Translucent powder is used primarily for natural-looking skin tones on fair-skinned performers. This powder has little tint to it and sets the greasepaint without making the performer look chalky or unnatural. To apply translucent powder, press the puff into the tin, then fold the powdered surfaces together and knead the puff between the hands. This keeps the powder from dispersing onto the face all at once. Flatten the puff and apply it to the painted face. The powder merges with the greasepaint, reducing shine and creating an almost indelible surface, according to the theatrical book, "Makeup." Go over the face again with a soft blending brush to remove excess powder.
Tinted powders work best for natural makeup on people with darker skin, or for unnatural skin tones and prosthetic pieces. Tinted or opaque white powders, often based in talc, also work well for clowns, mimes and similar performers. These powders are darker and more opaque than translucent powder. Applying too much of them can give the performer a dusty appearance. If the makeup is to be worn all day, performers may need periodic repowdering to make up for skin oils seeping into the greasepaint.
Baby powder works to set greasepaint for some applications. This inexpensive, talc or corn starch-based powder comes only in white, making it best for clowns and other performers who want a chalky complexion. Baby powder looks unnatural on natural skin tones and lightens colored greasepaint undesirably. Apply this powder using the same technique as for conventional theatrical powder.
Greasepaint makeup isn't the only option for theatrical performers. Greaseless makeup in cake or cream form provides a more subtle and less oily effect, and it doesn't require a cold cream base. Many greaseless cosmetics require no powder at all and can be removed with just soap and warm water. These cosmetics work less well on prosthetics, however, and may not be suitable for some creature and clown effects.