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Not all of the makeup looks will be identically recreated for the actual performances, a lot of them will be toned down slightly since many of the actors are multi-roling and have quick changes from one character to another. This means that the looks will need to work for multiple different characters with very different traits and personalities. I have, however drawn inspiration from the original looks shown in this padlet to pay homage to them on stage.

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About a month before our production took place, I felt it was important to test out the looks I had designed on the actors themselves. It was important to do lots of research into applying the makeup safely onto my actor's faces prior to this day. Health, safety and hygiene was of upmost importance to me, especially with a member of our cast having a latex allergy. Attached below are various sites and sources that I visited to ensure that I was fully educated on the topic before the big trial day. One measure that I took to ensure the safety of my actors was asking them to come to the trial day already in 'base' makeup. This includes foundation, concealer, blusher and contour. these products need to be shade matched to each actor's skin almost perfectly; and so - especially as a makeup artist on a budget - it was a wise choice to ask the actors to come to the session already prepared in this way. This saved me time and money AND it minimised the risk of my actors' skin reacting poorly to my products; since their base makeup was their own from home. Other safety and hygiene measures that I took involved: conducting patch tests 48 hours before trial day, using new, clean brushes and sponges on each different actor - to avoid cross contamination - sanitising my hands if and when I needed to use my hands on actor's faces (although I kept this to a minimum when able) wearing a mask when coming into close contact with my actor's faces and using brushes when applying lipstick instead of using the stick itself on the actor's lips. This was all as recommended by the sources below:

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Since the Tweedles are servants for the Queen of Hearts, I wanted to use ‘Queen of hearts’ inspired motifs for the makeup looks. For Tweedle Dum, I wanted to paint a large red heart on the actor’s eye using face paint, paired with a bold red lip. I also used fake blood to add that ‘gore meets glam’ effect.

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Hey! I'm the Makeup Artist and Co-Director of 'Alice in Mind.'

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Hey! I'm the Makeup Artist and Co-Director of 'Alice in Mind.'

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I'm Sophie Cutler from Panel Productions. As part of our final production at the University of Chester; my production group and I will be putting on a 'Wonderland' inspired production. The name of ours? Alice In Mind! Inspired by hit musical 'Alice by Heart' by Steven Sater. Our play follows Alice, trapped in a psychiatric hospital with angry nurses and her fellow patients, one of which being her dearly beloved; Alfred Hallam. Alice and Alfred escape to Wonderland in an attempt to stay alive together in paradise, but Alfred is running out of time, fast. The play is set in 1940's England and part of getting that old-fashioned feeling right is - of course - the looks! We need to dress appropriately for the era; but with the makeup, there is more freedom - we are in Wonderland, after all! My job - as the makeup artist - was to create looks that felt appropriate for the 1940's psychiatric ward, whilst still being adventurous and wild enough to be perfect for Wonderland. This Padlet will explore my process from inspiration, to design, to execution - in creating the perfect makeup looks for our performance. I was also in charge of directing some of the scenes that take place in the hospital, while a fellow cast-member was in charge of directing the scenes set in Wonderland. My primary production role was being the makeup artist, so this Padlet largely focuses on that, but there's some info regarding my directing choices, too! I hope you enjoy reading more about my process :)

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My first job as the makeup artist for this production was to curate a powerpoint filled with inspiration pictures for the makeup looks I was going to create. I used Pinterest to source all of my images; searching for the characters individually. I added any pictures that caught my eye and gave each character their own slide.

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My second priority as the makeup artist was to design some face charts for each of my looks - inspired by the pictures from my powerpoint. Face charts are popular amongst professional makeup artists when planning and creating more complex looks. It is important to design face charts in order to understand exactly how the makeup will sit on different areas of the face. On each face chart, I have clearly labelled exactly which product is sitting where on the face. I have also listed the specific products used at the bottom of each chart. I used face charts that I sourced from Pinterest. I have also included some research that I sourced in order to understand the importance of using face charts, and how to utilise them correctly. These resources are linked below:

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Should You Use a Face Chart To Master Your Makeup Placement? - L’Oréal Paris

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Discover the article Should You Use a Face Chart To Master Your Makeup Placement?

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Three top tips James taught me about face charts... | MYKITCO.™

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This week on MYKITCO Monday James took us back to school and showed us how to master the fundamentals of a face chart! Makeup face charts are a staple tool for makeup artists! They provide a canvas to practise, plan, and perfect makeup looks before applying them to a real face. Whether you’re preparing for a big eve

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How To Use Makeup Artist Face Charts - Makeup Looks Catalog

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Find out how to use face charts in your makeup artist business. Discover these tips and create a makeup look catalog.

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I wanted Tweedle Dee’s makeup to compliment Tweedle Dum, since they are a duo. I used a similar motif inspired by the Queen of Hearts, but instead of a heart, I wanted to paint a large black spade on the actor’s eye, paired with a bold black lip. This pays homage to the playing cards that the Queen is fond of. I used the fake blood once more for an added element of gore.

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Alice is often getting into trouble at the psych ward, so I wanted to give her a black eye as though she had recently been in a fight with another patient. I wanted to use brown, purple and blue eyeshadow to achieve this. I also wanted to use these same colours to add shadows to the face, making the face look gaunt and malnourished, reflecting the poor treatment at the hospital. This is also reflective of the time period we are in. This is also why I wanted her lips to appear cracked and pale, which I would achieve by putting concealer and eyeshadow on the lips. I also wanted to give her sparkly blue eyes to pay homage to Alice’s iconic blue dress that appears in many adaptations of Alice in Wonderland.

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For Alfred, I wanted to use purples, browns and blues once more to create that gaunt, malnourished look. I wanted to concentrate these colours in the cheeks to create a hollowed out look. I also wanted to use these same colours to give the actor fake, over-exaggerated eye bags. To make the look represent a rabbit, I wanted to use heavy pink blush on the cheeks and nose, as well as a rabbit nose, which would be created using white eyeliner.

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I wanted The Mad Hatter’s makeup to be just as fun and colourful as she is in her personality. I wanted to use as many vibrant colours as possible all over the face, but mostly concentrated on the eyes. I used my fingers to apply these colours, as though the character had found the eyeshadow herself and threw it upon herself with little thought or precision. I also wanted the lipstick to be smudged, as though the character had smudged it herself. I also wanted to apply fake blood to the forehead as though the character had bumped her head.

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For the Queen of Hearts, I wanted to include as many heart motifs as possible, which is why they are present on the lips as well as on the cheeks as well as on the eyes. I also wanted to use a lot of red eyeshadow as well as lipstick as red is the character’s iconic, recognisable colour. I also wanted to use fake blood in the shape of a handprint on the chin to represent the blood that is on this character’s hands, figuratively and literally!

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How to perform a patch test for skincare products

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What is a patch test and can people perform them safely at home? Read on to learn how to perform a patch test and identify potential chemical irritants.

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Cosmetic products (such as soaps, lotions, face and eye make up, fragrances, etc.) can provoke allergic reactions in some people. Many people suffer from allergies and anyone at any age can develop allergies. Allergic reactions are the immune system's overreaction to substances that may otherwise be harmless. An allergen can trigger the immune system to release chemical substances such as antibodies that result in allergy symptoms. Many people are familiar with seasonal allergies brought on by pollen from blooming plants, or with food allergies. Allergic reactions to cosmetics most often appear as itchy, red rashes on the skin - or contact dermatitis.

This page provides information about:

Common Allergens Found in Cosmetic Products

The FDA has compiled the list below of common allergens found in some cosmetic products. These are allergens that cause most allergic reactions from the use of cosmetic products.

Common allergens fall into the five classes as detailed below: natural rubber, fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and metals.

What Consumers Can Do

Regarding possible allergens in cosmetics, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to know what you are sensitive to and how to avoid it. One way to accomplish this is by carefully reading the product ingredient panel and avoiding ingredients you know or think you are allergic to. It isn't enough to check for terms like "hypoallergenic", "fragrance-free" or "for sensitive skin," as there is no federal standard or definition that governs the use of these terms in the U.S. However, under the authority of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires an ingredient declaration on cosmetic products sold at the retail level to consumers. However, certain ingredients may be listed generally as "fragrance," or "perfume," without identifying the specific ingredients.

If you have reviewed the product ingredient panel and still have questions regarding the substances in the product, you may contact the manufacturer listed in the product label. In addition, consumers should always check product labels and follow the manufacturer instructions before applying as directed. Reading the label on products is especially important as some products contain ingredients that may cause irritation, regardless of whether you have allergies or not. For example, manufacturers of certain hair dyes instruct users to test a small amount of product first - to see if they have a sensitivity to the ingredients in the product before applying it more broadly.

Symptoms of Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions can range in severity, but may include hives, itchy skin, a rash, flaking or peeling skin, facial swelling, irritation of the eyes, nose and mouth, wheezing, and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include a lack of consciousness, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, lightheadedness, chest pain, a rapid, weak pulse, nausea, and vomiting. If anaphylaxis symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

In addition to allergic contact dermatitis, fragrance ingredients may also affect the respiratory system because they are essentially vapor and can be inhaled. This is especially true in patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and viral respiratory infections. For people with sensitivities to certain fragrances, inhaling them may result in shortness of breath, the sensation of being suffocated, coughing, phlegm, a runny or stuffy nose, headache, chest tightness, and wheezing.

If you experience symptoms of what you suspect is an allergic reaction, consult your healthcare professional, as sensitivity to allergens can become more severe over time. Be sure to discuss with your healthcare provider what product or particular substance you think might be triggering the allergic reaction. They may recommend different types of tests to better understand what you are allergic to.

If you believe you have experienced an adverse event (allergic reaction or illness) after using a cosmetic product, you can also submit a report to the FDA. The FDA encourages consumers with questions about cosmetic products to submit inquiries.

Testing for Allergens

There is some good news. You don't have to wait until you have an allergic reaction to try and figure out what you are allergic to. You can get tested. Knowing precisely what allergen has caused a reaction will help you to avoid further exposure to the substance. Your healthcare provider may recommend you undergo patch testing or some other, less frequently used tests.

Patch Test
This test is often used to diagnose dermatitis, or irritation and swelling of the skin. This test involves placing a small amount of allergen on the skin and covering it for 48 hours. A doctor will inspect the skin after 72 to 96 hours and check for signs of an allergic reaction, including, redness, a rash, or hives. Based on the symptoms present, the physician can determine whether the patient has had an allergic reaction. Patch testing requires two to three office visits.

If a patient has very sensitive skin, this type of testing may not be specific enough to help identify allergens and other methods may be used.

FDA Activities on Allergens in Cosmetics

To better understand allergens in cosmetics, the FDA focuses its efforts around three main areas:

Monitoring of adverse event reporting;

Conducting scientific research on the mechanisms of allergic reactions and how allergens interact with the body's immune system; and

Conducting research on consumer practices, the frequency of adverse reactions, and consumer awareness of allergens in cosmetics.

Monitoring Adverse Event Reporting
Adverse event reports contain critical medical information and descriptions that help the FDA identify signals of potential safety issues with cosmetic products and ingredients. The FDA receives adverse event reports from healthcare professionals and consumers via MedWatch. The FDA reviews all adverse event reports and when necessary, takes action to address safety issues associated with cosmetic products and ingredients.

More information on adverse event reporting can be found at the How to Report a Cosmetic Related Complaint page.
Additional Reading: Reporting Cosmetic Adverse Events to the US Food and Drug Administration. Katz, L. M., Valenzuela, C. & Sadrieh, N. K. 2016. Dermatitis, 27(4), 236-237. doi: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000195. Scientific Research on Cosmetic Allergens
The FDA is interested in better understanding how allergens interact with the body's immune system. To do this, FDA scientists are collaborating with scientists at the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi and University of Florida. Through these partnerships we can better understand how allergic reactions are induced, and we are identifying new ingredients capable of inducing allergic reaction. We are working with our research partners to develop animal-free testing methods to identify potential allergens and are exploring whether allergen testing data can help us further identify potential allergenic ingredients in cosmetic products. We are also exploring the existing data for quality and potential gaps.

The FDA is also engaged in research specific to fragrance ingredients. The study's purpose is to identify the likelihood of an adverse reaction from the use of products containing fragrance ingredients. This project will help establish acceptable levels for multiple fragrance ingredients used in a variety of rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products. The methodology established in this project may be used in future studies to perform similar assessments for additional cosmetics ingredients.

Additional Information

Enhancing our scientific understanding of allergens however, is only one area of interest for the agency. The FDA is also taking steps to learn more about consumer practices and use of cosmetics. We are conducting consumer surveys and focus groups to collect the following information:

How consumers use cosmetics;

How often consumers experience an adverse reaction from the use of cosmetics with potential allergens;

How aware are consumers of the presence of allergens in cosmetics; and

What actions (if any) do consumers take to avoid allergens in cosmetics.

In addition, the FDA intends to conduct interviews with the cosmetics industry to understand how manufacturing, marketing, and sale of cosmetic products is impacted by information on allergic reactions to cosmetic products. Furthermore, from interviews with state and local regulatory authorities, the FDA hopes to learn about their awareness of safety issues associated with cosmetic ingredients, including potential allergens, and how they monitor and address these issues.

More information on these efforts can be found at:
Additional Information: International Resources:

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This page provides information about common allergens found in cosmetic products, possible symptoms of allergic reactions, testing for allergens and FDA's activities on allergens in cosmetics.

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On the makeup trial day, I decided to photograph my actors in their finalised makeup looks. I set up some cool atmospheric lights, grabbed a camera and I was ready to go! Here are some pictures of me in action. All photography by yours truly.

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Finally, I decided to marry my final photographs, my face charts and some of my Pinterest inspo pics by creating collages! I made these collages using the app 'Shuffles.' The goal in creating these collages was to be able to step back and see the completed picture - the journey, if you will - from inspiration, to design, to execution, and to see how each stage of this process had developed, whilst still paying homage to the original inspiration.

"There are so many reasons to love the art of collage, from the freedom it allows to the powerful stories that can be told through it." (West, 2018)

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A Creative Collage Lesson for All Students

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A Creative Collage Lesson for All Students Media & Techniques % %

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Please visit my gallery using this link to view the photographs.

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Our production group wanted to promote the show and boost ticket sales by creating posters that we could put up around our campus. I designed these posters utilising my photographs. I also included the date and time of our production, as well as a QR code that linked to our ticket purchasing website.

"Posters can be a highly effective means of advertising and promoting a product, service or event. They are a visual medium that can quickly capture the attention of a target audience, convey key information, and leave a lasting impression." (Red17, 2024)

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Why posters can be so effective and the benefits of using them

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As the co-director of this production, I was in charge of directing the scenes that took place in the real-world; in the psychiatric hospital. This document explores some of my choices when directing these scenes, and outlines specific choices that I made for my character and for the others. I was inspired by Konstantin Stanislavsky and his ‘principles of acting’ in naturalistic theatre.

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The Mad Hatter from Tim Burton's adaptation of Alice in Wonderland

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The makeup artist who worked on the set for Tim Burton's film 'Alice in Wonderland' was a huge source of inspiration for me. Her name is Valli O'Rilley. I loved how each look felt appropriate for each different character in Wonderland; while some character's personalities called for bright colours and a heavy application, such as the Mad Hatter, (shown above) other characters, such as the White Queen, suited less intense makeup and a softer application. I used this as inspiration when creating my own makeup looks, ensuring that each character suited the level of intensity in their makeup look. I also love her use of colour; how she was able to use a sharp contrast between bright colours and shadows, creating light and shade and making each look feel multi-dimensional and full of depth. In an interview with Lisa Eldridge, Valli O'Rilley explained that she gets inspired for her makeup looks by all manner of things out in the world. She said:

"I save a lot of photos, anything from national geographic to fashion magazines, I’ve had them since the beginning of my career. A lot of the time they have nothing to do with the makeup I’m going to do, things like a couch that I think is stunning, somebody’s rose garden, a wall in someone’s home or other make up that I think could be very weird…anything I find visually appealing that sort of gets the fire in me going." (Valli O'Rilley for #MakeupMoments) I thought this was a beautiful sentiment and definitely something I aspired to do myself when creating my own looks. I have linked to the interview below:

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Valli O'Rilley's interview with Lisa Eldridge for #MakeupMoments

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Valli O'Rilley's interview with Lisa Eldridge for #MakeupMoments

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For the latest in my series of ‘make-up moments’ from history we are visiting the set of Tim Burton’s epic, Alice in Wonderland. This fantastical film follows 19 year old Alice (played by Mia Wasikowska) on her journey to the strange and gloomy underworld of a truly Burtonesque, gothic wonderland.. Here she tries to r