Theatrical makeup, or stage makeup, is used on actors who perform in theater productions.
Stage makeup is a cosmetic of a heavier quality than normal, everyday wear makeup.
Regular cosmetics applied normally, or no makeup application at all, is not suitable for acting on a stage. Automatically, a person's complexion appears paler when looked at under stage lights. Normal cosmetics, when applied heavily, counteract the effects of stage lighting on the actor's complexion . This same principle of heavy lighting drowning out a person's facial features applies to the lighting used when getting professional pictures taken.