In the world of stage production, where storytelling comes to life through the fusion of acting, music, and visuals, the transformative power of makeup still reigns supreme. Among the array of brands catering to this unique realm, Ben Nye Makeup stands as a true legend. With over five decades of experience in the industry, Ben Nye has established itself as an unrivalled leader in theatrical makeup. In this article, we will delve into the world of Ben Nye makeup, the different varieties that the brand offers, and how you can maximise the use of makeup in your stage production to get a truly authentic look.

Ben Nye Setting Powder

Ben Nye Setting Powders offer a versatile selection of formulas and shades, allowing artists to achieve flawlessly matte complexions, customise foundation tones, combat sweat and tears, oil, and help to minimise visible skin texture.

Many makeup artists find these original Classic formulations to be exceptionally useful for many regions within the industry, not just for stage, but for screen and beauty applications, too. The setting powders are specifically designed to evolve alongside the digital era, to be able to withstand high-definition cameras. Many of our customers have tested them and been very positive about the quality of these products, highlighting Ben Nye to be one of the biggest makeup pinpoints within the industry.

Types of Ben Nye Makeup

Ben Nye’s exquisite Luxury Powders are renowned for their multi-purpose utility, with the iconic Banana shade standing out as a fan-favourite. Delicately textured and available in a variety of captivating tones, these loose face powders bestow a radiant veil of pigments that enhance the complexion with sheer, buildable layers of colour, ensuring a polished and immaculate look.

Each Luxury Powder possesses the versatility to be used individually, blended harmoniously, or paired creatively, offering limitless possibilities for artistic expression. Crafted from a unique silica-based formula, these powders grant unparalleled control over the skin’s texture, effortlessly smoothing imperfections and enabling seamless light diffusion across the face.

The luxury powders are broken down into two categories: Bella and Mojave.

The Bella series focuses on shade options from ultra-light to medium skin tones including neutral, pink, and gold undertones.

The Mojave range represents shades that work magnificently alongside the deepest skin tones, perfect for warm, olive, brown, or even cool undertones.

Classic Ben Nye Face Powders

The classic face powder range began in the theatre industry, especially since the demand for contrasts between shades meets the right complexity for the stage. Brilliantly combined with endurance and durability, the classic Ben Nye face powders have always met the demand of numerous performing artists. Shades from fair, chestnut, sienna, and ebony have all been applied to hundreds of performers, and elegance and beauty have always been maintained to ensure comfort and professionalism for a production. These powders and more are all accessible from our essential Ben Nye makeup kits.

Varieties of No Pigment Powders

The most universally recognised varieties of Ben Nye No Pigment powders include the following:

• Neutral Set Powder.
• Colourless Luxury Powder.
• HD Matte Powder.

But what makes these products have no pigment? Because they are designed to fit seamlessly amongst all kinds of skin complexions of any shade without the need to change the applicant’s skin tone. This translucency makes the products perfect for any ideal production that involves several colourful makeup techniques, from face painting, to drag and cosplay.

Of all the no-pigment powder products that we have to offer in the Ben Nye makeup range, the neutral set powders have been shared amongst makeup artists for decades, of multiple genres.

Alternatively, for more of a vibrant look, the Bella colourless luxury powder can achieve the same purpose as the neutral set, except with a special mix of glamour and elegance that will make everyone’s eyes and minds pop after viewing them on social media. You will find that the colourless texture of this luxury powder is silkier, which will easily compliment a softer finish for all skin tones.

Lastly, there is the HD matte powder, which mixes in the features from the powders previously mentioned into an ultra-light finishing powder that stabilises oily and micro-fine film onto the face. This product is highly recommended for professionals within film and TV.

Where to Use Ben Nye Makeup

The vast selection of Ben Nye makeup in our arsenal has been adored due to its vast usefulness in all fields of the makeup industry. But when and where is best to use them?

The luxury powders, for instance, are widely complimented for beauty, film, bridal, and other editorial makeup activities. When applicants are viewed up-close on camera, the textures of the powders work effortlessly alongside the camera through a texture-focused format within the powder. Utilising these powders correctly on the performers will ensure that the camera lens and lighting will not be a problem for the performers.

If you have been to a stage performance in recent years, you will undoubtedly have seen the performers wearing distinct classic face powders, since this product is widely suited for stage, drag, character and fantasy makeup purposes. These powders are great for their durability, heavier application, and will aid in preventing sweat and oil from ruining the makeup on the actors’ face.

The genre of makeup is never limited to one form of powder! By exploring the quality of these products and what field of the industry they can be used for, will provide excellent results for your production.

How to Apply Ben Nye Makeup

With so many options to choose from, it can be easy to get confused over which to buy and to apply to the performer’s face. However, you need not fear, because we have created a list of ways in which you can correctly apply Ben Nye Makeup without the need to panic over the simplest mistakes.

Simple Techniques:

A simple way to apply the makeup is by using a fluffy brush or puffer, and add to the face softly with some powder, which will help to reduce the risk of oil on the skin or set foundations.

Brush Application:

Achieve a flawless finish by following our brush application technique. Start by:

• Dispense the powder onto a soft tissue or flat surface.
• Take a full, soft powder brush, and gently sweep the powder over your foundation to set and mattify your complexion.
• For a subtle, soft finish, apply a light dusting of powder.

Feel free to layer the powder to enhance your skin tone and create a captivating complexion. With this method, you can also expertly diffuse blush, contour, and eye shadow shades, granting you complete control over the intensity of your colour application. Brush application is perfect for achieving a natural, everyday look or a softer, basic beauty makeup style.

Puff Application

For a touch of luxury and precision, opt for a puff application method.

1. Begin by generously sprinkling the loose powder onto a Velour Powder Puff.
2. Fold the puff in half and briskly rub the sides together to distribute the powder evenly.
3. This action loads the puff, allowing the powder to settle between its layers.
4. Gently press the puff onto your skin to set your makeup flawlessly.
5. As you work, lightly tap the puff onto the palm of your hand to release more powder onto its surface.
6. This technique offers a delicate and controlled application that ensures a long-lasting, picture-perfect look.

Additionally, puff application is ideal for the popular technique of “baking,” where the excess powder is strategically placed underneath the eyes to protect the complexion, lock the foundation in place, and create desired contrasts.

Baking method:

Both the Classic and Luxury Powders have become industry standards for the renowned technique known as “baking.” This process involves applying excess loose powder underneath the eyes to shield the skin from eye shadow fallout, firmly set the foundation, and achieve a captivating contrast, if desired.

To begin the baking process, load a powder puff or sponge with an ample amount of loose powder. Press the puff gently underneath the eyes, allowing the powder to set into the foundation while you apply eye shadow. Alternatively, you can leave the powder in place for several minutes to intensify the shade and create a multidimensional effect on your complexion.

Once the baking has set, gently brush away any excess powder, revealing a glamorous face. You can experiment with combining different shades strategically to sculpt and define your facial features.

By utilising the baking technique, artists can create striking contrasts on the face. To brighten the centre of the face, opt for a lighter shade of powder that matches the undertone and apply it throughout the T-zone[i]. This technique originated in theatrical and drag environments, gained popularity in the world of glamour and celebrity makeup, and has now become a staple in many people’s daily beauty routines.

Neutral Set Powder, Super White, Pretty Pink, Fair, and Coco Tan are all great shades that can be used for the baking technique. Additionally, Luxury Powders like Colourless, Rose Petal, Cameo, Banana Light, Banana, Topaz, and Dolce are often favoured for baking due to their unique properties.

Mixing technique:

By combining different powders, you can achieve unique shades and distinctive effects tailored to your artistic vision. For instance, experiment with blending Colourless Luxury Powder and Super White Setting Powder to create a high-definition-compatible white powder, ensuring a flawlessly smooth and refined finish.

When dealing with excessively oily skin, incorporate Neutral Set Powder into any powder shade to control oiliness and enhance the performance of your makeup. The mixing method allows you to customise your powder formulations, empowering you to achieve the desired characteristics and cater to specific skin types and makeup requirements.

Embrace this technique to unlock a world of endless possibilities and elevate your artistry to new heights.

Shade Matching

As mentioned, there are many varieties of shade matching for Ben Nye makeup. Here are the details that you need to know about each shade.

Colourless:

A transparent formula that is suitable for all skin tones and undertones. This powder can be effortlessly mixed with other shades to soften and customise their intensity, providing you with infinite possibilities for achieving your desired look.

Banana Light:

Ideal for fair to light skin tones with golden undertones, Banana Light luxury powder delivers a subtle warmth that enhances your natural radiance. This shade beautifully complements the lighter tones found in our Cine (CE) and International (IS) Matte HD foundation series. Embrace it as a highlighting baking powder to add luminosity to your complexion, particularly for those with light skin tones.

Banana:

This shade blends perfectly with Cine (CE) foundation shades and the lighter hues of the MediaPro HD Sheer Foundation Shinsei deepest. It also complements our Banana Creme Highlight, offering a seamless and radiant finish. Use it as a baking powder to highlight and accentuate golden and olive skin tones, enhancing more natural beauty.

Cameo:

Enhance your fair to light skin tones with neutral beige undertones using Bella luxury Cameo powder. This shade pairs harmoniously with the lighter shades from our Bella (BEL), Soft Beige (BE), and Beige Natural (BN) Matte HD foundation series. It also complements the Creme Highlight, adding a touch of elegance to your overall look. Use it as a highlight baking powder to bring out the best in neutral skin tones, creating a captivating and polished appearance.

Rose Petal:

With the enticing beauty of Rose Petal powder, crafted for fair to light skin tones with pink or rosy undertones, this shade blends with lighter tones found in our Modern Media (MM) and Ciniora (CN) Matte HD foundation series. It also complements the Porcelain creme foundations, accentuating your features with a touch of rosy radiance. Utilise it as a baking highlighter powder on light skin tones, allowing your complexion to exude a stunning porcelain glow.

Buff:

Discover the beauty of Buff powder, designed for those with light to medium skin tones boasting neutral beige undertones. This versatile shade complements the mid-range hues found in our Bella (BEL), Soft Beige (BE), and Beige Natural (BN) Matte HD foundation series.

Beige Suede:

Enhance your natural beauty with Beige Suede powder, created specifically for medium skin tones showcasing neutral beige undertones. Additionally, Beige Suede can be utilised to add subtle definition to fair or light neutral skin tones, offering a touch of sophistication to your overall appearance.

Topaz:

Elevate your beauty routine with Topaz powder, (now available in a luxury powder topaz domed jar), tailored for light to medium skin tones featuring warm undertones. This shade pairs flawlessly with the lighter shades found in our Mojave (MH) Matte HD Foundation series. Embrace it as a baking powder for highlighting deep skin tones with warm undertones, adding a radiant glow to your complexion that effortlessly captivates.

Camel:

Achieve a golden radiance with Mojave Luxury Camel powder, expertly crafted for those with light to medium skin tones boasting golden undertones. This shade harmonizes beautifully with the lightest hues from our Mojave (MH) and Sahara (SA) Matte HD Foundation series. You can use this product as a baking setting powder to accentuate and highlight medium to deep skin tones with golden undertones, granting you a stunning and defined look.

Dolce:

Explore the rich beauty of Mojave Luxury Dolce powder, meticulously designed for medium skin tones featuring brown undertones. This perfectly balanced shade complements the medium shades found in our Sahara (SA) and Natural Olive (NO) Matte HD Foundation series, ensuring a harmonious blend. Embrace Dolce as a highlight baking powder to enhance the radiance of deep brown skin tones, allowing your complexion to exude an irresistible allure.

Olive Sand:

This product is created for those with olive undertones, specifically with medium to deep skin tones. The Mojave luxury olive powders can be paired perfectly with Shinsei (SH), Olive Beige (OB), and other deeper shades within the International (IS) Matte HD Foundation series.

Clay:

The Mojave luxury powder clay range is tailored for medium to deep skin tones with neutral brown undertones. It also complements mid-range shades within the Mojave (MH) series. This product is perfect for enhancing definition in light brown skin tones.

Nutmeg:

Specially made for deep skin tones with warm undertones, the luxury powder nutmeg can be combined with the deeper half of our Sahara (SA) and Mojave (MH) Matte HD Foundation series for effective results. This makes it also Ideal for adding warmth to the deepest skin tones with cool undertones.

Dark Cocoa:

Luxury powder Dark cocoa is specially designed for use with the deepest shades from our Sahara (SA) and Mojave (MH) Matte HD Foundation series. Add it with other shades from the Mojave Luxury Powders for more depth and coolness.

Classic Setting Powders

Here is the essential guide for all Ben Nye classic setting powders.

Neutral Set Powder:

Completely colourless, the neutral set powder provides a matte finish for any skin tone without altering its natural complexion. Other features include:

• Helps control sweat and oil, keeping makeup intact.
• Pairs perfectly with any of our creme colours or foundations.

Super White:

A highly pigmented white powder that enhances complexion and intensifies white creme colour bases, the super white face powder can be mixed with lighter to medium shades of setting powder to enhance the colour. It is also ideal for baking powder technique for highlighting stage, drag, and character makeup. Additionally, it can be paired with Clown White, Clown White Lite, and White (P-1) Crème Foundation.

Are you looking for the full clown effect? Try our Mehron clown character kit set at a great price.

Fair:

Created for setting complexions ranging from fairest to medium skin tones with neutral beige undertones, the fair translucent face powder airs well with the lighter half of our Contemporary Theatre Creme Foundation series, as well as Proscenium (P) series shades Fairest (P-41), Ultra Beige (P-42), and Alabaster (P-43).

Pretty Pink:

The pretty pink translucent face powder is designed for setting complexions ranging from fairest to light skin tones with pink or rosy undertones. Pretty pink can be used as a baking highlighting powder to enhance the complexion and provide a porcelain glow.

Coco Tan:

The coco tan translucent face powder is formulated for setting medium skin tones with warm or ruddy undertones.

This powder is an efficient highlight powder that can be used for baking with deeper skin tones and warm undertones.

Sienna:

The face powder sienna translucent is ideal for individuals with deep skin tones and olive undertones.

This powder complements our Maple (MA) series and pairs beautifully with the Medium (M) shade Medium Tan (M-3). It is also perfect for adding subtle definition to light to medium skin tones that have golden or olive undertones.

Chestnut:

Our chestnut face powder translucent is designed specifically for setting foundations on deep skin tones with warm or ruddy undertones. Chestnut works effortlessly with other deeper shades available in our Maple (MA) Creme Foundation series.

Why not use it as a baking highlight powder which will aid in bringing warmth to the face?

Ebony:

Crafted for individuals with the deepest skin tones, the ebony face powder translucent is a pigmented face powder that can be combined with the Maple (MA) Creme Foundations and the Proscenium shade Dark Coco. Additionally, it can be used to create soft and diffused contours on deep skin tones with warm or ruddy undertones.

Ben Nye Makeup for Every Occasion

Overall, this essential Ben Nye makeup offers you a diverse range of information about the products that cater to various skin tones and undertones suitable for all performers in stage production. Our commitment to inclusivity is evident in our extensive selection of shades and formulas, ensuring that people of all ethnicities and backgrounds can find the perfect match for their complexion. For more makeup tips, check out our simple beauty makeup tips and tricks to see how you can utilise your Ben Nye makeup to it’s full potential.

FAQs

What is Ben Nye makeup?

Ben Nye makeup is a professional cosmetics brand that offers a wide range of products including foundations, powders, concealers, eyeshadows, lip colors, and special effects makeup.

Is Ben Nye makeup cruelty-free?

Yes, Ben Nye is a cruelty-free brand. They do not test their products on animals.

Does Ben Nye makeup offer products suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, Ben Nye offers a range of products formulated for sensitive skin. These products are designed to be gentle and hypoallergenic.

Can I use Ben Nye makeup for everyday wear?

While Ben Nye makeup is primarily known for its use in the performing arts and professional makeup industry, many of their products can also be used for everyday wear. They offer a variety of shades and finishes suitable for different occasions.

How long does Ben Nye makeup last?

The longevity of Ben Nye makeup varies depending on the specific product and how it is applied. However, many of their products are designed to be long-lasting and provide excellent coverage.

Does Ben Nye makeup offer waterproof options?

Ben Nye offers waterproof options for certain products such as eyeliners, mascaras, and some foundations. These waterproof formulas are ideal for events or performances that require makeup to stay in place under different conditions.

Can I use Ben Nye makeup for special effects or theatrical makeup?

Ben Nye is highly regarded in the industry for their special effects and theatrical makeup. They offer a wide range of products including prosthetics, blood effects, bruise wheels, and various other products specifically designed for sfx makeup use.

How do I remove Ben Nye makeup?

Ben Nye makeup can be easily removed using a gentle makeup remover or cleansing oil. It is recommended to follow up with a regular facial cleanser to ensure all traces of makeup are removed.

Sources

[i] Nivea Australia (n.d.). What is Combination Skin? Nivea Australia. Available at: https://www.nivea.com.au/advice/skin/what-is-combination-skin#:~:text=The%20skin%20in%20the%20T,hand%2C%20are%20normal%20to%20dry. [accessed 12/06/23]