Before you try out different makeup styles, it will help to understand the main product types and how they work on the skin. Each formula gives a different finish, and choosing the right one depends on your skin type and the look you want to achieve.

Foundations

• Liquid foundation – versatile and buildable, available in matte, satin, or dewy finishes. Great for everyday wear.
• Cream foundation – richer texture, blends smoothly, and works well for dry or mature skin.
• Powder foundation – lightweight and helps control shine, best for oily or combination skin.
• Stick foundation – easy to apply on the go, handy for contouring or quick touch-ups.

Concealers

• Liquid concealer – flexible, blends easily, ideal for under-eye circles.
• Stick or cream concealer – thicker coverage, perfect for covering blemishes or scars.

For theatre, full-coverage cream foundations and highly pigmented concealers are often used because they give a strong base that lasts under intense lighting.

Blush & Highlighter

• Powder blush – long-lasting, best for oily skin.
• Cream blush – blends easily for a natural glow.
• Liquid highlighter – adds a soft, dewy finish.
• Powder highlighter – stronger shimmer for a more dramatic look.

Eyeshadows

• Powder eyeshadow – the most common, easy to layer and blend.
• Cream eyeshadow – bold colour payoff, quick to apply.
• Liquid eyeshadow – long-wearing with intense pigment.

To make dramatic eyeshadow blend smoothly under stage lights, using the right brushes is key – our stage production brush guide shows which brushes work best.

Lip Products

• Lipstick – comes in matte, satin, or glossy finishes.
• Liquid lipstick – bold colours that last for hours.
• Lip gloss – adds shine, usually with lighter pigment.
• Lip tints/stains – give a sheer, natural wash of colour.