From blush brushes to industrial-sized cans of hairspray, Caitlin Oates comes to rehearsal equipped with several bags of well-used products and hot tools, ready to transform her actors into turn-of-the-century characters.
“A lot of it is just my personal stuff from high school,” says the Communication junior and hair/ makeup designer for Ragtime, this year’s Dolphin Show.
Having held makeup positions on theater crews since her freshman year, Oates knows which brands work best for what and when. Her one standby is the Ben Nye stage makeup kit, available at the Norris Book Store.
“It’s the leading stage makeup brand,” Oates says. Once Oates preps the face with Ben Nye foun- dation and powder, the fun begins.
Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain and Balm ($8): “On stage it works a lot better; it doesn’t wipe off on other people and costumes. I use my fingers because it gives me more control.”
Covergirl LashBlast Mascara ($6): “I like the spikey brush because it’s not clumpy, and it doesn’t flake into your eyes.”
Revlon Bedroom Eyes Powder Liner ($5): “It smears less and it’s darker. I feel like I have more control over the powder, plus it doesn’t smear onto the top of your lids like other liners.”
Physicians Formula Cashmere Wear Ultra-Smoothing Bronzer ($14): “It’s very thick. I apply with fingers or a blush brush right under the cheekbones to give definition to the face.”
Benefit Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain ($28): “Benefit is my favorite brand of makeup. You can use it on your eyes, lips or cheeks. I use it depending on the character, whether they need to look older or younger.”
Physicians Formula Conceal Rx Physicians Strength Concealer ($7): “I use it under eye no matter what. It has salicylic acid, so it’s healthier for your skin when you’re piling on the makeup. Sometimes I’ll also mix it with lotion to generally de-red someone’s face when they’re really flushed.”
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk ($15): “I usually ask the actors to come in with dirty or already straightened hair. Then I use a smoothing product.”
TRESemmé Tres Two Freeze Hold Hair Spray ($5): “Hair spray is vital to my process. I spray the hair before I style it, during and after to get the look I want and to make it stay.”
Revlon Ceramic Large Barrel Curling Iron ($22): “Any ceramic tool gets the hottest and works the best.”
CHI Straightening Iron ($100): “It works the best on my unruly hair, so I bring my own to use on the actors.”