High Definition Broadcasting

High Definition TV means the resolution is higher than standard television which has been around over 60 years, giving the overall viewing experience a brighter, sharper, more lifelike effect. It is the highest quality digital format available and is a much more enjoyable experience for the audience, whilst making the make-up artists job that little bit harder. The increased pixilated image which can be between 5-10 times more sharper than on a standard TV set means that no pore, hair, wrinkle or imperfection goes unnoticed. This means that a heavily made up face can look caked and over powdered under the HD camera, make-up artists have dealt with this by using airbrushing as a technique to eliminate the appearance of make-up on top of the skin and brush strokes etc. Airbrushing gives a more natural, untouched but flawless outcome. This technique isn't favoured by all, some people prefur the traditional application of bases with foundations they have been using for years and don't want to change. It is also a technique that takes a while to perfect while being a lot more expensive than regular foundations, but for HD TV airbrushing works a treat and is particularly effective over people with skin conditions such as acne scarring.
As well as the more simple applications of make-up, the more complicated side such as prosthetics and wigs/hair application has to be perfect too. To make casualty make-up and prosthetic pieces that have been added to models/actors etc. they have to be blended perfectly into their skin while paying attention to the detail so it looks as if it is real and not make-up. Wigs and fake hair pieces such as mustaches have to be applied and disguised so that the lace does not show up under the camera and that the hair itself looks natural on the actor that is modelling it. As well as special techniques and products that have been created in the make-up department to assist in making the most realistic and effective outcome, on the technical side of things filtration techniques, softening the light and degrading the image so that its not so highly defined and overall more flattering.

References:
http://www.today.com/id/24581670/ns/today-entertainment/t/hd-unforgiving-actors-makeup-artists/#.VOPbIi4oa8B
http://www.creativeartistryfx.com/high_resolution_media.pdf