Makeup?

Jon Starr

Jon Starr

Veteran
Not sure what forum to ask this on, so mods, feel free to move it.

My question is about make-up. I haven't really used make-up on set before (or off, go figure), so I don't know anything about it. How would I go about using it for my actors?

There was one time that I used make-up, and the girl that was helping us suggested two things. First was a white powder that you apply lightly, which was basically to take away any shine. And then also to add masqera (sp?) to the eye lashes to help make the eyes pop more on camera. But she wasn't professional, so I'm wondering if what she suggested that one time would work. The shoot didn't go well, so I don't really know if it worked in the end.

I know usually foundations are used. Aside from bringing the actual actor to the drug store, how do you find the right shade? Can you just guess? Can I buy a palette of shades? (haven't checked the drug store yet) Also what about foundations that work well with sweating (is the only option to re-apply every take?)?

Any tips would help. Thanks!
 
I found a girl who does make-up for models. She has also done some minor makeup effects like bruising, cuts and bullet wounds.

I would see if you can find someone like that. It's more than just guess work.

She's a pro but just starting out so she was willing to help me out. I can probably give you her email if you want to ask her a few Q's.

Mike
 
You can get a few shades of foundation, and mix them to match an actor's skin tone if need be. Then use powder between takes if the lights are making them sweat.

Mascara is definitely good to make eyes pop. So is eye liner, but not so good for close-ups. Most actresses will be able to do their own make-up. Find stage actors, and they'll be able to do their own too.
 
solution:

post ad for makeup girl (or guy). Beauty makeup for just simple film work isn't a big deal really.. but it is always nice to have someone there to take care of it.
 
When you're shooting something where you want your actors to look unglamorous and gritty, is makeup recommended?
 
Well here's a situation. I was asking in general because I'd like to invest in a make-up kit just for small shoots.

However for an upcoming shoot what we may end up doing is a sort of karate training for a fight video. And my issue is with the sweat that would come off normal exercise. Plus this guy is my Sensei, he's not an actor that knows how to apply his own make-up. I could look into finding someone, but we're a group of four with limited time.

Usually make-up is recommended, even though I haven't done it. It's just to hide blemishes, pimples, oil, ugly stuff. If you want to look unglamorous and gritty, just add dirt, scratches, etc... The make-up doesn't make them look glamorous though.
 
I can only speak from personal experience but for me, this is one area you never want to cut corners on. Make up is an art--much more complicated than say...acting. No, kidding, but makeup is critical, like everything else I suppose. I've had shoots ruined cuz the talent looked ridiculous. Think George Hamilton. It's really gotta be spot on.
 
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