Theatrical Makeup

If you’re looking for the best theatre makeup, Manhattan Wardrobe Supply has an extensive range for your selection and is one of the leading theatrical suppliers of theater effects makeup around, with products from all of the industry’s top brands, including Ben Nye, Mehron, Krylon, Graftobian, Bluebird FX and more. Browse our extensive range of professional theatrical makeup supplies that can be used for beauty, stage, or special effects.

Shop Theatrical Makeup

As a theatrical shop, we are able to stock a vast array of theater makeup products at unbelievably affordable prices so that you can create a show-stopping look. 

Whether you are looking for stage makeup, theater makeup, or makeup supplies for any other type of performing arts, you should be able to find everything you need right here. 

We provide high-performing theater makeup that is able to withstand the glare and heat of the stage lights and the energetic routines of the performers. We won’t let you down on opening night or any other night!

Shop translucent powders, eye shadow palettes, lip colors, contouring creams, and so much more. 

Are you looking for the best theatre makeup kits? We offer a wide range of theater effects makeup kits that are designed with your convenience in mind. Discover all the makeup products needed to create unbelievable looks time and time again. 

Don’t miss our amazing selection of other theatrical supplies, including 

  • hair FX
  • face and body painting
  • special FX

All of which can help you to create a realistic and unforgettable show. 

Interested in knowing more about theatrical makeup? Check out our quick answers below,

1. What is theatrical makeup?

Theatrical makeup is a term used for the materials used for the purpose of altering or enhancing the face, hair, and body of the actor with cosmetics, plastic materials, and other substances. Actors use makeup in the theatre not only to look their best and to transform their appearance but also to ensure that they will be seen and recognized by the entire audience. Distances blur the features and make recognition of the actors extremely difficult for the audience.

2. What is the difference between stage makeup and regular makeup?

Unlike regular makeup,  stage makeup’s role is to highlight the actor’s facial features for performance under the bright stage lights. Therefore, it is important that the makeup is not only a lot thicker than normal but a lot more pigmented. It creates a great base not only to build coverage but to build the character's look. Also, due to the heat of the lights, costume changes, and sweat, stage makeup is designed for long wear and heavy-duty. 

3. What is the best theatrical makeup?

The best theatrical makeups are designed to hold up under the sweat and physicality of live performance, look realistic and vibrant under all types of light, and blend well with each actor’s features in the best way for each representational role. Consequently, realistic effects, ease of use, safety, and durability under the adverse conditions that they may encounter are all characteristics of the best makeups for theatre and performing arts.  The following is a list of well-known and trusted major manufacturers that we carry at MWS.

Ben Nye Makeup has been an industry standard makeup materials manufacturer for professionals in film and theatrical productions for decades. Founded by Ben Nye who is noted for his work with an early 20th Century Fox, the company is known for theatrical makeup that is the height of quality, versatility, and affordability. Ben Nye Makeup has been proven to provide the level of quality across a broad spectrum of makeup types and needs including theatrical/stage, special effects, clown, television, HD, film, print, and glamour

Mehron was founded in 1927 by Mehron Malik and has been a leader in professional performance makeup and special effects makeup used by stage and screen performers for over eight decades. Mehron is well known for producing and innovating in areas such as character makeup kits, professional clown makeup, Halloween makeup as well as face and body painting makeup products among others. The company is known for their long experience in Professional Makeup Kits and Educational Makeup Tools for students and aspiring performers of all kinds.

Berlin-based Kryolan has been supplying the film, theater, and television industries with makeup supplies for over sixty-six years. Today, the company has more than 16,000 high-quality make-up products and accessories used around the world. The makeup maker/designer’s products are known for their ability to work well on camera and under HD lighting and filming conditions as well as live theater.

Established in 1978, Graftobian Makeup Company is a manufacturer and distributor of virtually every type of make-up and makeup supply for theater and performing arts. This includes stage, TV, film, and special effects. In addition to theatrical and special effects makeup and accessories, this family run, U.S.-based company is known for the best Hi-Def Make-up for TV, film, and print media as well as beauty and fashion work.

  4. How important is makeup in theatrical shows?

Bright stage lights can often leave the actor looking washed out even ghost-like. With stage makeup, the actor can not only portray the character but be seen as well.