Stage Makeup Tips

What to Bring:
You can never be too prepared, no matter how much of this stuff is provided for you.

First of all, always bring your own mirror; one with a built-in light is very useful, but at the very least make sure it can stand on its own, because it's a pain trying to put on your makeup or doing your hair with a hand-held mirror

Second of all, always bring makeup removing cloths. This way, if you mess up you can take off the makeup you messed up and redo it. Also, you'll have a much easier time taking your makeup off once the show's over.

On the topic of skin, also bring face moisturizer and cleanser.

Make sure you bring as much of your own makeup as you can. Ask the person in charge of makeup exactly what colors he or she wants you to wear, and bring those if you can. As a rule, you really aren't supposed to share makeup or applicators. Obviously, there are types of stage makeup you will probably not be able to bring in. However, bringing your own makeup is more hygienic, comfortable and convenient, because you won't be scrambling around trying to find the right colors or wearing a base that's the closest they have but still makes you look like a Muppet.

If you can't find out which colors to bring, just bring a few common, basic shades, make a couple educated guesses, or bring a small makeup palette if you have one.

Makeup to bring: base, lipstick, blush, eyeliner, and loose powder are the most basic cosmetics. You may also need eyeshadow and/or mascara. Concealer isn't a bad idea if you feel self-conscious about your complexion.

Makeup applicators are a must, specifically brushes and wedges.

Also, bring your own hair stuff. A brush, comb, some pins, and some hair elastics (you never know when one will break). Gel and spray might also be a good idea depending on what type of hair style you're going to wear.

Now, if you need to run out and buy any of these things, a drugstore will be your best bet. NYC is a good makeup brand to look into because the stuff is really inexpensive.

How to Apply:
Basically, it all has to be thick. You may look like a whore in all that makeup under normal lighting, but you'll look normal once you're under the stage lights.