Stage Makeup Kit For Small Productions

Obviously, a small-scale school show will have different priorities than a Broadway show. Professional stage makeup can be VERY expensive, but is not necessary as long as you choose wisely. Do you need to use makeup at all? In my opinion, if you are using any lighting equipment at all, you need makeup to keep the performers' faces from being washed out.

Quality Is Important

When a full cast is going to be using the makeup you buy, you need to make sure it won't cause allergic reactions, especially when working with children. Use high quality products that are hypo-allergenic. Never buy makeup at the dollar store. There is a reason it is cheap. Not only is it likely to rub off easily, it is also most likely to cause reactions and be more difficult to apply. There are less expensive quality products, such as N.Y.C.

Are The Colours Versatile?

Whenever possible, especially if on a small budget, buy neutral colours so that everyone will be able to wear them.

The Basics

For a small school or community show, the following basics are needed for a complete makeup kit:

At least 3 or 4 shades of foundation, from light to dark
In my experience the easiest stuff to use on kids is the creme kind.

Several black eye-liner pencils -- Good quality! The cheap ones will just break.

Eye-pencil sharpener

At least 2 shades of blush - the colours should be brown-based, not red

Translucent finishing powder

2 or 3 shades of lipstick

3 versatile eyeshadow colours -- taupe is recommended

1-inch brush -- good for both blush and finishing powder (Be sure that this is of high quality and that the bristles will not fall out - they can get stuck on your face or even get in your eye)

makeup sponges

Q-Tips

If you want to get a little more fancy...

Lipstick with matching lip pencils for extra definition

Eyebrow brush and brown powder

Liquid eye-liner

Important Health Concerns

Always send a letter home to parents before putting makeup on children. Give families the option of sending their own makeup to use.

Use a new makeup sponge for each child, and sharpen the eyeliner between uses.

Have children put on their own lipstick if they are old enough. Have them wash their hands and apply with their finger. Wipe off the end of the lipstick with a kleenex between uses.

Supply baby wipes for them to clean their faces with after the performance.