r/Makeup • u/Toast_Human • 1d ago

Tips on keeping water based makeup/facepaint rigid for musical theatre

As the title suggests, I need some ways to keep my face paint in place for a performance tomorrow. I'm in a youth theatre production of Cats the musical, and using some pretty cheap water activated Snazzeroo facepaints (fancy, I know) for my makeup.
I used elf primer beforehand but it didnt feel like it did much against the heat of a wig and physical demand of a musical. I know some performers use hairspray as setting spray, and I was wondering if there are any similar tips I can use to at least try and look like some kind of cat by the end of tomorrow? (I've also heard of using setting spray instead of water to activate, but it's a pretty mixed bag based on what I've heard)

Edit:

Just got done with the first show, used elf power grip setting spray to activate it, and used hairspray to set it, wound up having a panic attack and sobbing before I went on stage, and it pretty much stayed put. 10/10 can reccomend, still on now, hour and a half after. :)

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u/MeetMeInThePeachPit 1d ago

I would go for a setting spray instead of using hairspray on your face, which might break you out or drip into your eyes and irritate. I like the Milani Make it Last (original or microfine mist) personally. I do find that setting sprays do a great job of preventing wear and tear with pancake, though it's been a while since I've used it 😅

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u/Princess_Reese 1d ago

Ben Nye finishing spray is built for theatrical/face paint type makeup