Books about makeup for both theatre, film, fashion and television. Some books also include chapters about SFX-makeup, prosthetics, wig making, hair styling, color theory, business tips and more! Here you are guaranteed to find a book you will like, whether you do make-up for film, theatre, cosplay, SFX, Halloween or just for fun.
Stage Makeup
Eleventh Edition
By Richard Carson, James Glavan, and Beverly Gore Norcross
Widely referred to as “the bible of stage makeup,” the timely revision of this classic text addresses principles and techniques in the use of makeup for the contemporary performer.
This extensive exploration of the application and use of stage makeup and makeup for a variety of performance venues covers all aspects in detail and contains over 1000 photographs, drawings, and diagrams demonstrating step-by-step procedures. Thoroughly updated and revised, this classic text remains accurate and comprehensive, providing information from which all readers – whether students new to the field or seasoned, professional makeup artists – will benefit.
New to this edition:
Updated full-color photography throughout.
Expanded information on makeup design and application.
48 new step-by-step instructions in color.
Expanded chapter on modeling with highlights and shadows.
New chapter on cross-gender makeup.
New introduction on making dentures, noses, and face casting.
New instructions for creating zombies, animals, aging effects, and trauma/SFX.
Expanded information on makeup for television and film.
Up-to-date information on Special Effects makeup.
Up-to-date information on prosthetic makeup.
Updated chapters on facial hair and wigs.
Updated resources for products, advanced training, and health and safety.
Foundations of Stage Makeup, Second Edition is a comprehensive exploration into the creative world of stage makeup.
Step-by-step makeup applications paired with textual content create an enriching experience for future performers and makeup artists. Students will learn relevant history, color theory, makeup sanitation processes, and the use of light and shadow to engage in discussions about the aspects of professional makeup. Those foundations are then paired with a semester’s worth of descriptive, engaging makeup applications. Old age makeup, blocking out eyebrows, gory burns, and creating fantastical creatures are just a few of the rewarding techniques found in Foundations of Stage Makeup. This new edition features new chapters on basic prosthetic appliction and animal makeup, new information on historical makeup use, updates pertaining to industry-wide standards and practices, new images, and updated supporting material.
This is the perfect book to use in Introduction to Stage Makeup courses.
Foundations of Stage Makeup is complemented by makeup tutorials, a printable makeup chart, and an instructor’s manual with example assignments and tips to teaching each chapter, available at www.routledge.com/9781032664200.
The Complete Make-Up Artist is the only workbook needed to build the skills and experience to become a qualified, professional make-up artist.
This completely revised edition of Penny Delamar’s essential book for all make-up enthusiasts contains everything a student needs to know to embark on a career in media make-up. The Complete Make-Up Artist provides a wealth of information, activities, and advice.
Special features include:
An attractive, easy-to-follow format for ease of reference
Color and step-by-step illustrations throughout
Hints, tips, and health and safety notes
Activities and questions to test your knowledge and understanding
A genuine insight into the film, television, and theatre industries
NEW in this edition:
More photographs and step-by-step illustrations
Illustrations by two former students who are Oscar winners
More detail on the role of the make-up artist featuring four case studies
Theatrical Makeup clearly and concisely explains the basics of theatrical makeup techniques to allow stage actors to put their best face forward!
Readers will gain understanding of the physiology of the human face and, using cream based makeup, as well as commercial cosmetics, learn how to contour it to suit the character with the use of highlight and shadow. Hundreds of full color images and step-by-step instructions illustrate how to visually manipulate bone structure and apparent age, apply simple facial hair and wounds, and create glamorous and natural stage makeup. Also covered are the tools readers will need to apply their own makeup, along with critical health and hygiene tips.
This book is suitable for beginner Theatrical Makeup courses and for stage actors of all levels.
A simple step-by-step photos guide to planning and creating professional-looking makeup for theater, film and television.
• Practical guidance on aging and enhancing age, character studies, period work, fantasy, and special effects, including prosthetics, blood, cuts, burns, stitches, black eyes and scars.
• Makeup for men, women and children from a range of ages, and using colours for intimate theater and cabaret, opera, ballet and ice dance.
• Advice on using wigs and facial hair, and on making your own beards and moustaches.
• Inspirational photographs of professional makeup creations in long-running West End shows.
Stage Makeup – Step By Step is the Complete Guide to-
Understanding Color and Light for Beauty and Special Effects
By Katie Middleton
Color Theory for the Make-up Artist: Understanding Color and Light for Beauty and Special Effects analyzes and explains traditional color theory for fine artists and shows how to apply it directly toward make-up applications
Make-up artists control color the same way a painter does. They choose color palettes, match colors, blend new colors, and create designs on a canvas that is always changing. Some colors cancel others, some balance each other, and some oppose other colors. However, painters seldom have to consider inconsistencies in how their art will be lit and where it will be displayed the way that a make-up artists does.
This book teaches how to mix any color using just red, yellow, blue, and white. It discusses the reason for variations in skin colors and undertones, and how to identify and match these using make-up, while choosing flattering colors for the eyes, lips, and cheeks. Colors found inside the body are explained for special effects make-up, like why we bruise, bleed, or appear sick, and ideas and techniques are also described for painting prosthetics. The book also explains how lighting affects color on film, television, theater, and photography sets, and how to properly light a workspace for successful applications.
Whether you are a professional or a beginner, you will never stop learning. There will always be new products, techniques, and fashions – this book provides guidance and inspiration to keep practicing, creating, and honing your skills.
A Practical Reference for Actors, Models, Make-up Artists, Photographers, and Directors
By Kit Spencer
Striking make-up is a vital part of creating character for film, stage shows and TV. Every period in history has its classic make-up styles. The clear step-by-step instructions, tricks and techniques featured in this book make it your essential guide to re-creating them. Whether you need to create authentic make-up for film, a stage production or fashion shoot – this guide has complete coverage from medieval princesses and Regency heroines to classic Hollywood style, punk-rock and more. With clear instructions and close-up photography, over a hundred looks can be re-created for innovative, iconic and authentic effect.
Techniques for Film, Television, Photography, and Theatre
By Gretchen Davis and Mindy Hall
Get the best tips and techniques from the leading makeup artists in the field with the updated version of The Makeup Artist Handbook.
The book is full-color and covers a wide range of topics.
Gretchen Davis and Mindy Hall, renowned makeup professionals, bring a vast amount of experience to the book, with credits including work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Steve Jobs, The Wolf of Wall Street, Blue Jasmine, Star Trek, Pearl Harbor, and HBO’s Looking, among many other films and TV shows.
This updated edition includes new photographs and examples from on-the-job experiences to illustrate makeup techniques and principles for various subjects such as beauty, historical periods, black and white photography, and current techniques like creating computer-generated characters, special effects makeup, mold-making, and airbrushing. It also provides valuable information on how to work efficiently on set.
It is one of the best makeup books available and is highly recommended for anyone interested in makeup.
“This book belongs in every makeup artists’ library“
Your Tools for Success On-Set and Behind-the-Scenes
By Christine Sciortino
SFXzone note: Great for SFX makeup artist too!
In this comprehensive handbook author, makeup artist, and educator Christine Sciortino offers a detailed introduction to the conceptual foundations, techniques, and on-set practices of the makeup design process, going beyond technique-centered makeup education to provide an in-depth look at the workings of the film and television world.
Through personal stories, interviews, demonstrations, and insights from Sciortino and her colleagues, this book explores the business of makeup artistry, including tailoring a resume, building a kit, self-marketing, breaking down a script, researching and creating makeup looks, working as part of a production team, and different ways to get paid. It further delves into on-set procedures and theory such as anatomy, skin science, color theory, and lighting design. With high-quality step-by-step photo tutorials, this book will help readers to learn and hone techniques for beauty makeup, character makeup, and light special effects including aging and dirtying, grooming, bruises and prosthetics, tattoos, and more. An emphasis is placed on working with actors of all ages, skin tones, and gender identities.
This approachable and engaging blend of practical techniques and professional practice is ideal for both introductory-level and established artists.
An online resource also offers downloadable templates and sample paperwork for on-set use and practice.
The Kryolan Make-up Manual is a specialized book about the essential fundamental knowledge of theatrical make-up, mask and mold making, body painting, high-definition make-up, and camouflage make-up – from practice for practice.
Containing many images, examples of masks, and step-by-step instructions, the book is a standard reference for professionals and hobbyist alike. Arnold Langers Manual takes a deep and thorough look at the craft of theatrical make-up. Material knowledge and basic principles are conveyed in an easy-to-understand manner – from make-up techniques for making a person appear younger or older; to usage of rubber parts, bald caps, beards, and wigs.
There is one whole chapter dedicated to creating make-up for realistic portrayal of accident and emergency victims (Special effects makeup). The chapter also introduces the different types of stage blood and blood effects used in film and theater. The subsequent chapters also explain airbrush make-up techniques, the art of body painting, and the use of camouflage make-up to cover up tattoos and skin anomalies. The Kryolan Make-up Manual has been completely revamped – with even more topics, tips, and images.
There are many opportunities to do makeup and the prospects are limitless.
Turning your love of makeup artistry into a career can be a smart decision and with the Professional Makeup Artistry book, you will have the right guide to show you how to apply makeup as a professional and teach you how to launch your new career as a makeup artist.
Getting paid to be a professional makeup artist is a rewarding career that other people will envy.
Regardless of the fact that most women wear makeup, a makeup artist is needed for many occasions and in many industries.
Learn how to create the most incredible make-up looks from an expert in creative make-up, make-up artist (MUA), Rachel Duffy.
This collection of techniques and tutorials will explain everything you need to know about creative make-up whether you are an aspiring MUA, a make-up student or someone who enjoys make-up as a creative outlet or hobby.
Author and makeup artist, Rachel Duffy, encourages you to draw on inspiration from life, film and fiction to get creative with make-up. These fundamental techniques will provide you with the skills you need and help you on your way to your specific creative goals. These techniques and tutorials are an ideal learning base for retail or brand artistry, cosplay, theatre, television and film work, special effects makeup and editorial work.
There are instructions for all the basic techniques required to get started including how to create the perfect base through to more advanced techniques such as eyebrow blocking which is necessary for the more dramatic and involved looks. There is alsoadvice on colour theory and how to use it when developing characters and creating your own designs. Rachel explains how to create the perfect flawless base on which to build your looks and takes you through the process step-by-step. There is also detailed advice about choosing the right tools and materials that you need in order to get the best results.
Once you’ve got the basics nailed there are 12 incredible looks for you to experiment with all with step-by-step text instructions and photography. These range from ‘lighter looks’ that can be amped up or toned down, right through to four stunning illusion looks that will completely transform your image and send your social media feed into meltdown.
The 12 key looks cover all the important make-up trends including floating eyeliner and neon eyeliner, through to illusion make-up, animal print and much more. Choose your favourite look from: Spotlight Eye; Monochrome Graphic Liner; Ombre Cat Liner; Limelight Deep Smoke; Rainbow Electrica; Sea Siren; Woodland Fae; Celestial Being; Flapper Starlet; Haunted Skull; Space Bot and Circus Horrorshow. Your creative make-up play time starts here – you just have to let your creativity flow!
The City & Guilds Textbook: Theatrical, Special Effects and Media Make-Up Artistry
By Kelly Stokes, Nicki Purchase and Tracey Gaines
Create the foundation for a successful career in the theatrical and media make-up industry with this new textbook, endorsed by City & Guilds for theatrical, special effects and hair and media make-up artistry qualifications at Levels 2 and 3.
– Study with confidence, with content covering the latest qualifications and industry standards, including the 6010 specifications.
– Get ready to work in make-up, film, TV or theatre with handy hints from experienced professionals.
– Hone your practical skills with hundreds of photographs showcasing creative ideas from look books and industry portfolios.
– Understand complex topics such as anatomy and physiology with ease with simple explanations and all of the important terminology explained.
– Prepare effectively for the written exams and practical synoptic test with practice questions, scenarios and invaluable guidance.
This accessible new title offers a complete guide to professional make-up artistry. It has a special emphasis on creativity and developing individual styles and skills. The book has been approved by the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
Covers everything students need for the S/NVQ core and options units so it is the only book they need for the Make-up pathway of S/NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy.
Full-colour step-by-step procedures and ‘work in progress’ drawings clearly show the processes candidates need to go through to create a range of different looks.
Contains mapping showing how the book relates to VTCT, ITEC and BTEC Make-up qualifications.
Written by Julia Conway, an experienced college lecturer and freelance practitioner with an excellent reputation in make-up artistry.
Make-Up Designory’s Beauty Make-up, written by Yvonne Hawker, based on concepts by John Bailey. Learn the Art of Beauty Make-up: base matching; understanding shade and undertone; camouflage and corrective make-up techniques; proper highlight and shadow placement; bridal make-up; working with the mature face; male corrective make-up; make-up techniques for film, television and print; industry terminology; continuity; and, basic lighting.
Do you know of any books that should be on this list? We'd love to hear from you - get in touch! We're always looking to expand our collection with books covering makeup artists, monster makers, special effects, prop making, stagecraft, and more.
Disclaimer: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only. SFXzone is not responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided.
