Module 7: Old-Age Makeup

This module is part of the CUA51020 – Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup Services) at IMUA and introduces special effects makeup through the creation of age transformation designs. In this module, you will explore how makeup is used to convincingly age a performer, developing an understanding of facial structure, texture, and design principles specific to old-age effects.

You will practise a range of techniques used to create realistic ageing, from highlight and shading methods suitable for stage performance to more advanced approaches used in film and television. These include the use of products such as latex and stipple to build texture and depth.

By the end of Module 7, you will be able to adapt old-age makeup techniques to suit different performance contexts and production requirements, laying the groundwork for more advanced special effects applications in later modules.

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 key 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.

As part of the Diploma, this module features assignments, written knowledge questions, portfolio development, and exclusive content designed to build your knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence throughout the makeup artistry course.

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
  An introduction to prosthetic approaches used in old-age character makeup.

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.

Units Covered

This module integrates practical skills from the following accredited units:

• CUAIND512 – Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
• CUAPPR411 – Realise a creative project
• CUAMUP411 – Design, apply and remove make-up
• CUAMUP512 – Design and apply specialised make-up
• CUAMUP513 – Design and apply special make-up effects
• BSBCRT413 – Collaborate in creative processes
• CUADES511 – Implement design solutions

These units are taught through practical tasks, interactive tutorials, visual references, carefully selected external links, and practical assignments, ensuring you develop both your analytical and creative abilities. Our modules combine high-quality images, diagrams and theoretical content in an easy-to-digest format.

Please note: The above list is not indicative of unit completion; most of our units are taught (in parts) across multiple modules.

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 7, you will be able to:

• Identify and compare key techniques used to create ageing effects for stage and screen.
• Design and apply theatre-style old-age makeup using highlight and shading techniques.
• Adapt ageing designs for film and television contexts using SFX products such as latex or stipple.
• Apply and safely remove old-age makeup following professional hygiene and safety practices.

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.