The most striking attribute of mime makeup is the white face. All mimes are dressed in special makeup, such as cake, clown white, or grease white, to whiten their faces before applying a variety of black eyeliner techniques around the eyes. Using makeup specifically geared toward performers is important because average drugstore cosmetics aren’t formulated the same way stage makeup is.
Preparing for Mime Makeup
If you are wearing a mime costume, put it on before starting the makeup application. Begin with a freshly washed face to ensure a clean canvas for the makeup.
Applying the White Base
Fill in the entire face with white paint, being careful to keep the coverage consistent. Once the white base is applied, gently tap your face with your finger to set the paint.
Defining Features: Lips and Eyebrows
With wet Q-tips, create a defined border around the face. Next, fill in your lips and eyebrows. For this, use a thin brush and black paint or a black pencil eyeliner.
Eye Makeup Techniques
The eyes in mime makeup can be drawn to reflect specific emotions. Start by drawing a black line along the top and lower lids of each eye. There are several variations for eye makeup, including:
- Short vertical lines just above and below the middle of each lid line.
- Large “eyelashes” drawn over each eye.
- Elongated triangles drawn under each eye.
- Tears drawn underneath the eye.
Be careful when using black paint or eyeliner. Shake excess paint off your brush and use a napkin as needed. Remember that a white face can make it very hard to clean up any mistakes.
EASY Mime Makeup Tutorial for Adults and Kids
Choosing the Right Makeup
The makeup used for this tutorial goes on very easily and covers great without feeling greasy. Unlike some Halloween makeup, this type of cosmetic is not irritating after a short while of wearing it. Research indicates that professional actors and clowns often choose specific brands for their performance makeup, and this was identified as a top choice.
Having tried this makeup, it doesn't feel like you're wearing any makeup at all. Applying a small amount dotted all over the face provides smooth, even coverage, using very little product. A single container can provide several dozen full facial coverages, even though the container itself is not large, because it doesn't take much makeup to achieve the desired effect.
Performance Considerations
This is the same makeup many professional clowns use, meaning it is designed to resist running or smudging, even if you start sweating. This is particularly important in warmer climates where performers might experience increased perspiration during performances.