How do they do Elphaba's paint in Wicked?

Question

Does she have to do this every night? How does she wash it off?

Answer 1

Here is, in detail, how Elphaba is "greenifyed", according to the Grimmerie:

1) A color foundation is applied with a wide Japanese brush, MAC in Landscape green is used. It is applied with a wide brush on the jawline and smoothed out

2) Detailing in the hairline and ears using the same green is done with a smaller brush

3) Waterproof powder is applied

4) Eyeliner is applied, as well as brown and purple contures to the eyes and cheekbones

5) Golden Olive pigment adds sparkle to the skin, and fixative spray keeps the color from rubbing off onto actors and props

6) During act 2, Elphaba has extended eyebrows, smudged eyeliner, and eyelashes, Green Derma color from Krylon is applied on the lips. She is powdered again in the face, neck, and hands. More fixative spray is applied

Answer 2

I saw this play on 24 Dec 06. It was great. I was wondering too because when she touched people it did not smear and smudge.