Straight makeup is used when the character to be played is very similar in age and characteristics to the actor. Before applying any makeup, be sure to cleanse and cool your face.

foundation provides pigment to the face that would otherwise be washed out by stage lights. Creme base or cake foundation are typically used. Foundation is applied all over the face and neck and blended to look natural.

Highlighting and Shadowing are used to bring out features, correct features, and change features to make them specific to the character. For shadowing, use a base 5 shades darker than your foundation. the highlight should be 5 shades lighter. Lightly shadow the laugh wrinkle, cheeks, and the nose.

Rouge and lipstick should be a color that compliments well with your hair color, skin tone, and costume. Rouge should be applied differently depending on your face shape. Your lip shape should reflect the personality of the character you are portraying (see pg. 514 in green book for examples)

Eyeshadow is used to make the eyes to seem larger, and to help indicate character. Typically a brown or natural looking color is used on the eyes, and a black or brown liner is used against the lash line. Eyebrow shape can also help to indicate a character's personality. (See pg. 513 in the green book for examples of both of these)

It is extremely important to put on a translucent powder after putting on stage makeup. It helps to hold everything else in place so it will not run, as well as softening the lines and giving your face a matte finish so it does not look so shiny under the stage lights. This keeps your face from looking blotchy and oily.