When you’re a skeleton or Darth Maul, a successful Halloween costume can be as much about the face as the outfit.
In anticipation of the many characters taking to the streets on Halloween, the Lewiston Civic Theatre is offering a class that will cover costume makeup techniques that apply on the stage and off.
“It’s really not that different than regular makeup,” said Leilani Farrell, class instructor.
Farrell will demonstrate basics at the class, while giving participants a chance to try them out on their own faces. She will also share tips and ideas with those who have a specific design in mind.
Farrell demonstrated some of the make-up basics when she transformed 10-year old Karah Schmidt into a ferocious wild cat.
Here are items and ideas that will help you get a professional look at home:
Recommended materials:
Photo or YouTube video to work from Cream-based makeup, seasonally available at big box stores and Halloween stores Cosmetic sponge wedges Art brushes Cold cream Liquid eyeliner Finishing powder to set makeup Powder makeup brush Baby wipes
Step 1: Prep. Prepare the face by cleaning it and applying a cold cream. The cold cream serves as a smooth base layer and makes makeup removal easier.
Step 2: Highlights and Shadows. Use a sponge to create highlights and shadows on the face, depending on the shape you want to create. Skipping this step will result in a “flat” face, Farrell said, and is where most people go wrong. If you don’t know how to use highlights and shadows to create shape on the face, find an instructional video that shows you how to do it.
Step 3: Eyes and Shapes. You can emphasize or alter the appearance of the eye shape using cream makeup or liquid eyeliner. Then fill in any other foundational shapes and blend them in. Use a sponge for more coverage or blending, use a brush for smaller areas, detail work or around the eyes. When you’ve finished this step, apply powder to the whole face to set the makeup.
Step 4: Detail. Building from the bottom up, add detail to the face. In this case, Farrell applied yellow spots and then created the look of fur with a fine-tipped brush. Good detail work takes practice and a steady hand, she said. When your face is complete, apply powder again to the whole face to set the makeup, which will give you more hours of wear for your effort. Clean your brushes with baby wipes and cold cream.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Get Ready for Halloween Stage Makeup Class
WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 28
WHERE: Lewiston Civic Theatre Office, 832 Main St., Lewiston
COST: $35, plus $15 materials, register by Monday at lctheatre.org or by calling (208) 746-3401
OF NOTE: Make-up and application tools are provided, bring ideas for the Halloween face you want to create. Class is open to those high-school age and older.
