<p>There is so much expertise here that I feel sure someone can help with this:</p>
<p>My gorgeous son was in a production in December and developed a terrible rash on his face from whatever stage make-up they used at his school. The rash is folliculitis now and is painful and painful-looking. He is now on his second dermatologist in 2 months, and the doc has started him on Roaccutane to get rid of this problem.</p>
<p>My son has barred me from going to the directors to find out what they used. Typical of creatures-of-the-stage, he doesn't want to be thought of in any way a 'difficult actor'. </p>
<p>My question is -- does anyone know where we can find hypoallergenic stage make-up? I told him it is in his interests to have his own and to apply it himself. We live overseas, so would have to order any products from websites.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for any information or suggestions you have.</p>
<p>I personally use covergirl makeup for nearly all of my stage make-up, with Maybelline mascara. I don't know if it's hypoallergenic, but it's fine to be worn on skin every day. They have foundation, powder, blush, eyeshadow, basically everything. I think I have fairly sensitive skin, but CG is totally fine for me, so it might work for your son. It is also less expensive than buying Ben Nye, or something like that. And, you may even be able to find it in your local drugstore, though I'm not sure if it is sold overseas, so you'd have to check on that. </p>
<p>Well, in my experience, most stage makeup is just any regular makeup. Ask your dermatologist what your son should avoid in a makeup, and find makeup that doesn't contain that ingredient. For most cases, there is no special makeup for actors/actresses, except for when you need to do special things like creating an extremely pale face, or wounds, or something of the sort. Figure out what he's allergic to, and try to stay away from it. It seems to me like many makeup companies make makeup that is specifically tailored to theater, as well as "every day" stuff, so as long as you keep in mind that specific ingredient, and always be aware of it, your S should be fine!</p>
<p>Our faculty require new students to purchase a kit from Mehron. The kit has brushes, cream sticks, highlights and shadows, and retails for less than $50. I'd give you the URL, but that's against the cc.com rules. However, if you'll do a search on the term "Mehron", you'll find their website. Follow the link to "Educational Theater" and from there to "makeup kits". We've never had a problem with this makeup.</p>
<p>I notice that they offer a different and slightly more expensive line that is advertised as being appropriate for sensitive skin. I can't make a recommendation about it. I suggest writing to the company or calling them and speaking to a representative about your son's particular condition.</p>
<p>As be<em>a</em>star mentioned, Ben Nye also manufactures makeup for actors. I haven't used their products recently, but they are a reputable company and worth checking out.</p>
<p>Thank you all so much for your help. I will look into all these products. </p>
<p>I have already learned so much from this forum. Son (#2) is a high school sophomore, but already seems committed to a life in theater. The production in December was a teacher's adaptation of "Chronicles of a Death Foretold" and he played one of the murdering brothers (was supposed to be 'swarthy' with a 5 o'clock shadow -- he got the rash from whatever they used to make him 'swarthy', since he is normally fair-skinned), and also designed the Powerpoint backdrop and the program, and assistant-directed. </p>
<p>Since he's the 'go-to' kid for every play, musical and revue the school puts on, he never wants any 'minor' thing like a serious skin rash to get in his way, lol!</p>
<p>I'm sure I will be asking more questions on this board as time goes on. There's a wealth of knowledge here! </p>
<p>So my friend and I are in charge of the make-up for West Side Story. The only problem is that our entire cast is Caucasian and definitely not anywhere near the Puerto Rican look that the script requires. Does anyone have any tips on how to make the actors look tan (all weve tried has turned out orange) and yet still look realistic? We are currently using Ben Nye foundations, but we are more than open to any other brands. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>I was a volunteer make-up assistant for several years for my community's outdoor play. The story involves Spanish and Native Americans. The make-up we used was professional theatrical makeup (sorry don't know the brand) in appropriate tan shades. It was a pancake makeup that we would wet and apply with torn sponges. Of course the audience wasn't as close to the actors as what you will be dealing with, but the effect did work. If the exact brand & color is helpful to you, I could try to make contact with the personnel who would know. PM me if needed.</p>
<p>Magdalena, I have found that Ben Nye foundations work really well in changing ethnicity. I would suggest going to a Ben Nye retailer and trying different foundatins on your skin. Usually, a much darker shade will show up "tan" on a pale complection.</p>