Buying Makeup: Basic Theater


MOCHI > The Workshop > Makeup, Etc. > Buying Makeup > Basic Theater

When it comes to buying a basic set of makeup, your best bet is to get a starter set from one of the major makeup manufacturers: Mehron, Kryolan, Bob Kelly, etc. (MOCHI, having a theater bias, uses a lot of Ben Nye makeup.) Most of these manufacturers make small kits, designed for students. Buy a set appropriate for your skin tone and experiment a little. If you find that you don't like the consistency, coverage, etc. of one set, it won't cost you an arm and a leg to switch to a different brand.

Why use theater or film makeup?

It usually has better coverage than normal makeup. This is important for effects where you want a different skin color: you don't want bits of your natural color or foundation colors to show up in splotches a few hours after you've put everything on.
It is designed to last, even under trying conditions: bright, hot lights, an actor baking inside a furry mascot costume, etc.
The color palette doesn't "go out of style". A lot of normal makeup is full of whatever the "hot trend" is. Sometimes, this is great. Other times, it can be frustrating when you can no longer find that color that was perfect for your costume.
The color palettes can accomodate people of color: it can be hard to find mainstream makeup with colors that won't clash with your skin tone or just plain don't show up.

The most basic student sets include one or two base creme colors, some contour colors (for shading and highlighing), pencils (eye and/or lip), and powder (used to set the makeup). Mid-range and top-of-the-line kits often include more foundation and/or contour colors, color liners, and basics for use with prosthetics or crepe hair (such as spirit gum and spirit gum remover).

Once you've gotten a basic set that you like, you can start adding pieces. For example, you may want to coordinate your makeup with a specific outfit, bringing in specific creme or powder colors that match the costume to accent your eyes. You may have a costume where the makeup requires a "shimmery" effect: it's fairly easy to add a pot or two of some gold or coppery colors.