Few looks are iconic like the white and black mime face paint. The exaggerated features and bold contrast of shades allow performers to communicate all without the use of words. The white full-face make-up is there to heighten the dramatic impact of the movements and expressions. This make-up projects the face of “Everyman” during the performance, which enables all members of the audience to identify with the situation.
Whether you are interested in the art of mime, want to test your makeup skills, or just want to create this eye-catching look for Halloween or a party, in this short post we are going to walk you through it step by step. And don’t worry if you don’t have the products – we got you covered here as well.
Mime Face Paint
Mime artists traditionally use Clown White, a heavily pigmented form of theatrical greasepaint which is powdered to cause it to set. Water-based makeup is generally too likely to sweat off during the physically demanding performances of pantomime. one of the industry favorites is Ben Nye Clown White.
Preferred by professionals everywhere, Ben Nye’s Clown White boasts an ultra-creamy texture with a brilliant white finish. For enhanced opacity, set with Ben Nye Super White Powder and seal with Ben Nye Final Seal Matte for extended wear.
Another fan favorite is Make Up For Ever’s flash colors. you should use the flash in white on the face (obviously), and then use black eyeliner (pretty much any brand, as this has a smaller role) for the black parts.
If you are planning on a long day, or a big show under the hot spotlights, you should consider using some setting powder as well. It helps the makeup to stay longer and avoid dripping in case you sweat. I wouldn’t invest heavily here, some drugstore brands like Coty’s Airspun Powder can be a good match.
Additional designs can be added to the mime face paint using more grease paint and sometimes liquid eyeliner for the black line work. The design should be kept minimal since the mime’s face is intended to be a blank canvas to project the characters onto. In contrast, a clown’s makeup is intended to create a larger-than-life comic character, a living cartoon.
Mime Makeup Tutorial
Without a doubt, something is exciting in this type of makeup application. It highlights dramatic features and facial expressions easily – making it much easier to share stories with an audience. The basic elements of this theatrical look include a white interior, black details, and a painted mouth. To achieve this yourself, start with:
Have a clean and ready face. Rinse the skin with a mild cleanser, dry it and moisturize it. Men who want to create this look should shave beforehand for a smooth and even application of the mime face paint.
Apply white face paint all over the face. Use one of the products we have already mentioned, or use cake or grease makeup (also popular options) on a small sponge, and then paste on the product. It may take one or two coats depending on the color of your skin and the pigmentation of the color you are using. Remember: apply it only to the face – do not lower the product to the neck.
Use a large brush or sponge to apply some setting powder. This step will lock in the color and help it last all day – even under warm stage lights. While using white powder is ideal (to whiten the face), a transparent one can also be used.
Draw eyebrows over your natural eyebrows. You can do that by using black face paint, eyebrow pencil, or liquid eyeliner. The position may change, depending on how much of a surprise you want your mime face to show, and the general look you prefer. You can wear your eyebrows thick, thin, or somewhere in the middle. Put your creative touch on it.
Use black eyeliner to add a definition to the eyes. This part is optional, but in our opinion adds a lot. There are many ways to do this, depending on your personal preferences and what you want the mime to express. Some options include a French-inspired star design, a single teardrop, or a triangle. Some mime artists like to put a thin black line on the edge of the face so that it looks like they are wearing a white mask.
Use mascara to attract more attention to the eyes. This is also optional but can add to the drama of the face.
Apply some color to the lips. It can be white, black, or even red to attract more attention. Up to you.
And we are done! If you want to be extra careful, you can apply your setting powder once again to give your face a final dusting of the product. This will make sure everything is secured in place.
More Tips
Remember – a simple face is best. Trying to copy another mime’s face from an image seen online or a video is not good manners, and will probably not look as good. Like clowns, mime’s face makeup should be unique to them and present the character of the performer.
Whiteface and additional definition are intended to enhance the mime’s expressions, sometimes at a great distance, from the audience. Even the furthest member of the audience should be able to see and understand your facial expressions (as we explained in the Key Elements in Mime), and your mime makeup should be clear, simple, and effective.
Using Dark colors around the eyes can hide important expressions, so it is not recommended, especially when performing to a large crowd. The eyelids, on the other hand, should be lined, and the eyebrows darkened or featured. You want the audience to see your eyes and mouth as clearly as possible.