Gum Remover Nose or Scar Wax False Mustaches, Beards or Other Facial Hair
tips & tricks! foundation pinks - blonds & children yellows - ill or anemic tans - healthy & active reds - blustery, robust / weather-worn characters safety always be certain that your makeup is safe for your skin type! for instance, glitter must never be used near the eyes. fake facial hair for a natural look, facial hair must harmonize with the actor's bone structure & other features. aanimal makeup most animal makeup can be suggestive rather than realistic. first & foremost, develop a workable design that considers the identifying features of the animal & the actor. countouring younger characters - contour your makeup to make your eyelids appear rounder and emphasize the apples of the cheeks. older, frail, or gaunt characters - contour the eye sockets, cheekbones, and jaw.
References: American Theatre Wing. “Working in the Theatre: Makeup.” YouTube, 3 August 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0hsrNUUF_w. Accessed 25 May 2022. Corson, Richard. Fashions in Makeup: From Ancient to Modern Times. Owen, 2003. Accessed 25 May 2022. CostumersManifesto. “Stage Makeup: Brief History of Theatrical Makeup in the West.” YouTube, 16 March 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyuEjCe-W4c. Accessed 25 May 2022. Dufford, Stanley, and Clive Barker. “stagecraft - Theatrical makeup.” Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/art/stagecraft/Theatrical-makeup. Accessed 25 May 2022. Finley, Amy. “History of Theatre Makeup | LoveToKnow.” LoveToKnow Media, https://makeup.lovetoknow.com/History_of_Theatre_Makeup. Accessed 23 May 2022. Galeon, Danielle. “The Art of Maquillage | The Freeman.” Philippine Star, https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-lifestyle/2017/06/12/1709388/artmaquillage. Accessed 25 May 2022. Hamilton Theatre. “Chapter 13: Makeup.” Hamilton Theatre Edublog, Sept. 2015, hamiltontheatre.edublogs.org/files/2015/09/Ch.-13-Makeup-od5kxy.pdf. Accessed 1 June 2022. McLafferty, Elizabeth. “Theatrical Makeup | LoveToKnow.” LoveToKnow Media, https://fashion-history.lovetoknow.com/body-fashions/theatrical-makeup. Accessed 23 May 2022. Mitchell, Angela. “Building the Basic Makeup Kit”. Liveaboutdotcom, 09 March 2019 https://www.liveabout.com/building-the-basic-stage-makeup-kit-2638619. Accessed 2 June 2022 Mode Dion. “Stage Makeup Tips for Animal Faces.” Mode Dion, 5 August 2016, https://modedion.com/stage-makeup-tips-for-animal-faces/. Accessed 25 May 2022. “Theatrical Makeup.” Wikipedia, 27 Apr. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatrical_makeup#Light. Accessed 30 May 2022. Tucker, Bruce. “Behind the Scenes: A Guide to Theater Makeup.” SeatUp, 29 July 2021, https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-theater-makeup/. Accessed 25 May 2022. Wolfe, Latoya. “The History of Theatrical Makeup.” eHow UK, https://www.ehow.co.uk/facts_4868752_history-makeup-theater.html. Accessed 25 May 2022.
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