The facial makeup composition in traditional Chinese theatre follows specific rules.  The makeup for historical figures and types of characters has to adhere to a specific pattern for each, just like singing or playing music of a particular piece from a scoresheet, which is why it´s referred as a composition. 

The facial makeup in Peking Opera is very specific about the use of color.  The colorful combination actually contains a lot of details, with each color and painted shape having a specific meaning and representing a characteristic trait.  Every facial makeup composition includes at least three different colors with one dominant color that represents the personality and temperament of the character. The audience can tell what kind of personality a character has by his facial makeup composition.

Red face symbolizes loyalty, righteousness, and hot-blooded.

Black face represents solemnness, loyal and righteous, also symbolizes mighty and powerful, rugged and bold.

Yellow face indicates meanness and cruelty.

White face represents treachery and paranoia. It is usually used by treacherous officials and villains.

Blue face represents toughness, honesty and unruliness.

Green face is the face of audacity, righteousness and solidarity, usually used by brave bandit type of characters.

Golden face symbolizes solemnity and is usually used by otherworldly characters such as deities and mythical creatures.

The formula for the facial makeup colors in Peking Opera is: red for loyalty, purple for filial piety, pink for elderly, white for treachery, yellow for viciousness, blue for bravery, green for brute, gold and silver for immortals and demons.