Fresh Faces

Stage makeup is a key element of any performance, but no one wants to see children caked in the stuff. Here, we’ve adapted three looks suitable for young students, teens and male performers from makeup artist Christine Dion’s book, High Performance Beauty. For the littlest dancers, it’s important to go natural. (Some competitions even require a “no makeup” look.) For guys, highlight and define their features so they don’t appear washed out in harsh stage lighting. Teenage girls’ makeup can be a bit more dramatic, with emphasis on the eyes and lips.

 

 

Step 1:  create a base

Apply concealer and foundation to create an even skin tone. Be sure to use a base that is an exact match to the skin. Using a powder puff, gently dab on powder to reduce shine throughout the day, avoiding the eye area, as dryness generally occurs there. Remove excess with a brush.

Step 2:  contour with color

Contour cheeks with a pink or brown blush. Start at the ear and work toward the nose, stopping approximately two finger spaces away from the nose. Then, carefully add color to the temples, the center of the chin and along the sides of the nose.

Step 3:  add eye effects

To define the eyes, use a dark brown shade of eyeshadow three quarters of the way across the eye bone, just above the crease on the eyelid. Black eyeliner or eyeshadow can extend as far as the outer ends of the eyebrows to intensify the look. Then, use white eyeliner to create a line just under the black one; this will help brighten and open the eyes.

Step 4:  enhance lashes

If you plan to use false eyelashes, cut to desired length and let them set completely before applying just one coat of mascara. If not, apply a generous three coats to the upper lashes and wiggle the wand back and forth over the lower lashes.

Step 5:  perfect the pout

Line lips in a neutral tone and then fill in entirely to increase lipstick’s staying power. Next, apply lipstick all over lips with a lip brush. Try a sheer shade for a natural, glossy look.

 

 

 

 Step 1:  create a base

Starting with a clean, moisturized face, apply a thin coat of foundation to prevent redness from lights. Foundations with a gold or yellow undertone tend to look the most natural.

Step 2:  contour with color

Contour and define facial features such as cheekbones, the sides of the nose, the center of the chin and along the jawbone using a pink or brown cheek color.

Step 3:  shape to frame

Shape brows and fill in any bare spots using a brow pencil to help frame the eyes. Tweeze or trim unruly hairs, then comb brows, sideburns and any other facial hair.

Step 4:  enhance lashes

Add a coat of mascara to help bring out fair eyelashes.

Step 5:  perfect the pout

Line the lips with a pencil in a shade that closely matches the natural lip color and apply lip balm.

 

 

 

Step 1:  create a base

Start with concealer and/or foundation to even out skin tone, then set with powder to reduce shine.

Step 2:  shape to frame

Define the shape of the eyebrows with a brow pencil that matches the hair color.

Step 3:  make ’em blush

Apply a pinky-beige color to create flushed cheeks and use a small amount of the same color on the eyelids.

Step 4:  enhance lashes

Curl eyelashes and apply a thin coat of mascara. Be sure to remove any clumps afterwards.

Step 5:  perfect the pout

To enhance small lips, line them slightly outside the lip lines and fill in with a clear or same-shaded gloss.