[SML] Really cheap makeup

[Joe D]

I am investigating the options for community theater in regards to makeup.  Normal street cake makeup, as found in a $1 store, are probably sufficient for a straight makeup.  But, for character makeup, I am struggling to find significantly cheaper alternatives to brands like Ben Nye.  Of course, I do understand that the professional stuff is better in many ways, but the cost can be a significant issue.

I tried some cheap Halloween makeup, but there was so little pigment, that it was a complete waste of time. 

There certainly is no shortage of makeup in dollar stores. The eyeliner stuff is all fine. But, for character makeups, most doesn't seem very useful for theatrical applications. I tried using an eyeshadow kit with some darker browns and white to do general highlighting and shadows. But, nearly all eyeshadow has glitter or something shiny in it. 

There is no doubt that a cream makeup is preferable to do character work. I did look again the other day at a $1 store, and came across a concealer, which was a cream with good coverage. But, there were only two color choices that looked nearly the same, with one being a little pinker. 

IN regards to hair, with so many young, pre-gray individuals needing to look older, doing something to grey their hair is another issue.  I experimented a little with applying hair spray and then talcum powder while the hairspray was still wet, but it really didn't work. 

So, specifically, I am hunting for cream makeup with a range of colors at a low cost. And also looking for ideas on home-made hair whitener.

-Joe