Library : Wig and Makeup: Reference + Research

Physical Materials in the Library

Selected Print Books

Stage Makeup by Richard Corson, James Glavan, Beverly Gore Norcross
Call Number: PN2068 .C65 2019

ISBN: 9780367183325

Publication Date: 2019

Widely referred to as the "bible of stage makeup," the timely revision of this classic text addresses principles and techniques in the use of makeup for the contemporary performer. This extensive exploration of the application and use of stage makeup and makeup for a variety of performance venues covers all aspects in detail and contains over 1000 photographs, drawings, and diagrams demonstrating step-by-step procedures.
The Makeup Artist Handbook: Techniques for Film, Television, Photography, and Theatre by Gretchen Davis; Mindy Hall
Call Number: PN1995.9.M25 D38 2017 - New Books, Lobby (1st Floor)

ISBN: 9781138200562

Publication Date: 2017

This full-color, comprehensive new edition offers brand new photographs and on-the-job examples to demonstrate makeup techniques and fundamentals on topics such as beauty, time periods, black and white photography, and up-to-date information on cutting-edge techniques like computer-generated characters, makeup effects, mold-making, air brushing, and plenty of information on how to work effectively on set.
A Beginner's Guide to Special Makeup Effects by Christopher Payne
ISBN: 1003093701

Publication Date: 2021

A Beginner's Guide to Special Makeup Effects: Monsters, Maniacs and More is an introduction to special effects makeup using cost-effective tools and materials that can be found in local stores. The book is divided into three sections - Simple Makeup, Advanced Materials and Techniques and Advanced Makeup - and features tutorials to create characters such as a pirate, vampire, ghost, robot, burn victim, witch, zombie and goblin.
Historical Wig Styling: Ancient Egypt to The 1830s by Allison Lowery
Call Number: TT975 .L83 2013 - Stacks (3rd Floor)

ISBN: 9780240821238

Publication Date: 2013

Guide to creating beautiful, historically accurate hairstyles for productions and events. Chapters begin with artwork of historic figures that influenced the look of each period. Detailed step-by-step instructions explain how to create their iconic hairstyles, illustrated by photographs showing the finished look from every angle.
Historical Wig Styling: Victorian to the Present by Allison Lowery
Call Number: TT975 .L832 2013 - Stacks (3rd Floor)

ISBN: 9780240821245

Publication Date: 2013

Guide to creating beautiful, historically accurate hairstyles for productions and events. Chapters begin with artwork of historic figures that influenced the look of each period. Detailed step-by-step instructions explain how to create their iconic hairstyles, illustrated by photographs showing the finished look from every angle.
Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen by Todd Debreceni
Call Number: PN2068 .D43 2019 - Stacks (3rd Floor)

ISBN: 9780240809960

Publication Date: 2019

Dedicated solely to SFX, this book covers the many genres that need a special effects makeup artist, like horror, fantasy, and sci-fi. Covers the tools you will need, how to maintain your toolkit, how to take care of the actor's skin, how to airbrush properly when HD is involved, and how to sculpt and mold your own makeup prosthetics, focusing on how human anatomy relates to sculpture to create the most realistic effects.
General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System by Michael Schuenke
Call Number: Ref. QM25 .S38 2010 - Reference (2nd Floor)

ISBN: 9781604062922

Publication Date: 2010

A vast collection of anatomical images. Includes 1,700 original, full-color illustrations.
Head and Neuroanatomy by Michael Schuenke
Call Number: Ref. QM535 .S38 2010 - Reference (2nd Floor)

ISBN: 9781604062960

Publication Date: 2010

Includes 1,182 original, full-color illustrations that skillfully guide the reader through the anatomy of the head, from cranial bones, ligaments, and joints, to muscles, cranial nerves, topographical anatomy, and the anatomy of sensory organs.

Searching the Library Collections

Materials in the library are organized by subject. Browsing the art shelves of the library in-person can help you discover new work, materials, inspiration, and connections. Listed below are general call number ranges for costume and fashion at UNCSA Library:

GT495-499 - Human body and its parts; Personal beauty
PN2067-2068 - Theatrical Costume and Makeup Design
TT950-979 - Hairdressing; Beauty culture; Barbers' work

Additional non-circulating physical resources can be found under the "Costume and Makeup" sign in our second floor reference collection. You can search our digital and in-library collections simultaneously by title, author, subject, or keyword through our catalog search. Click Advanced Search for additional search criteria (like material type, language, year, etc.).

Digital Resources

Databases + Web Resources

Stan Winston School of Character Arts: Stream tutorial videos on topics including wig work, and costume, character, and special effects makeup. Follow login information through link.

Selected Ebooks

A Practical Guide to Wig Making and Wig Dressing by Melanie Bouvet
ISBN: 9781785004452

Publication Date: 2019

With style inspiration ranging from the seventeenth to the twentieth century,this title is a comprehensive introduction to the knowledge and techniques required to produce beautiful, durable and historical hairstyles able to withstand the demands of performance.
Color Theory for the Makeup Artist by Katie Middleton
Call Number: RA778 .M53 2018 (also available in print)

ISBN: 9781138095250

Publication Date: 2018

This book analyzes traditional color theory for fine artists and applies it to the make-up artist. It explains why we see color, how to categorize and identify color, relationships between colors, and it relates these concepts to beauty and special effects make-up. The book teaches the reader how to mix flesh tones by using only primary colors, and explains how these colors in paints and make-up are sourced and created. It also discusses the reason for variations in skin colors and undertones, and how to identify and match these using make-up, while choosing flattering colors for the eyes, lips, and cheeks.
Art and Makeup by Lan Nguyen-Grealis
ISBN: 1780674856

Publication Date: 2015

Art & Makeup is a stunning showcase of work created by award-winning make-up artist, Lan Nguyen-Grealis. The looks created specially for the book are inspired by the worlds of art, sculpture, cinema and performance art - references include Picasso, Warhol, Marie Antoinette, Cleopatra, Mad Men, and The Great Gatsby. The book combines inspirational imagery with step-by-step deconstruction of the techniques, and includes photography from Rankin.
Wigs, Hair and Make-Up: A Backstage Guide by Helen Casey
ISBN: 9781350135895

Publication Date: 2023

This book opens up a process that very few people will otherwise be privy to, giving perspectives on the preparation before a production and responsibilities during, as well as looking more widely at training, career opportunities and success.