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Cat Face Painting Ideas for Broadway

"Cats" is the popular, Tony Award winning musical that was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber drawing from T.S. Eliot's “Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.” The musical ran on Broadway for almost 20 years from 1982 until 2000. The costumes and makeup of this stage performance are memorable because of the elaborate appearance of the “cats.”
  1. Greasepaint

    • Greasepaint forms the basis of your cats makeup. It is a greasy paint that you should spread on your face in order to achieve a desired coloring for your cats face painting. It is sold in tubes and can be purchased at a specialty makeup store or costume shop. While it is somewhat expensive, it is the best material for getting the desired results of the cat-face painting. Greasepaint lasts long, even while you sweat, and must be set with baby powder or cosmetic talc to finish the look.

    Alternatives to Greasepaint

    • While nothing works as well as greasepaint, if you are on a budget you can try these alternatives. Liquid and cream based makeups work well for evenly applying the paint but they may come off when you perspire. Face paint is cheap and easy to work with and can be purchased at costume shops. Cream eyeshadow is an option, but this usually comes in small containers so you have to buy in bulk. You can also use powder eyeshadow; while it comes in many colors it does not stay on your face for long.

    Highlighter

    • Highlighter comes in a tube like lipstick. It is a greasy stick that can be applied to the face where natural highlights fall: cheeks, forehead and bridge of the nose. White highlighter is best for cat-face painting. An alternative for highlighter is a light foundation.

    Blocking your Eyebrows

    • If your eyebrows are thick or dark you may want to block them, or hide them, for an authentic cat face painting. Spread mortician's wax and spirit gum all over your eyebrows so that they are completely covered and then draw on thin cat eyebrows. Use spirit gum remover to remove the was and spirit gum. These supplies can be found at stage makeup stores.

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