The most important thing a woman should remember about makeup is that there are two kinds: the kind she wears to meet people face to face and the kind she puts on to please the stage lights and the camera.
In pageantry, both kinds of makeup are used. When a pageant contestant is being interviewed or meeting people in social situations, the natural look is very important. Avoid "overkill." That means women and girls should avoid heavy makeup, bright red glossy lipstick and exaggerated eyelashes.
Onstage, the rules are different. Makeup that would make you look like a "painted lady" in an interview can create just the right effect under bright lights, especially if you're in an evening gown. Even politicians and rugged cowboy stars put on makeup to look good in front of a camera.
Certain types of makeup are produced especially for stage and photographic purposes. There's one in particular that I and many models swear by, but since this is a column I'm writing and not a commercial endorsement, I won't mention it by name.
Any good department store should have people in its cosmetics department who can steer you toward a "professional" brand of makeup. But if you don’t find any help there, try phoning a local modeling agency and asking the makeup artist to recommend something. You also might phone your local TV station. If there's a reporter or anchorwoman who looks especially good on camera, ask to speak with her. She may be flattered that you would ask her for beauty advice.
A woman sometimes can use too much makeup, but she can never learn too much ABOUT makeup. As thousands of models can attest, a real expert on this subject is always in demand. Keep learning.
Love, Dana
