(I got these online but don't remember all of the sources; they're only small portions.)
click to enlarge^
I would recommend a professional brand of stage makeup, such as Ben Nye or Bob Kelly. Generally you get what you pay for, so the better quality the makeup the more expensive it will be. Read the package before you buy to see if a special remover is needed to take it off or if powder is recommended to set it.
Tips for powder setting-
- Baby Powder will work if you don't want to buy (or can't find) translucent makeup powder
- Apply with a puff or a rumpled up tissue, then brush off the excess. The powder will stick to the makeup, making it rather dull at first. To help make the colors bright again, press your fingers over the powder areas to push it in and bring the color out. For harder lines, set between layers. Blending works best between layers that are not set yet.
Water based makeup does not need to be set, but the quality will determine how well it stays on and how evenly it applies.
Snazaroo is a
good moderately priced brand which I strongly recommend, especially for
younger children. It washes off easily with lots of water. Ben Nye makes
water based color cake makeup, and their white and flesh tones are very
good for foundation. It takes a little more work to get off, but it
applies very smooth and even.
Tips for applying makeup
- I find that those non-latex foam wedges commonly found in drug stores do not work very well for applying water based makeup; I have been using chunks of foam that used to be inside a cushion and they work just fine. Sea sponges are very good for applying soft areas of color, but they are very expensive. In a pinch, most base (not detail) makeup can be applied with your fingers and bathroom tissue (but be careful about lint getting stuck in cream or grease paints)
- Don't over-water water based makeup; the package usually gives some tips for applying. Snazaroo should only be barely moistened, while Ben Nye color cake foundation goes on best when enough water is added to create a creamy film. Dab on foundation with a sponge, letting it dry between layers until you have a smooth coat.
- Brushes made especially for makeup are usually more expensive than regular paint brushes, and there's not much difference. Look for soft, round, point tipped brushes for detail work. Check the bristles; a shedding brush could shed into your makeup job. Sometimes synthetic bristles are less likely to shed than natural ones. In a pinch, a soft sharpened eyeliner pencil can function for detail work. Some people apply parts of makeup with q-tips.
- Never underestimate how good foundation and shading can make your face look when done right.
This diagram illustrates 6 ways to highlight the face ----->
^click to enlarge
- This style is common and fairly simple
- A sleeker cat look
- Elongates the face
- Shows the nose shaded
- White shaping the face
- Entire base of white
Experiment to find a makeup style that suits your face shape.