A makeup mask is a mask created by make up artists using theatrical makeup. The face is used as a canvas and a design can be painted onto it. These designs can be used for a Halloween mask, or masquerade party, or they can be used to enhance a certain area of the face. A makeup mask can also be made to conceal an identity. These types of masks have been used for thousands of years, for a variety of reasons.
One of the first times a makeup mask was ever used was in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used kohl, burnt almonds, lead, and cooper to apply these masks. It was thought that wearing them would help to improve certain bodily functions. It was believed that makeup used on or around the eyes could sharpen vision and also ward off evil spirits. During this time period, many other countries also started using makeup.
In early Greece and Rome, a makeup mask could be used to enhance the natural beauty of a woman. in ancient Roman, slave women developed makeup called cosmetae, which is the origin for the word cosmetic. African women and men used henna and kohl to enhance looks and for spiritual rituals. In China and Japan, cosmetics were used to identify a person’s social ranking. A Japanese geisha could be identified by wearing a thick, rice-based face powder and a safflower-based lip preparation.
Theater and movie productions can be enhanced when actors wear a makeup mask. For example, if the main characters are vampires, a makeup mask will be used to create a look of extremely white skin. Darkened veins may also be painted on the face to make it seem more transparent. If a character has just been in a fight or sustained injuries during an incident, bruising as well as black and blue areas can be created on the face, neck, or arms. When a bruise appears to be swollen or elevated, the look is actually created by a combination of plastic prosthetics and makeup.
Face painting or a makeup mask is considered an art form. The face can be altered to look like a particular animal’s face or to portray a certain culture or ethnic background. A face can be transformed to look extremely beautiful and youthful or it can be changed to look wrinkled or older. Makeup artists can even make a face appear to be either good or evil, using a makeup mask.