The purpose of all makeup is to enhance your best features and minimize your flaws. Unlike television of yesteryear, HDTV doesn’t require heavy makeup, dark contouring, or dramatic applications. Everyday street makeup won’t create flawless skin either.
A professional makeup artist, with HDTV studios, can tailor your approach guided by your coloration and bone structure. For personal applications, the following is a guide to the products and application techniques you’ll need before appearing on HDTV.
Both men and women need a foundation, concealer, and blush/bronzer for any HDTV look. Women (and some men) will also need eye makeup and lip color.
Aptly named, the foundation selected for the airborne look is the most important element in creating a pleasing look.
The full face makeup worn on HDTV differs from daytime. Even the most flawless complexions shouldn’t try to go bare. HDTV makeup should cover the entire face, neck, hands, and any other exposed skin. Waiting for the spot app to appear like this… spots!
The two makeup formulations to date that best serve HDTV are airbrush and mineral powders.
Airbrush makeup is the choice of most professional TV makeup artists. The coverage is complete and flawless. Airbrush makeup application requires a machine similar to a compressor. Makeup applies in seconds, evenly and completely. Tiny molecules of a water-, alcohol-, polymer-, or silicone-based primer are sprayed onto the skin through a medium to fine airbrush nozzle.
Complete airbrush systems with a low pressure compressor (about 10 psi) range in price from $120 US to $1,000 US or more.
TV hosts, presenters or frequent TV guests would benefit from this investment. It takes a bit of practice to use, but it’s easy to master. The impeccable appearance pays for itself.
“Airbrush” makeup in a spray can is available in many price ranges. This makeup works quite well for an occasional application. However, following the manufacturer’s instructions to apply it to your hand and then to your face can cause streaking. Most manufacturers, or this author, do not recommend spraying directly on the face. This product is inexpensive and can produce acceptable results.
Airbrush makeup can correct blemishes, hide tattoos, and cover rosacea, port wine, and similar skin blemishes.
The other option for HDTV-quality foundation is mineral powders. This is the easiest makeup to master for amateur applications. Skin tone shades are applied with a kabuki brush, a short-handled, thick-bristled brush.
Application involves buffing the powder into the skin, which creates a smooth matte look. Shine on HDTV is dazzling, distracting and reminiscent of failure sweats on Broadcast News.
The actual application uses a surprisingly small amount of powder to achieve coverage. Mild to moderate skin blemishes can be concealed without creating a chalky appearance.
The only caution when selecting a mineral powder makeup is the mica content. Mica is a light reflector and can create unflattering reflections on the skin. Test any mineral powder under strong light or in sunlight. If the powder seems to “shimmer”, choose another brand with less reflectivity.
Poorly applied makeup is a distraction (remember Al Gore’s imitation Reagan makeup during George W. Bush’s first presidential debate?)
Adjusting your makeup formulation and application before you step in front of a high-definition camera can create the look you need to get your message across.