Tip of the week: Refresh your clown makeup kit!
Today’s professional clown creme make-up brands contain preservatives (except for Jim Howle which is more organic) so it can last a fairly long time without going bad. But that means the containers will be sitting in your kit longer, accumulating more layers of crud.
Has your makeup bag turned into a disaster zone??
Spring is a great time to empty out your makeup kit, throw out the stuff you are no longer using, and replace it with fresh stuff!These tips can also be used for cleaning and organizing your face paint kit for making line work faster and easier.
- First question:
- Step 1:
Take everything out of your makeup kit. Now that it’s empty, wash your kit. Whether it’s a tackle box or a vinyl zip-top bag, I’m sure there is a way to clean it. Let it dry thoroughly so you’re not trapping in moisture and creating mold.
- Step 2:
Use some wet wipes to wipe off any messes on the outside of your makeup containers. Did you get powder in any of your greasepaint? Wipe off the top layer with a wet wipe.
- Step 3:
Now line everything up. Mentally go through the process of putting on your clown make-up in your mind. Write down a list of every item you use in the order you use it.
Okay, now what items are left that you do not use anymore or have in there as an extra? Remove those items and put them in a separate kit and label it “Extras”. This will help you put your make-up on faster, instead of digging around for what you really need!
Step 4:
Check your sharpener. Has it seen it’s last go ’round? Need to replace your blade? Clean out the gunk built-up inside. Sharpen all your pencils and get them ready for your next performance.
Hot weather tip: Before sharpening your pencils, store them in the freezer to make sure you get a nice firm point and less waste.
- Step 5:
Clean your makeup, face paint, and powder brushes. CLICK HERE for instructions on washing brushes and applicators. Brush cleaner or Dawn dish-washing liquid works well.
- Step 6:
Open that nose glue bottle to be sure it hasn’t dried out over the winter. Has it ever frozen? Be careful! If your nose glue freezes, it will NEVER be sticky again.
- Step 7:
Don’t have enough make-up to last until next month’s events? Order more NOW so you have time for it to ship. Down to the last of anything?? Replace it. Replace it NOW!!
If you use CreamBlend Sticks, it can be difficult to tell how much is left. Here is a trick: Put it in the fridge for a few hours to firm it up. Then twist the base to push it up all the way to see how much more can be used. To get back into the tube, twist the base down while gently pressing your thumb down from the top.
- Step 8:
Before you put anything back into your makeup kit, do you remember that list you wrote down at the beginning? Add to that list the exact brand and color names and numbers of everything you use, including your nose. Take a picture of that list with your phone and email it to yourself. Laminate the list and tape it to the inside of your clown makeup kit.
I know this seems like overkill, but TRUST ME! You will be glad you went the extra step (especially when the print on the tube has worn off).
- Step 9:
Got a new look? Take a picture of your clown face design, print it, laminate it (or put it in a clean zip-top bag), and tape it inside your lid.
There. Take a step back and look at your clown makeup kit with pride. Take a deep sigh of relief. Don’t you feel better now? That’s one more thing you can cross off your “to do” list.
Now you will be ready to go for a great season!
Helpful “how-to” makeup clown education articles:
- 4 steps to washing brushes
- When it is time to throw away or replace your makeup
- How to wash off your makeup properly
- Powder puff versus powder sock
- 5 ways to keep your clown face fresh in the heat
- Makeup tip: Pat your eyes again before powdering
- What’s the difference between Clown White and Clown White Lite?
- Don’t let your clown nose glue freeze!
- How to design a Christmas elf face makeup
- 5 things you need to do before the year ends
- How do you keep track of your clown supplies?
- 10 Clown “must have” items
- Forget a clown nose? Make an instant nose tip in 10 seconds!
- Quick reminders on how to spruce up your clown supplies
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Whether you want to join the circus, visit nursing homes, run your own birthday party business, paint faces, or twist balloons, there is something just for you at Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp.
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