Module 7: Old-Age Makeup

In this module, you’ll get your first taste of special effects (SFX) makeup, focusing on the techniques used to age a person convincingly with makeup. You’ll explore design approaches and practise multiple methods for creating realistic old-age effects.

From theatre-ready highlight and shade to advanced film techniques like latex or stipple, you’ll learn how to adapt your work to different performance contexts and production needs.

Why This Module Matters

Ageing makeup is a cornerstone of character transformation. This module introduces you to SFX methods that allow you to create believable transitions, an essential skill for MUAs working in theatre, film, or television.

• Learn four main ageing techniques for stage and screen.
• Practise applying highlight and shade for theatre.
• Experiment with advanced products like latex or green marble.
• Gain adaptability for different media and production demands.

By the end, you’ll be able to design and execute convincing old-age makeups tailored to the medium.

What You’ll Learn

• Ageing Makeup Techniques
  Discover four key ageing techniques and the factors that guide effective design choices.
• Highlight & Shade Application
  Use highlight and shade to create exaggerated ageing effects for theatre.
• Advanced Effects
  Learn how latex, stipple, and green marble create realistic aged textures for film.
• Prosthetics in Ageing Makeup
  Gain an introduction to prosthetic applications for advanced ageing effects.

What You’ll Do

• Compare Ageing Techniques
  Identify and compare the main techniques used to create ageing effects.
• Recreate an Ageing Face Chart
  Recreate the provided old-age face chart to practise design accuracy.
• Apply Theatre Ageing Makeup
  Design and apply theatre-style old-age makeup using highlight and shade.
• Adapt Designs for Film
  Adapt ageing designs for film using advanced SFX techniques such as latex or stipple.

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 7, you will:

• Identify and compare the main techniques used to create ageing effects.
• Design and apply theatre-style old-age makeups using highlight and shade.
• Adapt ageing designs for film using advanced SFX techniques such as latex or stipple.
• Apply and safely remove old-age makeups.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our tutors will help you balance creativity with technical precision, ensuring your ageing makeups are both convincing and suitable for the medium. You’ll gain practical skills and professional insights into SFX application.