Makeup Must-Haves for Special Effects Makeup Artists
One of the most vital and exciting contributions to any theatrical production is the stage and special effects makeup. Makeup brings a character to life, helps show emotion and is essential for creating illusions. It's important for makeup artists to build their stage makeup kits using products and accessories that have been proven over time to perform under the pressures of hot lights and other demands. While stage makeup kits will contain different items based on specific needs, there are a few basic items that are essential for any professional.
High Performance Products
Makeup is the lifeblood of the character. This means you need to have a long-lasting arsenal of makeups, lipsticks, blushes and powders at your disposal. Because each character is different, and because stages can be both indoors and outdoors, you must make sure that your makeup kit is well-stocked with makeup that can withstand a range of lighting, abuse and environmental conditions.
One brand that has your back here is Mehron, offering the long-lasting products you need. From body makeup to foundation and blush sticks, and from lip and bruise palettes to theater-approved concealers in a range of colors, these tried and true products are part of any professional's basic FX kit.
Proper Application Tools
Every art form requires the proper tools. Building a strong selection of brushes, sponges, and papers will ensure that you always have the right tool for the creation, no matter what effect you are going after. You will need to have an assortment of different-sized brushes, sponges, both to smooth and stipple, sculpting tools, Q-tips, blot paper, and prosthetic transfer papers as necessities to build your makeup kit. We have all of the special FX makeup products you might need for any character.
Details and Effects
Characters are people, and oftentimes that means imperfections like wrinkles, cuts, and wounds. As an artist, you will be required to create these illusions with makeup on the fly. For basic effects kits, you will need fake blood, putties, waxes, and accessories like facial hair to build upon. Then, for colors, every kit needs at minimum a bruising wheel and an aging wheel to help make all of your characters seem that much more believable and bring their flaws to life.
Effective Cleansers
Stage makeup is heavy, often oil-based, and can be difficult to remove, particularly if adhesives were used for 3d special effects. Because it's put under much more rigorous demands, stage makeup is much heartier than street makeup and can be damaging to skin if not cleansed thoroughly. Don't look this essential over. Be sure to stock your kit with effective makeup and adhesive removers tailored to the types of products you're using. Both should clean the skin efficiently and gently, removing all traces of leftovers.
Regardless of the roles you are making up, having a well-stocked special effects makeup kit is essential for any commercial or theatrical makeup artist. By using carefully chosen products to create your special effects, your characters will come to life, and the audience will be delighted to dive into the story with them.