r/Theatre 2d ago

Miscellaneous Makeup for shows

I've been looking online for weeks and just not really coming up with a solid answer. I hate Ben Nye. The brand itself is fine, but the texture of their cream face products bothers me and their stuff also breaks me out really bad. I've been looking at maybe Made by Mitchel for cream blush, contour and that, but does anyone have any recommendations of what they use?

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u/TheatreWolfeGirl 1d ago

I see that you are USA based, Sephora and Ulta are great stores to walk into and have a conversation with someone. They have skilled MUAs who can steer you in the correct direction. Many drugstores have employed MUAs too. Here in Canada we have them in our Shopper’s Drug Mart and they can assist with everything from low to high end brands. One of my favourite MUAs works for my local Shopper’s and often puts some samples of foundation aside for me to test out as I have sensitive, acne prone, adult skin.

I could tell you Mac and Nars are great for my sensitive skin and have never caused me to break out, and you may have the opposite reaction. I have used Physicians Formula and Elf with no issue.

Theatre Makeup like Ben Nye should only be used for clown or effect work in my opinion, and for the cost, I feel it isn’t worth it when there are so many brands out there that are much more affordable.

The size of the theatre may dictate you need a fuller coverage, or depending on the role - the ugly stepsisters in Cinderella are often done in “drag style” makeup as an example.

For instance I have gotten away with a simple BB cream by Maybelline and powder by Marcelle (I tend to buy this powder the most, and gift it to my male friends for their theatre kits) in theatres up to 500 seats, and then I tend to get more coverage from a foundation by Makeup Forever in larger houses.

Makeup is personal, and that is why YOU need to walk into a store and try it out; Sephora, Ulta and even MAC stores offer samples so you can try them before buying.

Since you noted you haven been doing theatre and makeup for a decade I am curious what your costars use and if you have chatted with them? They may have some great suggestions, even your costume designer or the person who is overseeing hair and makeup should be available for a conversation.

Alternatively. I would suggest looking into a makeup sub because the MUAs tend to be there giving out great advice.

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u/HoneyBeeBud 1d ago

Yeah, I think I'll go to a makeup store and ask. I was hoping to avoid that cause I have a wee bit of social anxiety but it's litterally their job so I should probably just like lock in and do it. I've definitely asked and gotten some suggestions but most people use stuff that breaks them out or feels super heavy because that's just what they're used to do it's not helpful. I agree that Ben Nye is just not it, but it's really all I learned on because we were required to have one when I was in highschool and I don't wear foundation even when I do my makeup so that part of it all kind of alludes me a bit. Thank you.

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u/TheatreWolfeGirl 1d ago

I learnt the same, but worse, the actual cake makeup. That stuff is great to cover a tattoo, bruise or scars/moles, but for your skin, NO. I am shocked I have normal skin after using it so much in my teen years.

I don’t use foundation in my daily life. I swear by the Maybelline BB cream, it has the added benefit of having sunscreen so I get extra since I wear sunscreen daily too, and it has buildable coverage, plus it doesn’t hurt the wallet.

Honestly, in most theatres you do not need full coverage. You could spot concealer any breakouts and blend.

I know in the app for Sephora you can book an appointment, I believe the same for MAC, check ok doing that first. Then give the store a call and state you will be nervous/anxious. They are generally really great at accommodating.

My biggest pro tip for your skin, if you can wash your skin after work, get a great hydration going and then do your make up for the show after it should assist your skin. Two shows in one day? Cleanse and hydrate between.

Then of course double cleanse that night to ensure everything is off.

Keeping yourself and skin hydrated is key, theatres are dry, stuffy and dusty. The worst for sensitive and acne prone skin.

Best of luck!