Three Budget-Friendly Items for Every Makeup Box

Hey guys - I've got a guest expert today for the blog! Steven Shayle Rhodes is a longtime friend and sometime onstage partner from way back; these days he does makeup for both guys and girls for stage, cabarets, and everyday life. He knows his stuff! Here's what he's got to say -

As we all know, being a performance artist isn’t cheap! The price of a quality education, plus continuing studies, keeping your essential supplies stocked – it all adds up. Am I right? So, I thought I’d make some suggestions that will hopefully save you a couple of coins when putting together your makeup kit.

My first suggestion is an oldie but a goodie – Maybelline Waterproof Great Lash Mascara. Maybelline has been around for years, and there’s a reason their mascaras are some of the best-selling of all brands – they are the bomb. And at about only $6 at your local drugstore, it’s not only inexpensive, but also readily available. Why waterproof, you ask? Well … to be blunt, dancers sweat. A lot. And there ain’t nothing pretty about black mascara running down your cheeks in the middle of a lovely pas de deux. Important note - mascara should be replaced every 2 to 3 months.

Number two on my list is a good makeup setting spray. These aid in keeping your makeup from sliding off your face. There are a ton of them out there, ranging in price from $3 to well over $50 a bottle. My personal favorite is NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray (about $8 at your local superstore). It’s super-easy to use – after you’ve finished sculpting your face into a work of art, hold the bottle about 10 inches away from your face and spray a fine mist over your masterpiece (4 or 5 sprays should do your entire face). Be sure to keep your eyes closed!

And finally, my favorite way to remove that stage makeup once the show is done and you’re ready to head home for some much-needed rest – vegetable oil! Yes, you read that correctly – vegetable oil! (*note - Jennifer loves coconut oil!) Just pour a little into the palms of your hands and rub into your face. Remove with a tissue (or makeup wipe, if you prefer), and then use your usual facial cleanser to remove the oily film. If you have stubborn eye makeup to remove, just put a few drops on a cotton pad and rub gently (remember, the skin around eyes is the most delicate on your body). I like to add a few drops of essential oil to mine to make it smell nice, but that is totally optional.

I hope you’ve found these suggestions helpful. If you have questions you’d like addressed in future articles, please post requests in the comments section below. And if you've got cost-conscious tips of your own, by all means, share!

See ya at the stage door!

Besides being an actor and singer, Steve's also a trained and licensed hair/makeup/nail technician. Some of his work has been seen on stages for Dallas area theatre and dance companies; by day, he's a computer nerd for a large federal agency. In addition to being licensed in the beauty industry, Steve also possesses a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Dallas, concentrating in Arts Management.