Highlighting in Makeup: What You Need to Know for the SQA National 5 Drama Exam

The Art of Highlighting: What Drama Students Should Know

When you’re prepping for the SQA National 5 Drama exam, you’ll probably find yourself juggling a whole suitcase full of concepts—from character development to, yes, makeup techniques. One area that really lights up the stage, literally and figuratively, is the art of highlighting in makeup.

What’s the Point of Highlighting?

Before diving headfirst into specifics, let’s clarify what highlighting actually means in the makeup world. It’s not just about slapping some shiny stuff on your face and calling it a day. The goal? To accentuate your best facial features and to draw attention where you want it—just like a spotlight on stage focuses on the lead actor.

You know what? It’s fascinating how these techniques can change one’s appearance. Imagine stepping onto the stage, and with a few clever brush strokes, you create an illusion of depth and dimension. Now, let’s clarify some things about highlighting, particularly in the context of your upcoming drama exam.

What Highlighting Can and Can’t Do

Highlighting works wonders for defining and enhancing certain areas of your face. For instance:

• Creating shine on cheekbones: Ah, the classic glow! This technique enhances those cheekbones, making them look plump and youthful. When you catch the light just right, it’s like something out of a Hollywood movie.
• Enhancing the eyes: Here’s where you can really play with your look. Using highlighter on your brow bones or eyelids brings attention to your eyes, making them pop—perfect for when you’re performing far from the front row.
• Defining the brow bone: This isn’t just for adding an extra edge; it’s about creating structure. A little highlight here can lift and define your brows, giving that polished finish we all want.

But wait—let's make sure we address what highlighting is NOT used for. Here’s the kicker: Making facial areas look shrunken is a big no-no. Why? Because highlighting is fundamentally about bringing areas forward, about creating light where there’s shadow. In fact, it’s the opposite of making things appear smaller and less defined.

Putting It All Together

Here’s the thing: when preparing for your exam, it’s vital to remember how to use highlighting effectively to enhance your character’s presence. Think of your makeup as part of your overall storytelling. If your character is meant to shine—or perhaps return from a dramatic fall—you’ll want your highlighting to reflect that intention.

While you’re practicing your makeup skills, try experimenting with different lighting conditions. Natural sunlight versus artificial stage lights can completely change how your highlight appears. It’s often said that lighting can make or break a performance, and the same goes for the makeup that complements it.

As you gear up for staging your performances, remember: makeup isn’t just an aesthetic choice. It’s part of your storytelling arsenal. Mastering how to highlight can add that extra spark to your character, engaging the audience on an emotional level.

In conclusion, knowing how to effectively use highlighting can take your performance to the next level. So, next time you’re in front of the mirror, think about how you can incorporate these tips into your look for the SQA National 5 Drama exam. And don’t forget—the magic of makeup often lies in the details! Keep experimenting, and let your artistic vision shine through.