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If you're working on a stage, those bright lights are going to make you even paler than you already are, so start with a good base makeup. Pancake makeup is great, but if you don't have the money, any good foundation will do. I prefer the "pink" stuff and have used it for over 25 years for my regular makeup. I just use a darker shade for the stage. I'd advise going at least 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone. Men should also use foundation as it will make their skin look more natural under the lights.

BASIC STAGE MAKEUP:
Follow the foundation with a dusting of toned loose powder, and then gently apply a damp paper towel for a few seconds to set' the makeup and powder. That will prevent the makeup from sweating off. If you have a real sweat problem, you can put roll-on deodorant on your face, the forehead is best but keep it away from your eyes, and put the make up on when it dries. Your face will absolutely not sweat. Bear in mind the deodorant will also make it harder to remove the make up later, so keep a big jar of cold cream on hand for removal. This deodorant trick can be used to hold interactive theate makeup in place on hot days too.

BLUSHING BEAUTY:
Your blusher should again be 2-3 shades darker than you'd wear on the street. Don't overdo the blush on men. A light dusting will do unless their character is perpetually embarrassed or in a rush.

EYE, EYE, CAPTAIN:
Eye makeup, well, the sky's the limit on this. You want your eyes to be seen in the back row. Make 'em big. Use darker eyes colors than you normally wear, and learn to apply eyeliner. Leave the pencils at home and use a liquid liner. It's much easier to apply and you can correct mistakes immediately. Start your line about 1/4" from the inner corner of your eye, and carry it along the top lashes to at least the same distance from the outer corner. This will make your eyes appear bigger and farther apart. Women, don't be afraid to try the Cleopatra eye. When you get to the outer corner, carry the line 1/2" along the lower lashes as well. It'll look like a sideways checkmark. End with a thick layer of black mascara, or even fake eyelashes. This is one time that "raccoon eyes" are ok.

LIPLOCK:
Using a lip liner pencil, outline your lips just a hair outside the normal line and make sure the lower and upper lines meet. Your mouth will be seen ALL the way back in the audience. If you really look at photos of Lucille Ball, her lips weren't really that big. She outlined at least 1/4" outside her real

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