I need makeup advice - foundations and powders for performance.

topic posted Wed, November 26, 2008 - 2:41 PM by  Dunderklumpen
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Greetings, makeup brain trust;

I am going to give a friend a hand with her makeup one of these days (she's a lead singer in a death metal band and will be having her first "real big" performance in the weekend) and I am looking to find very light and/or white foundations and powders for performance.
The labels I use for my normal BD performances do not carry shades as pale as I need (I'm sure you're familiar with this problem.)

Of course, it has to be very durable.
It has to be able to "hold on" even if there's a lot of sweating going on.
And especially in my case, it has to give a lot of concealment, since I turn red as a boiled lobster whenever I get the least bit hot and sweaty.
I have actually been considering genuine theatre makeup for myself because I really sweat a lot and turn so brightly red.
Yeah, I know it's a lot of info, but in this case it IS highly relevant.

Which labels do you prefer and why?

Do you use both powders and foundations or both?

Hope to hear from you highly experienced performers and make up savvy ladies out there.
posted by:
Dunderklumpen
Denmark
  • Are you able to get Jane Iredale mineral makeup where you are?? If not they are available on the internet. Their lightest color is called Ivory. And you can control the coverage by layering it. It's sweat-proof, and because of the zinc in it helps calm redness very well. And it's not bad for your skin so if you're sweating, you don't have to worry about breaking out. They also make a primer to use underneath called Absence which I recommend for optimal coverage and endurance. Also, I don't if you're oily or dry skinned but the loose minerals have the heaviest coverage, but they are made for dry skin. If you needed the matte finish of the pressed powders, you'd just layer it on several times til you reach the desired coverage.

    If you're looking for conventional makeups, MAC and Ben Nye are both used for stage and may have something light enough. However, I don't know how sweatproof they are.

    Good luck I hope this helps.
  • Oh, re: the powder & foundation...

    I use liquid foundation as I have very dry skin, but always set with powder (you should always set any liquidy or creamy makeup, from foundation to eyeshadow, with powder for the longest wear. Theatrical cream/grease makeups in particular must be set with translucent powder or they will stay wet-looking and will smear.
  • Ben Nye and Krylon would be great brands to check out. they are made for theater use and have all ranges of colors as well as setting sprays to make sure everything stays put, regardless of sweating.

    as far as foundation and powder, using both is up to you...unless you get an oil based foundation, which absolutley needs a setting powder or you'll be a mess.

    i havent personally used either of these brands because i dont have a use for them. but i work at a store that carries the brands so i know a little about them.
  • Thank you all, ladies, you have been most helpful!

    I will definately check out everything you've recommended.
    I have a feeling I will be exchanging all my scene makeup with these brands if I can get a hold on them and when I have the money.
    • If you are worried about it sweating off (as she is in a death metal band) then Ben Nye Final Seal is the dogs danglies!

      I sweat all the time when I am dancing yet look fresh as a daisy and my make up is perfect after - its minty fresh too!
      • Hi Lisa,
        yes, I am very worried about it sweating off. Actually more of a problem for me that her.
        She has almost no hair or facial sweat, the lucky little b... :P :D
        I sweat all over - it seems even extra on my face.

        So this stuff I just have to get my fat little hands upon!
        Trouble is, I can't seem to find any vendors in my part of DK...
        But I'll have to figure out something, that's for sure.

        Maybe it'll be cheaper if I can order for more people than myself and my death metal chica.
        But I'll still have the problem about trying the products on before I buy them.

        Hmmm...I'll just have to dig out some solution.

        Thanks Lisa, and everyone else too. :)
  • I highly reccomend Ben Nye. www.bennyemakeup.com/
    They are a theatrical makeup company, with cream foundations designed to stay on your skin under hot lights and through long, sweaty performances. And the sugar on top, they have every color under the sun, including various shades of white and near-white. Download their PDF catalog, and check your area for the shade you want, or order directly! They are a fantastic company. I've been using their makeup for the longest time, and I've never been able to find anything better. It blends well, looks great and stays put!
  • From a "been in the metal world for a while" perspective –

    Most of the bands, from Mayhem to Immortal to 1349 and so on, use theatrical makeup on-stage for that very reason. Well, theatrical or "clown" makeup. it's durable, even with some sweating.

    Bands that don't have that kind of money usually use halloween grease paint. The white is often sprinkled with talcum powder before the black goes on, to make it a little less shiny and to help keep it in place.

    If you have access, I've even heard of people using black and white "camo" paint – if you know someone who's in the army or national guard. (A couple friends did that on their way into an ICP show.)

    I can't attest to any of this being gentle on your skin, but it is all opaque, so the redness doesn't matter.
  • Thanks guys, you rawk! :D

    I have researched a bit and it seems Kryolan and Ben Nye can be tricky to get your hands on here in DK.
    But I've found one vendor within reach who carries some of the colours in Kryolan and Ben Nye's fixing thingy, so I'll go there.

    Does anyone know of the brand "Grimas"?
    It's supposed to be for theater makeup?
    Anyone tried it out?

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