Whether you’ve been playing with makeup since you were a toddler or have just approached the Max Factor aisle for the first time, there are several things you need to know about makeup and taking care of your kit. Most importantly, your look offstage is just as important as your onstage appearance. You should know how to put makeup on for a theatre or film audition, for a networking event, or going out for the evening.
1) Check in with the pros. At least every five years, it’s time for a makeover and a new makeup wardrobe. I recommend the folks at MAC on Union Street in San Francisco, or another makeup counter at a department store. I’ve also heard rave reviews about BeneFit and Laura Mercier.
2) At your makeup consultation, bring in all your makeup, throw away the outdated bits and fill in the missing pieces. Tell your consultant about yourself and your style. While she’s applying the makeup, ask questions, look at the brushes she uses, and make sure she creates a makeup chart for you with some new colors.
3) Less is more - if only at the beginning. I learned from my makeup expert to put makeup on little by little. It's always easier to add more color than take it off.
4) Get the right brushes for the job. If you’re using a blush brush to put on eye shadow, you’ll have as much success as hammering a nail with a wrench. When you have the right brush everything is easier. I got a few brushes from MAC and then, yes it's true, I got another set from QVC. My full set cost $35.00 and they’re great soft brushes. I liked the smaller handles (if you're nearsighted you can get closer to the mirror), and they came with a pamphlet explaining the use and application with each brush. What a difference.
5) Clean your brushes! You wouldn’t leave a paint brush soaked with paint for months on end, would you? You should clean your makeup brushes every two weeks, especially if you wear makeup every day. Otherwise, (and brace yourself because this gets icky) the moisture in the air, the makeup, and elements from your skin build up on the brush and create bacteria. Then you're smearing bacteria all over your face. Blech. Regular cleaning also keeps your makeup from looking muddy.
How to: Fill a small coffee cup with a little shampoo and fill with warm water. Swirl your brushes around in the water keeping the head down. Rinse, brush head down, under warm water. (Do not put upside down or water gets into the handle.) Gently squeeze excess water out by pulling the brush through two fingers and let them dry flat on a towel with the brush heads hanging off the edge of a counter/shelf. This allows the air to fully circulate through them. Bonus - on occasion, I go through all my makeup and wipe the surface with a clean tissue.
7) The Basics – Concealor covers blemishes and uneven coloring. Foundation evens skin tone. Powder holds it all in place. Eye Shadow draws in the viewer. You will need base, lid, liner, crease, and highlight color. Brow color fills in and shapes the look of your whole eye. Blush defines cheek bones and adds a rosy glow. Mascara is the final touch for well-dressed eyes.
8) Waxing anyone? I graciously value my wonderful aesthetician who keeps my brows defined and shapely. If only once, go to a good, highly trained person to shape your eyebrows. We actors are set upon to be the beautiful people, and beautiful people do not have one eyebrow, eyebrows that go down to our lids, or ones that are so long, they reach our cheeks. Keep your receipt; it may be tax deductible for the following year. Don’t forget the occasional lip and chin waxing too. I know . . . ouch.
9) Here are my tips just for men. Okay guys, you need to look good too. I have absolutely no problem with men wearing makeup to auditions. You will be auditioned in front of cameras and under stage lights just like the women. All you need is a good shave, concealor for blemishes, and powder for shine. Learn how to apply these modestly and expertly, and no one will know the difference.
10) You’ve seen those commercials when a spouse says, “Honey, they were having such a great sale, I saved us so much money by buying all this stuff!” As it happens, this may be true if you’re a working artist. Depending on how you file your taxes, your cosmetic purchases and grooming expenses may be tax deductible. Please consult your accountant or tax preparer for details.
Now, go out into the world lovely people and remember to
maintain your fabulous look.