Must Haves in Your Makeup Kit
As a makeup artist and long time employee at Mainstage Theatrical Supply, I have dealt with many different makeup products. Several times I have been asked, “I’m off to college or I’m new to theater. What makeup kit should I buy?” Well, this is my opinion on what the college student/ new theatre buff needs in their makeup kit.
First and foremost, every kit must have a supply of setting powder and sealer. You do not want to be back stage ready to go and run out of either product. Not using these results in running makeup and terrible looking faces.
Get yourself at least three shades of foundation. There are a few different versions to choose from, so test out all of them and choose your favorite. I always say pick your “stage” color, (one shade darker than your skin tone), then have one darker and one lighter. You never know when you may need to mix or go lighter for that older person look.
Black and white crème colors are a must have. Remember, most makeup is water based and can be lightened with a bit of white. Speaking of crème colors, every kit needs a couple of color wheels. You probably don’t need to start off with the large ones, but have some different smaller ones. Bruises and Abrasions is always a great one. If you have tattoos, now is the time to start playing with your Cover All wheel. Covering tattoos and blemishes is not the easiest thing in the world to master, so start early and get creative.
Every kit needs a smattering of rouge and shadow colors. Test whether you like dry or crème. I like to keep a couple natural shades, then a few I just love. Remember guys, a little natural rouge and shadow makes those stage lights look so much better on you!
Highlights and shadows are often forgotten, right up until last tech when the director says he can’t see your facial expressions. Of course by then, your local supplier is closed and you’re stuck. Again, you should choose two shades light and two dark. This time you want to choose a couple shades away from your “stage” color. You don’t want them blending too much.
Stage blood, spirit gum, removers, latex, crepe hair and cleansers are all great to have. These last a while and are very helpful when the director wants a last minute bloody nose or goatee.
Brushes are difficult to buy. There are so many to choose from and they all do the same thing. Here’s an inside tip: a good powder brush, latex sponges, stipple sponge and a couple sizes of round/flat brushes are really all your need to start with. Remember to cut your stipple sponge into pieces. Usually you can get four pieces. Now you can stipple different colors quickly. My rule on round vs flat brushes is; get what’s comfortable to you. Not sure? Then buy one of each, one tiny flat and one larger round. You should have no trouble lining that clown face now.
Get your eye and lip liner pencils now! You run out so fast, and drug store versions are just not the same. Need a thicker line? Put a cigarette lighter up close to the tip and warm it a bit. Not too much, but you may need to repeat a few times if you are lining a lot.
The most important part of a good makeup kit is the case itself. Buy a case that is bigger than what you think you need. Over the years, your collection will grow and you’ll have to purchase another case. Be sure your case has compartments for quick dumping out of powder and mixing colors. Cases can be made from different materials. No matter what you choose, remember you have to carry it wherever you need to go. Make it light. Lockable is always good too, if you are not ok with sharing. By the way, even if you are ok with sharing, keep baby wipes in your kit to wipe down your makeup. Just wipe the top layer a little, and it’s all sanitized.
Follow these guidelines and you will be ready for whatever your director or class throws at you. Good Luck!
