Stage Makeup For Older Children and Preteens

School age children and preteens wear makeup differently than young children, but it still cannot be applied in the same manner as an adults makeup. If they are playing a child character, they should still not look as if they are wearing makeup from the audience. A natural approach is best. With children, I would always try to err on the side of less rather than more. Some parents can be offended by seeing children wearing a lot of makeup.

Children over the age of 8 are old enough to wear foundation, but use sparingly. Apply a colour that matches their skin tone (check out matching colours on the back of their hand) only to areas that need coverage. Blend well, and make sure that you remember to put foundation on their ears. (so you don't have a bunch of kids running around on stage with white ears - I learned that the hard way!)

Until they are old enough to apply it themselves, mascara can be a problem. Rather than try to apply it the same way you would apply it yourself, this is the method I use:

With their eyes open, quickly hold the wand at pupil-level, below the base of their eyelashes. Then tell them to close their eyes. The lashes will sweep through the wand as the eye closes. Repeat the process as necessary. (Max: 3) Never sweep the lashes through as the eye opens, this will make the lashes flat and less defined.

Liquid eyeliner will go on more quickly, but apply it only to the top lashes in a very fine line. Keep their eyes closed until it dries completely. Use black or a very dark brown (never coloured). A quick puff from a hair dryer will make it dry a lot faster.

Eyeshadow should be in neutral, natural colours such as soft brown and taupe. Never use obviously unnatural colours such as purple, blue and green. These are too sophisticated for their age.

At all costs, avoid the rectangular, orange, old-lady blush.To keep blush looking natural, apply a brownish pink blush (same colour as their skin after it has been pinched) in a rounded triangle that naturally occures between the cheekbone and the nose. Blend out. Hint: Powder will go on much easier and look more natural than cream blush.

Lip-liner should be the same colour as lipstick and should be used to define the cupids bow (dip in the middle of the top lip). Lipstick should match their complexion (warm or cool) and be blotted and powdered so it doesn't rub off.

Use translucent powder to set and control shine; you may need to re-powder at intermission.