Grease makeup is applied starting with the lightest colors and building to the darkest, often using outlining techniques for definition and blending for softer transitions.
Here's a breakdown of how to effectively use grease makeup:
1. Preparation is Key
- Cleanse Your Skin: Begin with a clean, dry face. Remove any existing makeup, oil, or dirt.
- Moisturize (Optional): If you have dry skin, apply a light, non-greasy moisturizer. Allow it to absorb completely before applying greasepaint. This can help with blending and prevent the makeup from drying out your skin too much.
- Consider a Barrier Cream: A thin layer of barrier cream or a primer designed for greasepaint can prevent staining, especially when using highly pigmented colors.
2. Application Techniques
- Start with Lightest Colors: Always apply the lightest shades first as they are the most difficult to cover if you make a mistake. These often serve as a base or highlight.
- Outline with a Grease Pencil (Optional): Use a grease pencil to define areas where you want sharp lines, such as the edges of a beard, wrinkles, or other features.
- Fill Areas Away from the Lines (for Crispness): When filling in outlined areas, work away from the drawn lines to maintain a clean, defined edge. Use a sponge or your fingertips to pat the color on rather than smearing it.
- Overlap Dark on Light (for Blending): For areas that require blending, such as creating a realistic beard or softening edges, gently overlap darker colors onto lighter colors. Use a stippling motion with a sponge to achieve a smooth transition.
- Layering for Intensity: Build up color gradually. Greasepaint is highly pigmented, so start with a small amount and add more until you achieve the desired intensity.
- Tools for Application: Sponges, fingertips, and brushes can all be used to apply greasepaint. Sponges are good for covering large areas and blending, fingertips offer control for detail work, and brushes are ideal for lining and creating sharp edges.
3. Blending Techniques
- Stippling: Use a stippling motion (small, dot-like taps) with a sponge or brush to blend colors seamlessly.
- Patting: Gently pat the makeup into the skin rather than rubbing it. This helps prevent streaking and ensures even coverage.
- Fingertip Blending: Use your fingertips to warm the greasepaint and blend it directly onto the skin.
4. Setting and Finishing
- Powder Setting: Greasepaint will move and smudge easily if not set properly. Use a generous amount of translucent setting powder, applied with a powder puff or large brush, to set the makeup.
- Blotting: After setting with powder, blot any excess oil with a tissue.
- Setting Spray (Optional): A makeup setting spray can further help to lock in the makeup and prevent smudging. Choose a matte setting spray for best results.
5. Removal
- Use a Makeup Remover Specifically for Greasepaint: Regular makeup removers may not be effective. Use a cold cream, mineral oil, or a remover designed for heavy makeup.
- Gently Massage and Wipe: Massage the remover into the skin to loosen the makeup. Then, gently wipe away with a soft cloth or cotton pads.
- Repeat if Necessary: You may need to repeat the process several times to remove all traces of greasepaint.
- Cleanse and Moisturize: After removing the makeup, cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and apply a moisturizer to rehydrate your skin.
By following these steps, you can effectively use grease makeup to create a variety of looks for theater, film, cosplay, or special effects. Remember to practice and experiment to find the techniques that work best for you.
