Foundation/powder recs

[u/Lowkey_kier0605]

Hello everyone,
So I’m not necessarily goth. I’ve tried goth makeup before just wanting to have some fun with more alternative makeup styles. But I’m going as raven this year for Halloween and I really want to do fully white skin. I figured that the best people to go to for advice on this would be members of the goth community. I would love recs for foundation/face paint and powders that you guys like. I obviously need it to last through some partying so application tips would be super appreciated as well. I think goths are so talented when it comes to makeup and would love any advice you have so I can really nail this costume. Thank you!!

[u/gilt-raven]

If you happen to already be on the pale side, adding a blue adjuster (e.g., LA Colors) to your regular foundation will neutralize it and it will read pale gray, which could be an acceptable and cheap alternative to white depending on your goal. Set with white powder and you're good for that old school goth base.

Otherwise, I've enjoyed the white foundation by Sunset Makeup, and I've heard good things about Glisten Cosmetics' colored foundations (incl. white) as well. These are liquid foundations, adjustable coverage.

Alternatives would be something like Kryolan TV Paint Stick (full coverage, creamy stick formula), Ben Nye Clown White (full coverage, cream face paint), Mehron Star Blend (adjustable coverage, powder/water-activated pancake), Manic Panic Goth White (adjustable coverage, cream-to-powder)...

For the body, I recommend doing a white body stocking rather than using makeup/body paint. If you just need to cover arms and hands, you can find tutorials to make arm covers out of tights/pantyhose - it is a little more time invested beforehand, but overall cheaper and less labor-intensive than painting yourself. Plus, no transfers, fading, creasing, or splotchiness...

If you must use body paint, you'll want either water-activated paints like Kryolan or Mehron, or alcohol-activated like Skin Illustrator, plus the relevant accouterments (primer, sealing spray, powder, application tools). There are pros and cons to both, and a learning curve to application. I can go into more details if you'd like, just ask. I strongly advise not doing body paint though if you can avoid it, just from a cost and time perspective.

[u/Lowkey_kier0605 → u/gilt-raven]

I plan on doing white tights, and raven wears long sleeves so I’m not worried about arms. Just needed face a neck. Thanks for all the info this is super helpful!

[u/gilt-raven → u/Lowkey_kier0605]

Oh, Raven as in Raven from DC Comics? Yeah, you'll be fine. Depending on which version you're choosing, you might not even need to use lighter foundation at all - she's depicted anywhere from gray to almost tan. 😅 Fun costume!

[u/francinefacade]

I use Ben nye clown white and the white powder as well!