Tips for Applying Stage Makeup: Powder

Powder

It is difficult to emphasize enough the importance of good powdering --- it sets and holds the makeup when you are performing. The most useful powder is loose translucent; with it, you can powder everything from the lightest base to black. It has no color value; it simply sets the makeup. Choose a professional translucent of the palest color, but not white. ( Only a white foundation needs a white powder.) Brushes are no good for applying powder for this kind of makeup, as it must be pressed firmly into the base, and this means using a velour puff, a thin, smooth sponge, or cotton balls. If you powder properly, there will be little residue to brush off later. All fluid or cream foundations absorb an amazing amount of powder. Don't skimp on it!


1. Without powder the face will look shiny and unformed, and the lights will find the shiniest areas on the face, show them up, and spoil your efforts. Even with minimum makeup, you must powder if you are using a fluid or cream base. Cake makeup by itself is self-setting, but even that needs a touch of powder in the intermission	2. If you want a makeup to stay matte and long-lasting, you must press the powder into the foundation. This is difficult to do with a brush, so keep brushes for removing any excess powder after you have finished.	3. The correct way to powder is with a velour puff, a smooth flat sponge, or cotton balls. Do not use connon balls near contact lenses. A velour puff is best because it holds plenty of powder, and its velvety surface presses the powder firmly into the foundation. Hold the puff or sponge like this and press and roll the powder over the face until all the shine is absorbed.
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