How to Apply Mime Makeup
Mime makeup is a type of theater makeup that artists apply to their faces and body. This type of makeup is often used in the performance of mimes, such as Marcel Marceau. Mime makeup can be applied using various techniques, ranging from simple paint on the face with greasepaint or cream makeups to more complicated methods, including prosthetics and airbrush application.
The use of theatrical paints and powders dates back thousands of years ago and remains popular today for costume parties or masquerade balls during the Halloween season. The process begins by applying an opaque base coat over your skin to not show through the paint you apply afterward. If you want to know how to apply mime makeup , continue reading this full blog post.
10 Ways on How to Apply Mime Makeup
1. With a Sponge or Dense Brush
Using a brush or sponge, start by applying the makeup to your eyebrows and then down your nose. Next, use a light touch to apply the makeup to your upper lip, and then finish by applying it to your chin.
2. In a Circular Motion
Apply the makeup in a circular motion, using light pressure, starting at the center of your face, and working your way out. Be sure to avoid your eyes and eyebrows.
3. In a Fade
Using a natural-looking fade technique, start by applying the makeup to your chin and then work your way up towards your face, ending with a light application on your forehead.
4. In a Triangle
Apply the makeup in a triangular stripe from the center of your face outwards starting with the makeup on your chin, then up to your cheeks, and finally swiping it across the top of your forehead.
5. With a Sponge
Starting at your chin, use a damp sponge to blend out the product into the rest of your face in broad strokes. Be sure to follow this motion down past your neck and collarbone.
6. In a Cheekbone
Apply the makeup to your cheekbones using a brush, building up several layers. Then, a damp sponge or dense brush blends this makeup down your face into your neck and chest area.
7. As Eyeliner
Choose either the right side of your face or the left side as an eyeliner application area. Starting on the outside of your eye, use a brush to apply black or blue mime makeup in two or three thin lines. Then using a damp sponge, blend it out toward your nose and stop before you get to your inner eye area.
8. With a Wedge
This is a great way to contour your face. Start by applying the makeup to your forehead, then down your nose, and finally to your chin in a triangular shape.
9. In a Stripes
Apply the makeup in stripes, starting at your forehead and then going down your nose. Next, apply it to your chin in a horizontal stripe, and then finish by applying it to your cheeks in vertical stripes.
10. With a Lip Liner
Choose a group of five or six colors from your mime makeup kit and mix them to get a custom color. Once you have the customized color, start by applying it to your upper lip with a lip liner brush. Then blend this out using a damp sponge. Next, apply the same color to your lower lip. Finally, use a brush to apply a thin layer of white makeup to your entire lip area.
Some Tips and Suggestions
1. Prep your face with a foundation and concealer as usual.
2. If you have any dark circles under your eyes, use a light-colored concealer to brighten the area and make it less noticeable.
3. Draw a thick line around your lips with a dark lip liner. This will help define your lips and create a richer color.
4. If you would like, apply a light-colored liner or white base in the middle of your lips to make them appear fuller.
5. Fill in your eyebrows with an ashier color (if you usually use brown, try using gray) to tone down the look.
6. Apply foundation over your entire face and neck.
7. With a powder brush, apply a light dusting of translucent powder to your entire face and neck. This will help set the makeup and make it last longer.
8. To create the classic mime look, use white face powder to cover your entire face and neck. Be sure to get into all the creases and wrinkles and blend the powder in well.
Things to Consider When Applying Mime Makeup
1. Work with tiny amounts of makeup at a time. If you get too much on your sponge (or brush, etc.), then you will end up applying more than is necessary and it will take longer to dry.
2. When using mascara, avoid pumping the brush in and out of the tube. Doing so pushes air into the mascara container, causing it to dry out faster.
3. Waterproof makeup is preferable for mimes, but non-waterproof can be used in a pinch. If you use a waterproof foundation, do not add water to thin it down. Doing so will cause the molecules in the mascara to clump together and dry very stiffly and crusty over time.
4. Take care when applying blush, as too much can easily give the appearance of a clown-like appearance.
5. Allow the makeup to dry completely before touching it (or rubbing your face). If you don’t, the makeup will smudge, and you’ll end up with raccoon eyes.
6. It is usually good to set the makeup with a light dusting of powder. This will help to keep it in place and prevent it from smudging.
7. As with any other type of makeup, practice makes perfect. The more you apply mime makeup, the better you will become at it.
Conclusion
When you take the time to do your makeup in a way that suits your mood and makes you feel good, it can help improve how you look and feel about yourself. Mime-style makeup is fun for Halloween or just anytime when you want to play around with something different! The article we shared should give you all the tips and tricks needed to get started on how to apply mime makeup.
If there’s anything else we can do to assist, please don’t hesitate to contact us; our staff of expert makeup artists is only here for one purpose: ensuring that every customer who comes through our doors leaves feeling like a total star.