When auditioning for stage or camera, make up is an important part of preparation. These make up tips are for working in front of the camera where in most cases both men and women have to wear make up to achieve a finished look to their skin and to avoid the shine created by film lights! It is also essential to keep your make up minimal and natural because every detail gets picked up by the camera.
Using make up creates all the difference to define you as the character that you’re auditioning for, as well as making you appear well groomed and presentable. It is also crucial you look like yourself because the casting team want to see you – not your face caked with foundation!
If you do have blemishes and imperfections, they can easily be disguised to create an illusion of clear, healthy skin. This can be done without slapping on hideous amounts. Having too much make up makes you appear fake and plastic and unless it’s the nature of the character you are portraying, it’s a no-go! Too much make up is a turn off.
Make up is still a fantastic investment for auditions when used correctly and it’s worth investing in to quality products that will last a long time. If you want to invest in good quality make up Mac Cosmetics is great for foundations, brushes and powders. If these sorts of cosmetics are too expensive for you there are always Boots and Superdrug (drugstore) equivalents.
For those men out there it’s okay to wear a little concealer to cover any blemishes for an audition, or even a base or powder to cover any shine. Don’t forget if you booked the job you’d go through make up for the production anyway, so if you feel it’s suitable, go for it.
Your Make-Up Routine
- When starting your make up routine, be sure to start with a fresh clean face having cleansed, toned and moisturised your skin. You don’t need the most expensive face washes to do a good job in looking after your skin.
- Before putting on any make up, get a good primer as a base. Primer is great to put on after moisturizer as it smooths out the skin and helps the foundation last longer. If it’s been a long day before the audition, or if you’re running late and flustered you’re in risk of your foundation sweating off. Using primer first keeps the foundation lasting a little longer.
- Use a concealer first to hide any dark under-eye circles and those blemishes. There are various cream and liquid based concealers but I would recommend cream for long wearing coverage, for example Studio Finish Concealer.
- Next is foundation. If you can afford it, it is certainly worth investing well in a foundation as the best foundations last a long time and are long wearing. For example Mac’s Pro Longwear Liquid Foundation is great as it lasts all day as well as giving a natural-matte finish that’s more flattering on camera. Make sure everything is really well blended so the camera can’t pick any foundation lines up!
- Finishing off with powder to set the make up is a must. Using a powder gets rid of that shine but remember to avoid really heavy powders as you still want a natural glow. Don’t forget to blend into your neck.
As make up director Anna Rose Kern says:
“For women, I recommend light-to-medium coverage, and stay away from heavy powders. You want your skin to look naturally glowy and flawless. I love MAC Face and Body Foundation. It never looks overdone.” Make Up For Auditions
With the basic make-up of primer, concealer, foundation and powder you are wearing all you need to look your best – the rest is optional. If you are going to use blush or eyeshadow make sure you stay looking natural, so avoid anything too overpowering. If you have light eyelashes, curl and apply mascara to them but be sure to choose a waterproof mascara as you want to avoid any panda eyes should you rub your eyes or get into an emotional scene!
Remember, always keep it neutral, unless of course you are reading for a specific character type. It’s best to avoid anything that can distract from your natural features as that is what they will want to see – you as you!
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