Make Up Allergies
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Forum Discription: For how-to's and where-can-I-find
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3396
Printed Date: 8/01/25 at 1:38pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Make Up Allergies
Posted By: Lenaea
Subject: Make Up Allergies
Date Posted: 8/30/08 at 2:32pm
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I've got an actress who claims to be allergic to all kinds of make up. She's new to theatre though, so I don't know if that includes all kinds of theatre makeup. But I don't know what to do. She's playing a demon, so I pretty much have free reign in my design, but I don't know safe alternatives. Any suggestions? |
Replies:
Posted By: SherrieAnne
Date Posted: 8/30/08 at 10:06pm
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Is a mask a viable option? Given she's playing a demon, that might work in this instance - but if there's NO type of makeup she can wear (not even the hypoallergenic), she's got a hard row to hoe in theatre! ------------- There's a little bit of diva in all of us. Some just have a larger helping than others. |
Posted By: Lenaea
Date Posted: 9/01/08 at 12:46pm
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I'm trying really hard to avoid a mask. She'd be the only one and she'd stick out. But it's still a last resort option in my head. I'm starting to think I'm going to have to use cooking stuff. Paprika, cumin, flour, cinnamon.
You know, I've got 4 actors who don't need any special effects make up, why didn't they cast my allergic girl as one of them!?
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Posted By: SherrieAnne
Date Posted: 9/01/08 at 2:01pm
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Does she know precisely what ingredients in the makeup she's allergic to? If she does, maybe you can find something (in the new mineral makeups?) that doesn't include those ingredients? It might mean redesigning the makeup around colors you can't get, though.
And is she really allergic, or does she just not like to wear makeup?  ------------- There's a little bit of diva in all of us. Some just have a larger helping than others. |
Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 9/02/08 at 8:43am
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Time to recast the part. ------------- Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse |
Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 9/02/08 at 9:17am
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Have you tried Merle Norman make up? It's hypoallergenic and people will allergies usually have no problem with it. It's street make up - so some of the really really exotic colors available with stage make up won't be there - but you might be able to work around the color issue with standard lipstick and eyeshadow colors. |
Posted By: Rachob
Date Posted: 9/02/08 at 10:43am
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Hi,
I would highly recommed Kryolan Aquacolor. It's suitable for very sensitive skin, even on very young kids.Loads of colours, water based, easy to use, washes off - but doesn't sweat of which is good. In my experience, many people esp women claim to be allergic to make up, when it's not entirely true.
I would say do a patch test on the inside of her arm - at bend of elbow, wait 24 hours then you'll really know if she's allergic.
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Posted By: TonyDi
Date Posted: 9/03/08 at 9:57am
I totally agree with Patrick in this regard. OR as Rachob says, TRY the allergy test and if there is no reaction then you're sadly likely going to be dealing with an actress who just doesn't want to wear the makeup. I MUST say that while SOME people ARE allergic to certain components of makeup (and then only SOME makeup) I'd venture that 95% of people are NOT allergic to makeup - leaving you that odd 5% who really have problems - and THEN only in varying degrees to varying product lines. Most of it is in their heads and just the attitudes that somehow they were TOLD they were allergic and have thus convinced themselves.
I have been into this for a VERY long time and I've yet to run across anyone - did I say that loud enough - ANYONE who stated that they were allergic to makeup who actually WERE allergic to makeup. However, those were people who simply didn't WANT to wear it and used the allergic card as an excuse. Tough call - but doing the allergic test is a good way to find out for sure. HOWEVER conditions MIGHT not be good enough even with the inside arm allergy test. While the skin there is soft like the face, applying a layer to the face then dealing with hot lights, sweat, and other factors MIGHT cause some irritation. You can TRY a barrier cream first perhaps and avoid the problems but I'd venture this actress will tell you that she's allergic to barrier creams as well or that "they don't work" on her. THERE WILL be some excuse but you can't argue it. If she believes it, she can even cause psychosomatic symptoms to arise being so convinced. AND THEN AGAIN she MIGHT very well be allergic to makeup but I'd venture she's not really. Just never REALLY know.
Sorry you're having to deal with this. I think it's the person with whom you're dealing and likely not any allergy contrived or real that's the problem here. Good luck. Hope you can determine the course of action....that works.
TonyDi
------------- "Almost famous" |
Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 9/03/08 at 3:21pm
| Thanks for that insight, Tony. I've had some issues in the past, and had no idea that these allergies might, indeed, be nonexistent. |
Posted By: Nanette
Date Posted: 9/04/08 at 7:33am
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Oftentimes, someone will say they're allergic because they "break out". It's usually a case of not having cleaned the skin properly. ------------- In a world of margarine, be butter! |
Posted By: Lenaea
Date Posted: 9/06/08 at 10:41pm
| Thank you everyone for your advice and insight! I will definitely take it all into account when dealing with her. |