Make Up: Tools of the Trade

Properly applied stage makeup can create some truly amazing effects. A person can transform themselves into just about anything if they know how to use the tools of the trade. A talented makeup artist requires a variety of different tools – far beyond what is needed for your everyday makeup wearer. In fact, there is a dizzying array utensils available today, so here is a list of some of the tools of the trade.

Spatula:
When it is necessary to blend cream or liquid makeup to create a new color, the tool of choice is the double-sided spatula. Often made from stainless steel, spatulas can also be wooden or plastic. In addition to being used for mixing, some special effects makeup, specifically waxes and gel features, are applied with the edge. The edge of a spatula is also useful when creating very fine lines along the skin.

Spritzer bottle:
Certain types of makeup need to be applied to evenly wet skin, which is when having a spritzer bottle comes in very handy. These multi-purpose bottles can be filled with water for wetting the skin, Final Seal solution to set makeup in place once it has been applied, or any other non-viscous liquid.

Mixing palette:
Despite the vast array of colors available from purveyors of stage makeup, custom colors often need to be made. It is also advisable to apply makeup from a mixing palette instead of directly from the container for hygiene purposes. A palette offers the makeup artist the same sort of flexibility as a traditional painter.

Angled brushes:
Makeup brushes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, each with different uses. Angled brushes are most often used for the application of eye shadow, eye liner, brow coloring, or lipstick. Any time when a precise edge is required these are what a professional makeup artist will reach for.

Sponges:
A variety of sponges are used in the application of stage makeup, each with their own specific qualities. Hydra foam sponges are extremely versatile. They can be used to apply any kind of foundation, but are particularly useful for liquid foundation because they don’t cause streaks during application. They are also handy when blending makeup. When using cream makeup, Latex Foam sponges are the most useful tool. They are great for blending multiple foundation colors, and provide smooth, even applications. When the effect you are looking for is the opposite of smooth, the Nylon Stipple sponge is the utensil of choice. A textured effect is easily obtained using this type of sponge, and can be used to create the appearance of uneven surfaces, such as beard stubble, or scarred tissues.

If the sheer number of choices has you baffled, fear not. There are a variety of kits that will outfit you with the basic tools you need to get started applying stage makeup. A good idea is often to start with one of these kits, and then add to it when you require more specialized tools as your special effects skills increase.