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Tools and Materials

Two types of makeup are used in theatre productions: traditional theatrical makeup and cosmetics.

Traditional theatrical makeup, which can be bought at such places as a costume rental shop or novelty store, comes in several forms, the two most popular being cream (soft and moist) and pancake (dry). Cream makeup is ready to apply directly from the container. Pancake makeup requires water to activate it before it can be used. When using a cream foundation, cream highlight and shadow are used for contouring. Either a cream or powder color is used for cheek blush. When using a pancake foundation, either cream highlight and shadow, or powder shadow alone can be used for contouring. Traditional theatrical makeup continues to be used on larger stages where heavier coverage and stronger definition are required. Theatrical cream highlight and shadow are also necessary when applying age makeup or changing your features to any great degree. Brands of theatrical makeup include Ben Nye, Graftobian, Kryolan, and Mehron.

Cosmetics, worn by many women on a daily basis, are also used frequently in theatre, especially in smaller venues. But even on large Broadway stages and in many opera companies, some performers are wearing cosmetics. Liquid and cream foundation, and shadow or bronzing powder for contouring, are readily available at cosmetics counters in department stores (Clinique, Estee Lauder, MAC, etc.) and in the cosmetic sections of health and beauty stores (Almay, Cover Girl, Maybelline, etc.)

A VARIETY OF THEATRICAL FOUNDATIONS, HIGHLIGHTS, AND SHADOWS

A VARIETY OF LIQUID BASES AND CONTOURING POWDERS

If you have chosen theatrical makeup, you can either purchase a complete kit, which certain theatrical makeup manufacturers market to students and actors, or the following individual items:

• Foundation (discussed in Chapter 3)
• Cream highlight (discussed in Chapter 4)
• Cream shadow (discussed in Chapter 4)
• Cream or powder cheek color (discussed in Chapter 5)
• Lip color (discussed in Chapter 5)
• Lip-liner pencil (discussed in Chapter 5)
• Eyeliner pencil in brown or black, depending on the darkness of your hair or wig
• Setting powder
• Flat brushes for application of cream contouring. A 7/16-inch or ½-inch wide brush, which some brands refer to as size 12, is the ideal size for contouring bone structure
• Velour or velvet powder puff
• Stipple sponge

BASIC THEATRICAL MAKEUP NEEDS

APPLICATION TOOLS

• You may also purchase a palette for mixing base and contouring colors. The palette can be any one of a variety of things: a professional makeup palette, an artist's painting palette, a white ceramic tile, or even a white or clear lid from a plastic container. Be sure it is clean and sanitized.

If you have chosen cosmetics, you will need to purchase the following individual items:

• Liquid foundation (discussed in Chapter 3)
• Primer (can be useful in very small, close venues)
• Concealer (discussed in Chapter 3)
• Setting powder (discussed in Chapter 4)
• Shadow or bronzing powder (discussed in Chapter 4)

PALETTES FOR MIXING

BASIC COSMETIC NEEDS

• Neutral eye-shadow in dark and light shades (discussed in Chapter 5)
• Blush (discussed in Chapter 5)
• Lip color (discussed in Chapter 5)
• Lip-liner pencil (discussed in Chapter 5)
• Eyeliner pencil in brown or black, depending on the darkness of your hair or wig

For all types of makeup, you will need to purchase:

• Mascara, if you are a woman, or a man playing a woman, or a man performing in a very large venue
• Latex-free application sponges, which can be either wedge-shaped, or round and flat
• Large, rounded brushes for application of powder shadow and blush

SUPPLIES AVAILABLE AT A HEALTH AND BEAUTY RETAILER

• Smaller sized flat brushes for eyes, lips, etc. (¼-inch and ⅜-inch are useful sizes)
• Liner pencil sharpener
• Headband or hair clips
• Makeup remover in either liquid, cream, or towelette form, or baby towelettes (make sure makeup remover is alcohol-free so you don't dry out your skin)
• Facial cleanser
• Moisturizer
• Toner, if that is part of your regular cleansing regimen
• A carrying case with multiple drawers and compartments: some are made specifically for makeup and can be found in cosmetic departments, but a fishing tackle box is also effective

ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS FOR MAKEUP REMOVAL

CASES FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING YOUR MAKEUP

TACKLE AND ART BOXES CAN ALSO BE USED