For dry skin, try an exfoliating cleanser to smooth out flaky areas. If you have oily skin, use an alcohol-free toner after you wash, then apply moisturizer. [2] X Research source Before you put on your foundation put a makeup primer on your face. Primer will make it easier to put on your foundation. You can use any primer that you want or the Cooling Water Milk Stick by Milk Makeup. The Cooling Water Milk Stick will moisturize your face if you have dry skin.
Oil-free foundation will keep your skin looking matte onstage. You have the option of using a foundation stick. Foundation sticks make applying foundation easier. After applying the foundation stick use a sponge or brush to blend it in. Be sure to blend your foundation into your neck so you don’t look like you’re wearing a mask. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to slather on the foundation. Apply just enough to even out your skin tone. Opt for waterproof cream foundations, which do well under stage lights. [4] X Research source You can also use a cake makeup, which is formulated for the stage. [5] X Research source Try to avoid creamy formulas, since they don’t have a lot of staying power. These can fade fast, leaving you with dark lip liner and pale lips.
Use concealer after applying your foundation. Blend the concealer in with a concealer brush. The concealer will hide the dark circles under your eyes. Apply powder with a powder blush after you put on your concealer and foundation. Then blend the powder into your neck. In general, women should go with a peach, peachy pink, pink, or rosy shade. For men, go with a shade or two lighter than that. If you’re concerned about your blush running under the stage lights, use a cream formula. [7] X Research source
Cream formulas work well for eye makeup, especially under hot stage lights. [8] X Research source
Depending on the performance, you may be asked to use a brighter color in the crease. If nothing is specified, a neutral brown shade works well.
Brown, peach, black all work, but black liner will give you more definition. For a more natural look, men may want to go with brown. [11] X Research source Optionally, you can apply a white eyeliner pencil to your lower waterline, which makes the eyes look brighter and whiter.
You can use brown or clear or black mascara, but black provides more definition. Brown works best for men, since it defines the eyes without being too drastic. [12] X Research source Make sure you use waterproof mascara, or it could run once you start to sweat beneath the bright stage lights. Optionally put on self adhesive fake eyelashes. Fake eyelashes will make your eyes wider. If you have a hard time putting on false eyelashes use a lash primer before you put your mascara on instead. Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler before hand. This will make it easier to apply the lash primer and mascara. This will give you the look of false eyelashes.
Avoid doing a nude lip onstage, or your mouth will look non-existent. You can add lip liner before you put on your lipstick if you want to. Lip color requirements usually vary, depending on your role. Most men use a more natural shade. Check with your director if you’re unsure.
If you’re involved in a vigorous performance and worried about keeping your makeup in place, try misting your face with a setting spray before you apply the powder. [15] X Research source
