Forums > Hair, Makeup & Styling > Tips for mulitiple faces and powdering on set?

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

Any recommendations for on-set powdering brush/puffs for mulitiple people I'm powdering at a time?  I.E...bands.  I do not want to cross-contaminate powder/brush/face.

I have about 2 seconds to powder in between shots sometimes... carrying 5 different brushes for sanitary reason is prohibitive to me, even with a tool belt. 

Any tips would be awesome.  Thanks y'all!

Mar 29 07 03:56 pm Link

Makeup Artist

MP Make-up Artistry

Posts: 5105

Prince George, British Columbia, Canada

Lisa Johnson MUA wrote:
Any recommendations for on-set powdering brush/puffs for mulitiple people I'm powdering at a time?  I.E...bands.  I do not want to cross-contaminate powder/brush/face.

I have about 2 seconds to powder in between shots sometimes... carrying 5 different brushes for sanitary reason is prohibitive to me, even with a tool belt. 

Any tips would be awesome.  Thanks y'all!

Being on set for film can be crazy I have kinda made up tricks as I find problems arising. So one trick I have found thats kinda on the cheap side is

a zip lock bag for each person with a sharpie write thier names on the top of the bag near the "zip" end.,
you can stick the brush with powder all ready to go on the ends of the brushes,or in the bottom of the bag,
Handle side upwards, then you can just pull them out
I have an open "basket" style set bag you can put all of the brushes in ziplockbags, open end upwards so you have easy acesses.,

when I am working on a shoot with mulitipul faces I use the named ziplock bag for every shoot, this works like a hot damm and its easy to keep neat and clean set bag, I use seperate zip lock bags for sponges and powder brushes, then I have clear set bags for each person (with thier picture on it)so I can keep their foundations and other products used on their face. this is mostly used for films where you will be doing the same make-up for more than one day.

or you can put differnt coloured eleastic bands on the ends of each brush. and have them all powdered and ready to go and just hold them, ahh the need for a thrid hand will come in need one day.

I highly sudgest a set bag, something that is light weight and has everything ready to go, if you know your going to powder 5 faces in less than 2 min have the brushes"pre-powdered" this will save you time "loading" the brushes with powder.

Also blotting sheets work really well too, this will take away the shine and  leave the make-up behind.
Hope that helps.. good luck Mandy

Mar 29 07 04:31 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Evey E

Posts: 240

North Hills, California, US

What I do, I use a different puff on each person when the first Mu application is done.

I then re-load it with the powder I used and stick it in a labled zip-lock bag and just throw it in my set bag.  Once I'm ready to go on set, I throw in my powder containers and strap on my brush belt. 

The only hassle about the baggie thing is when you need to rush in for the touch-up you need to search for the correct bag.

Mar 29 07 04:32 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Elizabeth Gerbino

Posts: 1786

SHERMAN OAKS, California, US

Pre-load powder puffs by rubbing the powder into the middle, and then flicking it with your finger when you need more.

Works like a charm.

And if they won't let you get in there for at least a minute or two to touch people up, then there's not much you can do. I did a movie once where the director yelled at me to stop everytime I went in to touch up. Sometimes there isn't much you can do when they won't let you.

If you use a puff, it presses the powder into the face and absorbs more shine (and will last longer) than it would if you dusted powder with a brush.

Mar 29 07 05:20 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Rachel J

Posts: 101

Everett, Washington, US

Deadly Design Make-up wrote:
a zip lock bag for each person with a sharpie write thier names on the top of the bag near the "zip" end.,

I have an open "basket" style set bag you can put all of the brushes in ziplockbags, open end upwards so you have easy acesses.,

when I am working on a shoot with mulitipul faces I use the named ziplock bag for every shoot, this works like a hot damm and its easy to keep neat and clean set bag, I use seperate zip lock bags for sponges and powder brushes, then I have clear set bags for each person (with thier picture on it)so I can keep their foundations and other products used on their face. this is mostly used for films where you will be doing the same make-up for more than one day.

This is what I do too.

Mar 29 07 05:21 pm Link

Makeup Artist

About Faces-Lynn

Posts: 957

Detroit, Michigan, US

Lisa have you tried using a mattifier?  When I did the last two commerical shoots I was working with men-actors-models and doctors and the mattifier did the trick.  Didnt need ANY powdering when they were on the set.  The film I worked on this weeked I only used the mattified on the men and it worked great and lasted a long time under the hot lights.

I also ue the mattifier under and over (if necessary) the foundation of women and it works well. 

Sometimes you still do need to powder however!

Mar 29 07 06:57 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Elizabeth Gerbino

Posts: 1786

SHERMAN OAKS, California, US

About Faces-Lynn wrote:
Lisa have you tried using a mattifier?  When I did the last two commerical shoots I was working with men-actors-models and doctors and the mattifier did the trick.  Didnt need ANY powdering when they were on the set.  The film I worked on this weeked I only used the mattified on the men and it worked great and lasted a long time under the hot lights.

I also ue the mattifier under and over (if necessary) the foundation of women and it works well. 

Sometimes you still do need to powder however!

just curious - which one do you use?

Because I was told great things about zero oil from origins, but I find that whenever I put it on, it gets whiteish and cakey in spots...

Mar 29 07 07:15 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Mandy P

Posts: 189

Los Angeles, California, US

Puffs, ziplocks, sharpie are always in my kit.
Another tip - "Blotting papers", especially if you're shooting with men. I find that sometimes they don't need more powder. Use once and toss, you're in and out and back to shooting.

Mar 29 07 08:06 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Flesh2Fantasy

Posts: 311

Sterling Heights, Michigan, US

I use good ole tissue...and rice papers....HI LISA!!!

Mar 29 07 08:20 pm Link

Makeup Artist

About Faces-Lynn

Posts: 957

Detroit, Michigan, US

Elizabeth I use the one by Peter Thomas Roth. A little goes a long long way!

Mar 29 07 09:03 pm Link

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

Hey F2F!  smile

Thank all you great MUAs for your wonderful help and advice.  You are all so talented and full of great advice.  Are there any particular puffs to use that you recommend?  I haven't been using them much and need some good throw aways for sets like this. 

xoxoxo!

Flesh2Fantasy wrote:
I use good ole tissue...and rice papers....HI LISA!!!

Mar 30 07 12:29 am Link

Makeup Artist

Rayrayrose

Posts: 3510

Los Angeles, California, US

Cut sponges in half and carry them around in a ziploc. You can give everybody their own bag with sponges. Or if it gets too confusing you can just use one and then chuck it.

Mar 30 07 12:52 am Link

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

Velor sponges, i take it?  such great ideas...it really is a matter of common sense...of which I sometimes am lacking.  :p

rachelrose wrote:
Cut sponges in half and carry them around in a ziploc. You can give everybody their own bag with sponges. Or if it gets too confusing you can just use one and then chuck it.

Mar 30 07 01:07 am Link

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

Lynn, I have tried smashbox primer.... not a mattifyer per se.  Maybe I should check into that.  DOH...good idea and I forgot about this!

About Faces-Lynn wrote:
Lisa have you tried using a mattifier?  When I did the last two commerical shoots I was working with men-actors-models and doctors and the mattifier did the trick.  Didnt need ANY powdering when they were on the set.  The film I worked on this weeked I only used the mattified on the men and it worked great and lasted a long time under the hot lights.

I also ue the mattifier under and over (if necessary) the foundation of women and it works well. 

Sometimes you still do need to powder however!

Mar 30 07 01:08 am Link

Makeup Artist

Rayrayrose

Posts: 3510

Los Angeles, California, US

Lisa Johnson MUA wrote:
Velor sponges, i take it?  such great ideas...it really is a matter of common sense...of which I sometimes am lacking.  :p


No just regular latex or non-latex sponges. it cuts the shine good and fast- I use pressed powder on set.

Another option is to preload a puff and keep it in a labeled ziploc, if you want to use loose powder.

Mar 30 07 01:13 am Link

Makeup Artist

KLF Makeup

Posts: 384

New Orleans, Louisiana, US

I just tried the Mehron Mattifier. It seems to get the job done, no shine.

Apr 02 07 03:14 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Cynthia Rose

Posts: 468

New York, New York, US

About Faces-Lynn wrote:
I use the one by Peter Thomas Roth. A little goes a long long way!

PTR is a great mattifer.

Apr 02 07 04:45 pm Link

Makeup Artist

David Klasfeld

Posts: 2665

New York, New York, US

Brushes, brushes, and more brushes. Pads and puffs leave an imprint on the makeup that HD can pick up. Especially because 99.99% of the time I'm airbrushing, I also don't want a pad/puff/sponge disturbing the finish. And right now I'm all about Cinema Secrets' No Colour Powder on those brushes for every skintone under the sun. Ben Nye's Neutral Set is great too.

While brushes can get costly, there are low cost / high quality options out there too. Hit the Crown Booth at any Makeup Trade Show (The Makeup Show in May, IMATS in June).

Apr 02 07 06:55 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Rayrayrose

Posts: 3510

Los Angeles, California, US

David, I work in HD and I have never had a problem using sponge and powder. Typically I flex depending on the amount of touchup that is needed. In an actors bag, I usually have a pressed blot powder a small powder brush and a sponge. If its just a light dusting I will use a brush... but if it is a big hotspot I will use a sponge.

Now if you dont blend the powder, of course you will see it. And if the color is too light or too dark, you will see it.

The poster was asking about powdering multiple people, I am assuming they are not all principles. In the case of  visible extras, my actors get #1 priority.

Apr 02 07 08:27 pm Link

Makeup Artist

David Klasfeld

Posts: 2665

New York, New York, US

Oh don't get me wrong Rachel, I'm sure I could make the whole sponge/puff thing work if I had to, but brushes are, to me at least, a little more foolproof.

Sometimes talent leans in unexpectedly, sometimes they're a little more oily than you realized and the puff 'grabs' - in both cases it can turn what was meant to be a quick powder into something more involved. Brushes just always allow me to feel a little more in control.

To be completely honest, it's less me and more my assistants that I worry about - anyone who's worked with me knows I have a no puffs allowed policy. Like I've said repeatedly - I didn't name my company arbitrarily. smile

I've also worked under some pretty intense DPs and HD Techs who've literally asked me to powder walls, yes walls, because they throught they were too shiny, so I have a tendency to look at things under a microscope.

Apr 02 07 08:38 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Rayrayrose

Posts: 3510

Los Angeles, California, US

I am super aware of hot spots as well. But I leave any hot spots in the actual set to the set dresser or props. Although sometimes I wish they made a dulling spray for people...

Like I said, I have never had an issue with puffs or sponges. I just think in general with HD you gotta use the powder a little more sparingly- because sponge, puff or brush... if YOU can see the powder the camera was see the powder.

In my set bag, I also carry a small tube of super matte antishine (my favorite) and Johnson & Johnson oil blotting papers.

Apr 02 07 11:33 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Blix

Posts: 218

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

David Klasfeld wrote:
And right now I'm all about Cinema Secrets' No Colour Powder on those brushes for every skintone under the sun. Ben Nye's Neutral Set is great too.

*drool*

I dont even know what I'd do without those two products.

Some may say its a bit of a cop out but I dont care.
Works like a charm for me smile

Apr 04 07 01:19 am Link

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

Love EVERYONE's HELP!  Thank you all so much  smile

Apr 04 07 01:45 am Link

Makeup Artist

Kimberly Pletz

Posts: 950

Los Angeles, California, US

Just use 1 puff & then put a tissue around it for each one at a time.. That's what I do for the American Idols... & I had 12 of them... It works great~

Apr 04 07 02:55 am Link

Makeup Artist

Rayrayrose

Posts: 3510

Los Angeles, California, US

Kim, I have heard that that helps the powder distribute more evenly.

I have never tried it, but it makes sense. It seems to be a way to absorb oil and powder at the same time.

Apr 04 07 12:49 pm Link

Makeup Artist

UK_Makeup_Artist

Posts: 896

Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

I have heard total raves about this

http://www.oc8.com/

Saves on powdering!

Apr 06 07 03:03 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Kimberly Pletz

Posts: 950

Los Angeles, California, US

rachelrose wrote:
Kim, I have heard that that helps the powder distribute more evenly.

I have never tried it, but it makes sense. It seems to be a way to absorb oil and powder at the same time.

Yeah, It absorbs the shine.. I NEVER use powder though... EVER.. Not a fan... Just blot the shiny area's... (with a kleenex) that is...  Powder is just DULL

Apr 06 07 07:42 pm Link

Makeup Artist

David Klasfeld

Posts: 2665

New York, New York, US

Maycuplover wrote:
Yeah, It absorbs the shine.. I NEVER use powder though... EVER.. Not a fan... Just blot the shiny area's... (with a kleenex) that is...

This is smart thinking...and probably exactly the way makeup should evolve (powder free).

Apr 06 07 07:45 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Cynthia Rose

Posts: 468

New York, New York, US

Maycuplover wrote:
Just use 1 puff & then put a tissue around it for each one at a time.. That's what I do for the American Idols... & I had 12 of them... It works great~

I am going to try this! Thanx!!!

Apr 06 07 07:50 pm Link

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

Fantastic tips everyone!  I'm so glad I axed.

Apr 06 07 08:35 pm Link

Model

Naomi Jay

Posts: 1436

New York, New York, US

I use Becca matifying primer and it reallly works. Not many touch ups at all.

Apr 06 07 09:13 pm Link