Guide to theatrical Makeup by Don Reed

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Covering Deep Scars

Q: Hi, I've looked at your various items but am not sure what would be the best for filling in and concealing 2 rather deep scars on my face. Any suggestions?

A: It might depend on the type of scar or the location of the scar.

If this is a very deep scar that you are wanting to be smooth with the surface of the rest of the skin a wax based filler like Synwax might work for you but this is only for short time wear. Filling a scar is only a last resort as for some this can make the scar show up even more if not done properly. There might be some how to videos on YouTube.

The best and quickest method for most is to find a good foundation that works best for you. Use a powder brush to seal the makeup with a light amount of setting powder with a powder puff, removing excess powder with a Powder Brush.

Mehron has several good concealers such as Mehron ProColoRing Concealer, Mehron Tattoo ProCoveRing, or Mehron HD Pro Foundation. A darker concealer usually will work the best. The shine that causes most scars to stand out can be reduced with any of the following makeup powders - Mehron Colorset Powder, Mehron Setting Powder, or Celebre Loose Powder.

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Spirit gum Instructions

        1. Clean and dry the area of the skin where you wish to apply the spirit gum.
       
        2. Apply an even coat over the entire area using the brush that accompanies the spirit gum. (Less is best)      
       
        3.  Apply the prosthetic or hair piece on the area quickly before the spirit gum dries. Press and hold    
            for one to two minutes to ensure that it is in place.


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How To Apply Foundation

Select a few colors that seem close to your natural skin tone. Celebre HD Pro makeups have a large selection of colors for most any skin tone. Apply foundation by putting a few small dots (less is best) on your forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. If you don't want all over coverage, apply just in the needed areas.

Dampen a sponge and gently distribute the foundation across your face. Check jaw line and hairline to make sure foundation is well blended. Use pads of fingers and press gently all over your face. The heat from your fingers will help in the blending process. Don't avoid this step. Some makeup artist will warm a small amount of makeup on the back of their wrist before applying for this purpose.

Go to a natural light source and check your application. Any problem areas will stand out so that they can be attended to.

If your freckles are light, don't even try to cover them up. Show them off by using a sheer foundation. If you happen to have the darker ones that you just can't live with, choose a cream foundation to cover and even out skin tones.

I always apply foundation with a wet sea sponge. I like this variety even more than the little wedges that are available. When wet, the sponge promises a sheer layer of coverage. Try it both ways to see which you prefer.


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Using loose powder

Loose powder is a great option to keep in your home makeup kit. Use a large powder puff to pat on a light layer after you apply your base make-up. Use a large brush to gently remove any excess powder that lingers on your face before heading out the door. Loose powder is ideal for oily skin since it contains oil absorbing ingredients that can offset stubborn shine. If you want a more natural look, apply loose powder to the oilier t-zone only. The biggest disadvantage to loose powder is the fact that it can be quite messy. This is not one you want to carry in your traveling makeup case or purse.
 

Using pressed powder

While loose powder gives a smooth, even look to the skin and covers minor imperfections nicely, it tends to be messy. For this reason, it pays to invest in a good pressed powder you can use for touch-ups throughout the day. A pressed powder compact is easy to carry around without fear of destroying your pocketbook or spilling the powder all over your brand new outfit. If you have oily skin, a quick sweep with the pressed powder can quickly remove the shine. For a softer, more natural look, apply pressed powder with a large brush, powder puff or the sponge that's provided in some compacts.

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Using Barrier Spray

Lightly mist from approximately 8 inches directly onto the skin or over finished makeup.  Remove with soap and water. After use, pump warm water through nozzle to clean.  Do not spray in the eyes.


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Random Advice

 

Q: Hi, Which make up do you recommend? I am looking for face & arm/body make up for my kids. My daughter wants to be a cheetah princess, and my son is going to be a tiger. So I would need white, black, and I guess orange? I was also thinking about gold for highlighting. I am going to paint their faces, arms, and necks. And we are looking for items now, since it takes time to research cheetah & tiger pictures, and to make their costumes. Any advice would be helpful. -Diane

A: Our color cups makeup is the more popular choice that we have in those colors. A step up would be liquid make up which goes on just a bit smoother. And we suggest a setting powder or barrier spray to keep any make up from transferring or running. If you need to do fine lines, we suggest our new Detailz makeup that includes a fine brush.

Q: I received the package. I was hoping that there would be more helpful information included; however. Such as: how many parts metallic powder to how many parts mixing liquid? And what kind of air gun would you suggest? How close can I spray to the eyes? Do I spray it in the hair as well, or run it through like shampoo? If so . . .do I just pour mixed solution in the palm of my hand and apply to hair? Isn’t this way going to use more product than I bought?
Soooo many questions! Please help! I want this photo shoot to look flawless. ~Mary

A: Okay, I will try answer these questions to the best of my ability. But I might suggest that you join our panel of experts at our face paint and body paint group. Email me to request the link.

Mostly mixing liquid with just a small amount of gold powder is best. Add gold until it looks best for your needs.

There are way too many air guns on the market to suggest any certain one. Some have a small reservoir on the top and others have a bottle that hangs from the airbrush. Craft stores sometimes sell a small air brush that uses can air. These are okay but recommend an air compressor type if you plan on doing this for a long time or for other future projects.

Around eyes, mmm... an air brush will work best here as you can spray quickly and lightly over closed eyes. Some colors are not recommended around eyes such as blue and red. This used to be because these colors used to irritate the thin skin around the eyes. Makeup has progressed but many are still careful around the eyes.

Hair can be colored by hand rubbing it in as you mentioned like shampoo. But the air brush will make this makeup go so much further.

In experimenting with the product you are concerned about how much you will need, sometimes it is best to have more than needed than to be in the middle of a project and then run out. Visit our catalog if you think you might need more.

 

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How to keep makeup longer lasting

 

Q: I recently did a body painting on the spur of a moment. The only thing that I had available was grease makeup. The work was coming along and looking very good until the model moved around. The makeup transferred all over the place. And since I was using red, it was very hard to clean up and correct. I have used setting powder for many years and just don't know why I wasn't protecting the art work in steps as I went along.

I did get it cleaned up and it turned out great! And I used Photo Shop to go in and clean up all of the other miner little things that I could not fix directy on the model. I had a little trouble getting flesh tones from other parts of the models body to cover the red. But that is more of a photo topic that I might discuss with my photo group.

A: Working with grease makeup is just like using your computer. People will warn you too save and backup your work so that you don't loose something important. This goes well with working in grease paint as well. Use that barrier spray or setting powder to seal the work into place.

 

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Barrier Spray by Mehron

 

An indispensable aid for almost any makeup application.

Barrier Spray is clear, alcohol-based, cosmetic grade film that is designed to create a barrier between the skin and the makeup. When applied to dry clean skin, it reduces sweating from behind the makeup and provides protection from allergic reactions to makeup, latex and adhesives like spirit gum. It allows the makeup to be applied evenly and retards staining from pigments. Best of all, after the makeup application it can be used as the final seal for the finished makeup too!

Face Painters are applying Barrier Spray on the face to protect from staining and over the design to protect it from rubbing off.

Clowns are using Barrier Spray under their makeup to prevent makeup from soaking in the skin, therefore allowing an even application. After powdering down, they are using it to set the makeup, remove the powder haze and pop the color back out.

Actors are using it to keep from sweating through their makeup and as a sealer so their makeup last longer on stage under the hot lights. It can be used over water-based makeup and over creme makeup once it has been powdered.

Costumers use Barrier Spray anywhere the costume comes in contact with the makeup. It can can be applied on the makeup and costume to minimize the makeup from rubbing off onto costumes. Barrier Spray works great for quick changes in the performances and when changing the skin tone of an actor warrants applying makeup on hands and neck.

Special Effects people like to use Barrier Spray under latex applications to keep from having allergic reactions to glues and latex prosthetics. It also prolongs the use of 3D Gel effects as it insulates the 3D Gel from moisture and the rise in body temperature.

Mascots are applying Barrier Spray to reduce sweating while under the mascot headpiece.

Wedding Parties are using it to keep the bride’s makeup fresh and flawless throughout the special day, even while crying.

Tattoo Cover is enhanced by using Barrier Spray on the skin first to prevent any absorption into the skin and to set the Tattoo Cover after it has been powdered. Barrier Spray will maximize the water-resistant qualities of the Tattoo Cover and minimize rub-off onto clothing.

This Wonder Spray comes in many size bottles as available!

 

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Tattoo/Scar Cover by Mehron

Q: hi! does the product Tattoo/Scar Covering hide operation scars as well which are puffy...if not are there any other products available to hide operation scars which are red and puffy. thanks.

A: This will work but you will need to know how light works. For shaped scars, you will need to use spots of many colors and not just a single color. A single color would still appear to have raised spots which will cause shadows and could even make the scar look worse. Always use a variety of colors in spots. You might also check into what is called a stipple sponge.

 

Instructions:

    Clean tattoo and surrounding skin.

    Lightly pat on Tattoo Cover with a Makeup Sponge starting with the lightest color TC-1.

    Use more than one color in spots to match skin tones. Note: skin has dots of color and is not smooth.

    Cover the entire design with a patting motion to reduce streaks.

    Set with any Finishing Powder or Colorset Powder, pressing in the powder with a Powder Puff.

    Brush off excess powder with a Powder Brush.

    You can use this product as is at this point or you might use Tattoo Cover as a foundation, and cover with another cream makeup, repeat the powder step.

Tip: Add stippled skin tones and freckles (if desired). For a longer lasting makeup, mist Barrier Spray over the final makeup application.

 

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For more makeup tips, visit the following page provided by Head 2 Toe Theatrical.

Mehron Makeup Product Guide

 

Don Reed, Owner

Head 2 Toe Theatrical

http://stores.ebay.com/Head-2-Toe-Theatrical