Behind the Brushes: Navigating the Fast-Paced World of Broadcast Makeup
Hello Friends!
Have you ever wondered how your favorite news anchors or TV hosts look flawless under the unforgiving studio lights? Welcome to the intriguing world of broadcast hair and makeup, where a lot of magic happens behind the scenes. I'm peeling back the curtain and delving into the challenges and techniques that artists face in this fast-paced environment, ensuring that every person on screen is nothing short of camera-ready.
The Need for Speed
First things first – time is of the essence in the broadcast hair makeup universe. Schedules are tight, and there's often a race against the clock to prepare everyone for their on-air moment. This demands skill and the ability to work efficiently without sacrificing quality. No matter what the output has to be to standard and what can get done in so little time is sometimes shocking.
The Glare Struggle is Real
One of the biggest challenges in broadcast beauty is dealing with the intense studio lighting. These lights are not your average vanity bulbs; they can be harsh and unforgiving, highlighting every imperfection. Artists must master balancing the need for coverage without veering into the cakey makeup territory. It's a delicate dance of creating a flawless finish that withstands the scrutiny of high-definition cameras. Speaking of high-definition, in the broadcast world, where every pore is accounted for, artists rely on products and techniques designed to stand up to the scrutiny of modern technology. From airbrushing to specialized foundations, the goal is to create a seamless look that translates beautifully on screen. Buildable, fuller coverage formulas designed for HD cameras are ideal for this environment. A foundation that is consistently ready for the job is Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation. A little of this formula goes a long way. It is buildable to full coverage with a natural matte finish, perfect for keeping the shine on the skin to a minimum. You want to layer with a good HD-appropriate powder to combat shine further. Do not venture into cakey territory, so be mindful of what you use. I love using Makeup For Ever's Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder. This weightless, translucent powder has a blurring, light-diffusing effect that looks great in any light, making it suitable for anyone.
Color Correction Chronicles
Color correction is another skill in the broadcast makeup artist's toolkit. Have you ever wondered why someone might look a bit green or pink on TV? It's not a camera malfunction; in some instances, artists must meticulously correct undertones, bruises and blemishes to ensure everyone appears natural and healthy on screen. Sometimes, it is the work of a magician waving a makeup brush to achieve skin-correct color harmony. Another excellent and effective Makeup For Ever product I want to tell you about is the Step 1 Primer Color Corrector. It is easy to work with and does a great job at making those skin corrections. It comes in 6 shades - each addresses a specific concern and skin tone.
Stay Put, Makeup!
In the whirlwind of a live broadcast, makeup needs to stay put. This involves appropriately setting the makeup and using long-wear formulas to ensure that the hard work put into creating the perfect look doesn't melt under the heat of the lights or the pressure of a live audience. Sometimes, the only opportunity to get it right is in the makeup room, so we must make it count.
Adapting to Every Face and Role
Every face is unique, and so is every role in the broadcast world. As an artist working in the broadcast arena, we must adapt our techniques to suit not only the individual features of each person but also the nature of the show. Whether it's a breaking news segment, a talk show, or a high-energy game show, the makeup should complement the vibe and purpose of the production.
Styling Hair for the Broadcast Spotlight
Styling hair for broadcast TV is a thrilling dance of creativity and precision. In the fast-paced world of television, every strand matters, and the pressure is on to craft hairstyles that not only enhance an individual's unique features but also withstand the intense scrutiny of high-definition cameras and studio lighting, just like makeup. Each hairstyle is carefully curated to suit the program's tone, the personality of the on-air talent, or even the network. The art lies not just in the sculpting of hair but in the ability to adapt swiftly, creating looks as dynamic as the stories unfolding on screen. It's a realm where texture talks louder than words, colors make bold statements, and the secret to success is a combination of creativity, technical skill, and products that ensure styles hold up flawlessly in the high-def spotlight. Styling hair for broadcast TV isn't just about aesthetics; it's about telling a visual story that complements the narrative of the moment.
Power player products for hair in broadcast TV volumize, de-frizz, add shine, some texture and a lot of hold. For volume I always grab Color WOW's Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer. This is a favored product because it turns up the volume without making the hair crunchy or weighed down. My favorite de-frizzer by IGK, Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Anti-Frizz Smoothing Spray, was mentioned in my previous post. It leaves the hair shiny and frizz-free, plus it works as a heat protectant, always protect hair when heat styling. A preferred texture product is another by Color WOW - Style on Steroids Color-Safe Texture Spray. It gives beautiful texture, volume and style memory and won't cloud or darken the hair. For hold, it's so easy to reach for Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong Finish hairspray. This is great because although it has a strong hold, it allows the hair to remain moveable, which prevents the helmet head look.
So, there you have it – a sneak peek into the whirlwind world of broadcast makeup. It's a realm where precision meets creativity, and every stroke of the brush plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone looks as fantastic on screen as they do in real life. The next time you're glued to your favorite program, remember that there's an army of talented hair and makeup artists working their magic behind the scenes, ensuring that the people you see are always ready for their close-up.
Until Next Time!
Anthony - www.AnthonyKinard.com