...a makeup kit. If you're interested in playing any sort of makeup race at a Larp or theater production, you're going to need a kit to keep all of your makeup organized, safe, and together. The one you see to the left is mine. It's way over the top for most people's needs but it gives you an idea of what a makeup kit can look like.
I started with a Husky toolbox from Home Depot. After taking out the removable shelf from inside the kit, I got some clear fishing lure boxes (see below).
I started with a Husky toolbox from Home Depot. After taking out the removable shelf from inside the kit, I got some clear fishing lure boxes (see below).
The toolbox has 3 compartments on the top. I numbered them and the rest of the boxes inside. Numbers 1 and 2 are removable. 3 is really only big enough to hold makeup sponges.
On the backside is my name, address, and phone number ( I blocked my information from view. That's why the pic has that weird black line. As much as I like y'all, there's just no good reason to give out personal information and all.)
This is what my makeup kit looks like when everything is put away inside the toolbox.
And this is what it looks like empty. It's amazing how much makeup can fit in there.
To the left are boxes 1 and 2 - inside these boxes I keep my "loaner" makeup. Makeup that is no longer up to pare with my standards but good enough in a pinch moves into these boxes so when the inevitable "Can I borrow your makeup, I forgot mine at home." situation occurs, I don't have to give out mu good makeup and have it return in shambles. I can loan out the makeup I don't really care about anymore and not sweat it. |
Above - all the makeup that "floats" in my makeup kit. Usually, it's the shape of the makeup that makes it a "floater" (control thy laughter) but, for example, the sponge does better outside of the clear boxes because it needs more air to avoid molding. Few things are grosser than a moldy makeup sponge. In the middle photo you may notice a can of Off! bug spray and a mini survival kit in a sardine can (Yes, I also have a "survival" clear box explained below. Can you ever be too prepared?). Since most Larps take place on a camp site in the woods, these items are quite possibly the most important part of my makeup kit. I hate bugs and I'm scared of a real zombie apocalypse so yes, these are always with me in my kit.
Below - Here are the clear fishing lure boxes I've been talking about. The boxes have both removable and fixed wall dividers. My boyfriend, Johnie, used a dremel to remove the fixed walls that were in the way of my bigger pieces of makeup. Since I mostly use Ben Nye AquaCake it was wonderful to find out that the small palettes fit in the separate sections perfectly without tinkering.
On the left - my main characters makeup. I play a wolf wilder (basically, half wolf/human). Keeping all her makeup in one subkit allows me to grab-and-go to the site bathroom to begin putting on her makeup. On the right - Various colors I need for various races. I keep a rainbow of colors handy since I never know what race I'll need to play for an NPC. |
Anyway, that is my makeup kit. I have used other systems in the past. Never again. This baby has kept me from pulling my hair out in frustration so many times. The biggest pain in the butt about it is the weight (and it weighs a ton) and the fact that you must keep it organized. You cannot throw stuff in there and go - it won't close right or you won't be able to find anything without pulling everything out later. But really, staying organized is a key factor in enjoying a makeup race so as the stereotypical southern grandma would say, "quit your whinin'.'"