Basic Makeup for Camera
In both film and video work, makeup on the face and possibly even the body is needed — especially for people who will be on camera any length of time.
For starters, normal skin contains a certain amount of oil that generally goes unnoticed until viewed in a close-up. This shine can be exaggerated by the heat of studio lights and personal tension. At the very least, subjects should use a face powder that matches their skin tone.
After this, we move to so-called basic makeup.
For this, the skin should first be cleaned with mild soap or cleansing cream prior to the application of a makeup base or foundation.
Both are available in either oil or water base, but the latter has the advantage of not requiring face powder and being easier to remove.
Before these are applied, it's best to use an astringent to tighten facial pores and prepare the skin.
A shade of base or foundation should be selected that matches the normal skin tones, unless the goal is to slightly lighten or darken all skin tones. In this case, it's best not to go beyond two shades lighter or darker than the normal tone.
There are about 20 shades available, but if for some reason the proper shade isn't available, shades can be mixed to provide an in-between shade.
A foam rubber sponge, which can be moistened slightly, is used to apply the base or foundation to the face, ears, and neck.
With deeply tanned Caucasian skin tones it may be necessary to even out skin tones around the eyes or bridge of the nose by mixing the base or foundation with a touch of rouge.
Other evidences of uneven tan, such as the halter strap marks over the shoulders of a woman, should be filled in so they blend with adjacent skin.
Even right after shaving, dark-haired men will evidence "a five o'clock shadow" that can be reduced or eliminated by blending in the foundation or makeup base.