The perfect make-up finish often relies on having smooth skin underneath. However there are different ways to use skin care depending on the kind of make-up work undertaken.
Natural Style Make Up for Film, TV or Video
Completely natural style make-up is there for technical functionality. It stops shine or glare on the camera and provides a uniform look, preventing audience distraction.Such make-up can be applied by hand or with an airbrush.
Using an excess of skin products greatly hinders this, so for preparation, simply look at what is or is not camera worthy.
- If skin is parched, then a very small amount of moisturizer or a hydrating gel masque dabbed in will help base application.
- Anti shine gel can be a good alternative to excess powder and is useful for bald heads.
Photographic or Editorial Make Up
The look can be anything from totally nude to high glamor but is mostly about perfection. Skin is flawless and models are often very young and slim which aids make-up application in achieving the fantasy.
Some make-up artists spend a lot of time perfecting the skin before the make-up goes on. However this schedule often rests on the seniority or fame of the make-up artist in question.
In eastern countries such as Japan, a small facial massage is often the norm with regards to make-up application but even a little care taken with the skin can ensure a glowing result and good make-up finish.
For near-perfect skins, a little preparation means that the lightest of products such as gel foundations and cheek tints can be used to great effect. For very made-up looks, a smooth skin will help the look to appear more perfect and polished.
- Pore minimisers such as Dr Brandt's Pores No More helps prevent shine and give an even, flawless finish to enlarged pores. It also helps to prevent make-up from clogging pores.
- Hydrating eye gel is a good instant eye fix.
- Eye cream can help concealer skim over dry areas.
- Cotton buds soaked in waterproof eye make-up remover and oil cleanser provide an instant clean up.
Theatre Make Up
Most actors and actresses manage their own make-up needs unless special effects or special character make-up is called for. Unlike editorial work, a flawless finish on the skin is seldom called for in such situations. The make-up skill comes rather from creating drama and optical illusions to dazzle an audience a little further away than an HD lens usually gets.
Plays often run for a length of time and so actors will often be wearing product every day for weeks meaning that skin must be protected. Asit is live, theatre also often involves quick changes for costume, make-up and wigs.
- Facial hair, latex prosthetics and wax pieces are often attached with spirit gum which is hard on skin. Spirit gum remover is essential to keep in a theatrical make-up kit but also keep a good oil cleanser to hand which will gently ease off stubborn substances without stripping or burning skin.
- Gentle face wipes are excellent for quick changes.
- Waterproof eye make-up remover gets off stubborn stage eye make-up.
Special Effects Make Up
The special effects artist will usually be on hand all day for large scale work. Part of his or her responsibility is to look after the skin and to remove the special effect. With the use of various chemicals and techniques it is very important that an expert is the only one to remove all effects in the correct way, as well as to deal with related skin concerns. However, there are a few basic products which will be handy in a make-up room.
- Skin barrier which helps to protect skin from aggressors and allergic reactions.
- Aloe Vera gel for cooling and soothing the skin.
- Spirit gum remover.
- Oil, balm or cold cream cleanser.
General Tips:
Unless a make-up artist is also working in a beauty therapist capacity or with a long standing private client such as a bride, it is usually best to keep skincare simple and effective.
- Look for gentle brands which do not contain perfumes or many known allergens.Whilst many high end anti-wrinkle preparations feel amazing on the skin, they do not always sit well under professional make-up. A brand such as Ren skincare or Shu Uemura meets the skins needs without hindering work.
- Gentle make-up wipes are always useful to have to hand for emergencies, as is a good cleansing water such a Caudalie.
- A liquid exfoliator such as Aveda's Exfoliant, helps to get rid of texture on the skin when wiped over.
- To avoid allergic reactions, it is sensible to patch test products if in doubt. Also always ask about known allergies, know what the skincare being used contains and always have professional public liability insurance.
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