Gone are the days when both men and women had to wear heavy makeup to look alive on television. Today's cameras are very sensitive and generally recreate color very well. Makeup is primarily a means by which the talent can even out skin tone and add a bit more color to the face.

Men can use a light base coat a shade darker than normal skin color, to even out skin tone and reduce the shine on cheeks, forehead and nose. A good shave before going on air will prevent or reduce the look of the five o'clock shadow. Any facial hair should be neatly trimmed - again, the character dictates this.

For women, normal street makeup is fine. Women do want to avoid dark reds and maroon-colored eye shadows, lip gloss and rouge, because the camera has a tendency to accentuate the blues in these colors, which will in turn become darker and be overly emphasized. Always make sure your talent wears makeup that is not only appropriate for the character, but also for their particular skin tone and natural coloring.

Always keep your talent's character in mind when making clothing and accessory decisions. Use the guidelines above to make your talent look great and your video production look very professional. Have fun searching the closet!

Contributing editor Robert G. Nulph, Ph.D., is an independent video/film producer/director and teaches video production courses at the college level.