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wikiHow to Do Animal Makeup

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If you frequently perform in theatrical productions, chances are good that at some point you may be playing a character who is not completely human. However, doing makeup for animals and monsters is very different from ordinary makeup and can seem intimidating at first. However, it gets easier as you get more experience.


  1. 1
    Find out what creature your makeup is supposed to represent and obtain photos (or edited Photoshop images and realistic artwork if it isn't a real animal) to use as a reference. These can be very helpful alongside a makeup chart.
  2. 2
    Note the shape of the creature's face, especially if it is dramatically different from a human facial structure. Use highlights and shadows in the makeup design to suggest curves and textures that are not actually there, if necessary.
  3. 3
    Don't be tempted to jump right in and begin with the unusual features of your makeup. Begin with the base colours, which may or may not resemble human skin tones.
  4. 4
    Apply any necessary crepe hair or latex effects. Keep the other makeup in mind when placing these effects.
  5. 5
    Once you have the base colours down and blended properly, add the other necessary features like markings (especially around your eyes), a black or pinkish nose (if this is part of your makeup, don't go higher than halfway up the length your nose- animal noses don't work like that), whiskers, scales, scars, or whatever features are required of your character.
  6. 6
    Depending on what type of makeup you use, it may be beneficial to apply a "veil" of powder over it to keep it from smudging.

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    • If you have long bangs or any other hair that touches your face in any way, contain it before you start applying your makeup.
    • Learn to effectively block out your eyebrows, and remove any other facial hair; this is especially important if your makeup is mostly white or pale colours.
    • Be sure to follow what your makeup chart shows. If you deviate from it (even if you're sure you have a better idea), you may get in serious trouble from the director.
    • If a wig is part of your costume, put it on after you do your makeup.
    • Before applying your makeup for the first time, test some on the inside of your wrist to ensure that you aren't allergic to it. If you can leave it on for about 30 minutes with no reaction (which usually feels like a bad insect bite), you're probably not allergic.
    • Although you can use cheap, generic makeup, it would be to your benefit to use quality stage makeup like Ben Nye. This will last longer than cheaper stuff (which can crack, cake in certain spots, or any number of other disasters), and it is somewhat waterproof, so it won't come off if you sweat.
    • Keep in mind that, depending on how complex it is, it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours to apply your makeup. Be sure to set aside enough time for it, especially if you are not very experienced yet.
    • When putting on makeup start with a little, if you need to add more it's a lot easier to add makeup than it is to take it away.


    • Take off your makeup immediately after the performance is finished. It's not good for your skin to wear stage makeup for hours.
    • Remember that this only applies to humans- do not put makeup on your animals!
    • Certain characters are extremely difficult to achieve and require you to spend a good amount of time practicing before the time of the performance. Examples of these include: the Beast (Beauty and the Beast), Macavity (CATS), Flying Monkeys (Wicked), and any of the "classic movie monsters", especially Frankenstein's Monster and the Wolf man.

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    Categories: Theatrical Makeup

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