Stage Makeup

Stage makeup is specially formulated to provide especially good results. It has more pigment so it can hold up under strong stage lights. Also, actors tend to move a lot on stage—whether they are circus performers or are involved in heavy drama. Theatrical makeup is chemically formulated especially to withstand action and sweat.

Additionally, stage makeup must be extremely consistent. A character must look the same throughout a show. This is most important in film, in which a scene may be shot in pieces, over several days. The character must look just the same each day so the parts can be edited neatly together.

Sometimes stage makeup is applied to look “normal” (as in intimate theater) and sometimes it is used more heavily (like circus clowns, or large theater). Ben Nye makeup can accommodate them all with its line of thousands of products.

Many people use Ben Nye makeup everyday, on or off stage. It is arguably the best stage makeup available now. Intense and consistent, it is also varied with thousands of products to select from. It is so varied that it can be a problem for the makeup artist trying to select the best items for her makeup kit.

For the beginning performer, it is probably best to start with a Ben Nye kit—the student kit is reasonable in price but provides enough for the student to get through a few performances. The theatrical kit is excellent for someone who plans to be in theater for more than one performance. It comes in crème (oil-based) and cake (water-activated), and in several skin tones. And these kits include everything you need! There are also larger kits to begin a film production, etc. Each formula is so intense that you need to use very little. New customers frequently express surprise at how long it lasts.

If you start with a kit you might keep it all together and eventually pick up a few replacement items or new effects items. Browse the catalog and see what a extensive number of choices you have.

A favorite is the new Lumiere group. Actors love the Lumiere Grand Colour partly because you can apply it dry for a smooth shimmer or, using a damp latex sponge, apply it wet to achieve an opaque glow. Plus the colors are fabulous!

Ben Nye also provides special effects such as prosthetic adhesive (to glue things to yourself), crepe hair, even bald caps. There is latex and blood—the variety is incredible.

We recommend that you browse the catalog, write us emails (sue@costumesgalore.com) if you have questions, and give some of the products a try.