Color Theory for the Make-Up Artist: Understanding Color and Light for Beauty and Special Effects

Color Theory for the Make-up Artist: Understanding Color and Light for Beauty and Special Effects (Second Edition) analyzes and explains traditional color theory for fine artists and applies it to make-up artistry.

This beautifully illustrated guide begins with the basics of color theory - why we see color, how to categorize and identify color, and relationships between colors - and relates these concepts to beauty and special effects make-up. The book provides a wealth of information, including how to mix flesh tones by using only primary colors, how these colors in paints and make-up are sourced and created, the reason for variations in skin colors and undertones, and how to identify and match these using make-up while choosing flattering colors for the eyes, lips, and cheeks. Colors found inside the body are explained for special effects make-up, like why we bruise, bleed, or appear sick. Ideas and techniques are also described for painting prosthetics, in addition to using color as inspiration in make-up designs. The book also discusses how lighting affects color on film, television, theater, and photography sets, and how to properly light a workspace for successful applications.

The second edition features:

• A brand-new chapter on color inspiration in make-up and design
• Additional and updated diagrams
• More real-life application photos and demonstrations, including new examples of tattoo covering and prosthetic painting using optical mixtures, airbrush, and stippling
• Expanded discussion on undertones, skin variations, color correction, pigments, colored gels, and more

Filled with stunning photography and practical information, Color Theory for the Make-up Artist provides guidance and inspiration for both professionals and beginners who wish to train their eye further to understand and recognize distinctions in color.

Katie Middleton is a professional make-up artist for film and television with a background in fine art, specializing in portrait and representational painting. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where she was also honored with the Early Career Achievement Award in 2016. Some of her make-up credits include the film Loving, where she was nominated for a Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Award in 2017; Department Head Make-up Artist on Hulu’s How I Met Your Father; Special Effects Make-up Artist on AMC’s The Walking Dead: World Beyond; AMC’s Turn: Washington’s Spies; PBS’s Mercy Street; and Wonder Woman 1984. Katie also studied make-up and special effects at Vancouver Film School where she received the Make-up Achievement Award.