Need some makeup tips!!!

[Sonshine D Clown]

I have to agree with Nettie, since she was the one who introduced... no wait.. it was BLONDIE, who introduced Sonshine to Revlon's Color Stay.. it works..and she LOVES it.

Just remember ... LITTLE IS MUCH!!!!

[Hopper]

I'll third (or was it fourth) the Strutter's book.

A couple random thoughts:

I swear by ProFace White, but any of the reputable brands are good. Stay away from Stein's. (at one time Steins was pretty good stuff, but not anymore) ProFace, Mehron, Ben Nye, Howles...althought the one time I tried Howles, I found it to be a lot different in its application from all the rest...but it still looked good. In my opinion, ProFace has the best staying power...and the brightest white.

I strenuously recommend using actual makeup powder. You'll need white and neutral. I just don't like the way baby powder works. I find it makes your reds pink, your blacks grey, and if you want it to look better, you have to spritz your face with water. With good powder, you don't have to do the spritz thing. (and your makeup will stay better longer if you don't spritz.)

I think you should take the time to learn to do your lining with a brush. Its easy once you get the hang of it and looks better than using a pencil. Get a decent brush...one with bristles that aren't too long. I use a Steins 1/4 inch flat. (Though the makeup is junk, Stein's brushes are fairly decent.) I learned how to do my lining with a brush only once I found myself getting made up at a convention and discovered I'd left my liner pencil at home.

Oh...One more thought, and this is for everyone since I haven't seen it mentioned. I recently discovered and amazing product for getting your makeup off and have been using it for about a year. The catch is, I'm not sure exactly what they're called. Anyway they're facial cleansing cloths that you can get at the drugstore. They come in a box like tissues. The idea, for regular people, is to get them a little wet, then they lather up and you scrub your face with them. One side is a little scratchier than the other, for exfoliating. You can get them in brands like Dove or Oil of OlLady, but the best ones for our purposes are the cheaper store brand ones. (I don't know why but its true, the Dove ones were no good for this)

Anyway, just lather one up, use the scratchy side, and your makeup will come off pretty much in one swipe. Or at least mine does. Its amazing. You don't have to cut it with oil or baby shampoo or anything. (You'll still need to wash your face with a regular cloth after however) Try it out. Might work for ya.

[Nettie Belle]

Are you white face or auguste, Hopper? I think these towels would be fine for an auguste clown, but I'm not sure for a white face. If you think they will work for white face, I will try them. It's quite a process to get the white face off, once it's on. Auguste, however, isn't as difficult because it blends with your skin anyway.

I use a magnifying mirror to make sure every little pore is clear and there is not even a microscopic glimpse of white make up. Sometimes I don't get it all off of my neck, but I do manage to get it completely off my face.

Anyway, Hopper ... let me know what you think about a white face using these towels ...

[Jolly Well]

I like vegetable oils for make-up removal at home - and fortunately; it's where I usually take my clown off.

The make-up comes off almost instantly with corn oil, or vegetable oil - probably olive oil as well; but it's so expensive.

Downside is that it's really really oily (imageine that); but comes off quick and easy in the shower. The rare times I change on the go; I use baby oil and baby wipes - then find a sink somewhere to get rid of the baby wipe smell.

I use light makeup (stippled beard, white around eyes and mouth, auguste/ruddish on cheeks) so it may not be as easy of a removal on a full face or thicker makeup - but it works for me.

[Hopper]

Originally Posted by Nettie Belle

Anyway, Hopper ... let me know what you think about a white face using these towels ...

Yeah, I'm Auguste, so it does make it easier. I think that it would work as well for a whiteface though....difference being that you might have to use two or three of the cloths instead of one.

The cloths aren't that expensive if you use a store brand. It might work for you. (and if it doesn't, you can just use them as they were intended instead)

I just love the fact that using these things means I don't have to cut the makeup with oil or anything first.

Anyway...its there if you want to try it.

[Scruffy]

I second Fitz on the setting powder. I use Ben Nye Neutra set. I purchase the big 8 oz can of the stuff. My powder puff fits right in the jar.
You d not need a thick layer on the puff! In fact I just started a new jar last Saturday, The old on had about a tablespoon full left in it and I got three more faces out of that tablespoon! A little really does go along way. Your colors will be brighter. Instead of spritzing with water, I use Ben Nye final seal.It does the same thing and has the advantage of helping to set the makeup even further,
To remove the stuff, I highly recommend Ajax...NO! I use Mehron's makeup remover lotion. I apply it to a 2"x2" cotton square an working top to bottom, rub in circles till everything is a nice uniform yuck. Then I use Huggies baby wipes (the're very strong) and wipe the glop off. If there is anything still sticking, I turn the cotton square over and loosen up the remaining stuff. For the final wash I use Baby magic hair and body wash on a washcloth. I have yet to find a shampoo that can work like that stuff.

[Nettie Belle]

You'd better get used to the smell of baby wipes, Jolly ... and find the cheapest place to buy them! You will soon be smelling like them a lot, even when you're not clowning.

[tim]

Regarding powder puffs, I have a somewhat larger puff (not oversized, but about the size of a setting powder cannister, so it could fit inside - barely) which actually was too much. What I found works better is to get smaller puffs (about an inch and a half to two inches in diameter.) This, I have found, conserves powder (less excess), allows me to get more detailed in setting specific spots which may need it, and are easy/cheap to replace when necessary (you can get a bag of like 6-8 at Walgreens for something like 3 bucks.)

For removal, I've tried everything from soap and water (which won't work very well if you makeup is powdered well), to Ponds cold cream (they actually have Ponds wipes which are quite nice for easy travel/carry in order to make removal on the road quick and clean), to baby oil, to makeup remover. What I really like is a product called Hydro. It cuts right through the muck and gets things off in a few swipes.

That said, try not to use paper towels or any other rough products in removing makeup. Don't scrape your skin. Try to find something softer like baby wipes or a velour rag, if possible.

[Nettie Belle]

And just exactly what IS Hydro? Is it in the drug store, or where, and is it like cold cream or what? Bottle or jar? I've never heard of it ... and sorry, but I have an inquiring mind, not to be confused with and ENQUIRE-ing mind.

Thanks for the tip!!

[Jolly Well]

I've never heard of Hydro either - but interested if it's easily found. Is it a wipe or bottled?