Stage Makeup Advice

[Katurian2]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 3:32pm

I'm working on a show right now that requires the prescence of "baggy eyes" in one character, you know the under-eye hell circles that are usually aimed to be removed? I've tried a few techniques so far, (Purple eye-shadow, bruise cream, yellow swell color on purple eye-shadow), but haven't come up with a satisfactory outcome. I am using Ben-Nye makeup. Any advice?

[DrMark]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 4:44pm

Get the book "Stage Makeup: The Actor's Complete Guide to Today's Techniques and Materials" from your local book megastore on online retailer. It has step-by-step instructions for old age makeup that is very effective and simple to follow. I was able to do a great job with the Ben Nye kit. Don't try using purple. The key is getting the shadows and highlights right.

[Playbill9117]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 7:14pm

A simple method would be to use either brown eyeliner (sharp) or brown creme makeup and a fine brush and create 2 or 3 lines under your eyes that follow the contour of the eye, then blending a highlight color (light beige) above each line fading into the next one. The first line should be right on the bone beneath your eye, and the next one or two should be about 1/8 inch below that one. Don't use black and white for shadows and highlights- your skin is PINK or BEIGE if you are Caucasian and BROWN if you are African American. Black and white are simply in a color family that doesn't make sense for use on the face when making shadows.

To be safe, you really should either consult an expert in person or purchase a useful guidebook such as the one DrMark suggested.

Hope this helps!!
(you can PM me with questions)

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 7:18pm

Try using a color with a little more pink in it, or mixing the purples you've been using with a pink. Stay away from yellows and greens, because they will make you look like you've got healing black eyes.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 8:21pm

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I'm going to try them all right now.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 8/20/07 at 10:47pm

Give them a Patti LuPone Punch in the eye.

You won't need any make-up.