Stage Makeup: What Every Performer Should Have
Whether your production will supply you with makeup or not, there are certain products that you should have of your own.
-
- Mascara
- Performers should always have their own black mascara. Mascara, because it is used on the eyelashes, can carry eye infections and should never, ever, be shared. Pink eye can go through a show cast VERY quickly! Waterproof in plain black is best.
-
- Eye Makeup Remover
- Eye makeup, if not removed properly, can cause eye sores, stys and especially wrinkles. Many performers do not remove their eye makeup properly because soap should not be used in the eye area, and they do not own a suitable product. I carry eye makeup remover for my eyes, and baby wipes for the rest of my face. I was really surprised to discover how well baby wipes take off makeup. Cold Cream, Enriched, Mehron
-
- Face Moisturizing Cream
- Although some shows will make cold cream available to the cast, many do not. Having your own will dispell any worries, and it is also much more hygienic. Apply and allow to sink in before applying stage makeup -- it will make it much easier to remove later.
Stage Makeup: The Essential Actor's Kit
Professional actors are often required to bring (and apply!) their own stage makeup. Even if you are not (yet) a professional actor, there are many benefits to having your own complete kit: no health concerns, no waiting for someone else to be finished with a product, and always knowing you will have exactly what you need. In addition to the products above, you need:
- A High-Quality Brush Set
- Never buy cheap brushes: for several reasons. Not only will they shed hairs that can get stuck in your makeup or in your eye, but they will also waste more makeup and won't apply it evenly. Good brushes will save you money in the long run. If you can't afford the whole set, I recommend buying individual brushes and slowly building up a collection.
- Foundation Makeup
- While true stage makeup is best, you can get by with a high quality "drug store" product. A cream based product (Like the cream-to-powder foundations) will give you the best coverage.
- Eyeshadow
- Those really cheap palettes with 100 different colors might look tempting, but please remember they are cheap for a reason. You are much better off to buy a few individual shadows in great colors. Always start with colors that flatter you, and then add in more "exotic" colors as they are needed. The small sets with the pre-chosen colors for your specific eye color are a great place to start.
- Translucent Powder
- The point of the powder is to set the makeup and reduce shine. For this reason, the less colour it has the better to prevent it from changing the makeup if it needs to be reapplied.
- Liquid Eyeliner
- There is no substitute for liquid eyeliner - a pencil just won't do. Although the "purist" way is to use water, a liquid eyeliner brush and a dry eyeliner cake, this technique requires a practiced hand. Luckily, several companies now make liquid eyeliner in pen form. Must be black or black-brown.
- Triangle Sponges
- Listen to me when I say this: Don't reuse sponges and don't share them! It's gross and the makeup doesn't apply well.
- The Next Level...
- You can take this whole kit up a notch by purchasing an individual makeup kit offered by stage makeup companies such as Ben Nye.
-
Got the stuff, but don't know what to do with it? Read the Stage Makeup Application Guide.
