Brush Up on Stage Makeup

Broadway is known around the world for its spectacular performances- the bright lights, the enormous sets, and the talented actors. And perhaps one of the most noticeable and impressive elements Broadway- or almost any theatre for that matter- is the stage makeup. While there are some musicals in which actors are dressed in plain clothes and what appears to be very little makeup, there is still an extensive amount of work that goes into the planning of such a costume. More often, viewers come to shows expecting to be amazed by the outlandish costumes and dazzling makeup. But what inspires the colorful makeup? And how can this one element help bring a show from good to great?

Certainly anyone who has been in any type of performance has had a “brush” with stage makeup. What looks like clown makeup at a normal distance is meant to look just right to every audience member, including that person sitting in the back row. There are some essential techniques every performer should know. For the average performer, it is not always necessary to buy a ton of professional-grade makeup. Instead, keep a makeup bag stocked with a few trusty essentials, including a makeup brushes, brown and black eyeliner pencils, and a few different shades of blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick. It is also useful to have some type of cotton swabs and makeup remover. To apply basic stage makeup, start with a simple foundation (cake foundation is usually best) and continue to apply as if applying everyday makeup, only more of it. To create shadows and highlights on the face, purchase a basic highlighter and apply to the contours of the face. The brightly colored eye makeup seen on Broadway is done using professional makeup products, which can be found and purchased fairly easily. One thing is for sure: with a little practice and a few makeup tools, anyone can create a look worthy of the stage.

For more information on stage makeup products and techniques, check out this site:

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