I’m the first person to admit that I’m not a makeup artist. That said, my initial introduction to professional quality makeup was via the world of theater. While I was studying technical theater and learning the craft of costume design and construction back in the ’90’s at UCSD, I was required to take classes in theatrical makeup techniques. I learned a few tricks and techniques that have stuck with me through the many years of my dance career. Stage makeup needs to be vibrant, highly pigmented, full coverage, and probably most importantly, hold up to vigorous activity, heat, and perspiration.
Here are a few of my old favorites and new finds from the world of theater that might just help you discover a new gem to add to your makeup kit.
Kryolan – TV Paint Stick
This is one of my all-time favorite products. In my career as a dancer, I’ve used several of these completely up. When I know that I’m going to seriously sweat, say, outdoor performances in the California summer heat, I grab this wonderful product. The stick format dabs on easily and you can use a sponge, brush, or even your fingers to blend this full-coverage foundation into the skin.
Tip: If you are keen on highlighting, and don’t mind doing some on-the-spot mixing, get a white stick and create your own high-light shades! Find it here
RCMA – No Color Powder
RCMA is a fantastic powder for setting makeup looks without adding any additional color. This finely milled, silky smooth powder is perfect to use for setting without imparting any color. It contains no pigment, no fillers, and best of all, doesn’t reflect back in photography.
Tip: If you are going to use the RCMA No Color Powder to bake your face, put a liberal quantity into your baking zones and let sit a minimum of 5 minutes. When you go back in to brush the excess powder away, be sure to dip your brush into a bit of powder first to get the ultimate smooth finish. Find it here
Ben Nye Glitter Glue
If you need it to stick this is the product to use! I have sensitive skin, and this doesn’t irritate me. It’s great for doing over-the-top stage makeup and I’ve used it to mount individual sequins, small rhinestones, bindies, feathers, glitter (of course,) and once I used it to glue feathers onto my face. Be sure to moisturize after using, as it can leave your skin looking dry. If you need to glue something to your face, well, look no further than this affordable glue.
Tip: This is an excellent product for reviving a favorite bindi or for wear with custom bindis that don’t have their own sticky surface pre-applied. As a woman without pierced ears, I’ve sometimes used this product to glue rhinestones onto my earlobes to simulate earrings. If you must don a navel jewel, then you might want to choose this great glitter glue. Find it here
Viseart Eyeshadow
These eye shadows are highly pigmented and super blendable. Although the rarified price of $80 per palette is out of most ordinary mortals budget, if you can swing one of these sets, it will last you for many years. Ounce per ounce, this product is no more expensive than most department store brands, but the individual pans are quite large. I enjoy using the Cool Matte Palette 07as to produce some really deeply colored looks that don’t crease or move even through performances.
Tip: In 2015, this brand took over the YouTube beauty community by storm. If you find this product interesting, do a quick YouTube search for tutorials and reviews to see what other people have done with these incredible eye shadows. One example is beauty vlogger Emily Noel – Find it here
Green Marble Fixative
Your makeup will NOT move if you invest in this theatrical makeup setting spray. This product is a lot more expensive than drugstore brands, but if you are prone to glowing, or dare I say, sweating, this is the product to try. Because this product is strong, I recommend that you buy the smallest size product to give it a test run to ensure it doesn’t trigger any skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Tip: Back in the day, we would use hairspray to hold our makeup in place. It would create a waterproof barrier with bullet proof hold, but hairspray is horrible for the environment and not great for the skin. Find it here