Reddit mentions of Mehron Makeup Paradise AQ Face & Body Paint 8 Color Palette (Basic)

I'm don't run a larp, so full disclaimers apply, but here are my thoughts. As of right now, you've listed your only expense as the location. I would first add all other necessary expenses, such as website upkeep, so you don't think you have more money than you do. The next thing to do is to open a bank account for the larp. You may want to look online for high interest accounts, often found with online banks- that way, any money that's not immediately being used is making you more money (even if it's very little).

The second thing you want to do is consider what you have and what you need, and as for that, I have two suggestions: thrift stores and larp youtubers. Particularly LarpHouse, Tamwise Travels, and the Thrift Store Larper. LarHouse is chock full of useful information on everything, including a full video on her extensive larp makeup kit. You don't need all of the things on her list by any means, and what you will need depends heavily on what type of larp you are, but the basic Mehron Paradise Paint palette, brushes to apply it, alcohol to clean brushes between use, and Pros-Aide (medical grade adhesive) for prosthetics is probably a good start where makeup is concerned. (Those links are her affiliate links, by the way.) In terms of makeup though, never underestimate the value of good old fashioned regular makeup. Zabrena has done a few pool tests with normal, drugstore makeup- LA girls gel eyeliners, for example, are waterproof and can be used for facepaint. I've used black waterproof eyeliner to make paint on a mask to be Mrs. Incredible.

Tamwise has some great larp tutorials, and a very useful series of buying stuff from Wish, a very cheap online store. It has long delivery times, but sometimes the often enough the product is well worth it- like some uber-cool wax seals she got.

Thrift Store Larper is exactly what it sounds like, and she also has a blog with a couple of good articles. I've gotten tons of larp clothes from thrift store. Leather belts, purses that can be remade, leather or fur things that can be remade, fur vests, glass bottles and jars- the possibilities are endless. It can be a good way to find generic NPC clothes for relatively cheap and easy, and you can often also find lots of cloth, if you have people who can sew. One thing I will say is if you get things for eating that are pewter, make sure to test that there's no lead it in (since pre-1960 there could have been), and you can get tests on Amazon. 99 cents stores can also be your best friend for things like ribbon or fake flowers, which can be a godsend. This store also has some handy odds and ends for pretty cheap, like tiny glass bottles and pouches and such.

It's import to remember, however, that it's only worth spending money on things that will genuinely end up being useful- a really cool thrift store shirt that doesn't quite fit in is worthless, even if it's $20 cheaper than a larp-store bought shirt might be, and you've wasted your money.

You'll want to build up your supply slowly. Staple things, like the facepaint or several good quality makeup brushes, are worth purchasing right away, as are generic costume pieces that can be used over and over again. Remember to include accessories in the generic things you'll need like belts and jewlery. But otherwise, don't buy things until you need them. A cool but specific prosthetic for sale will still be for sale when you have actual use for it. If you think creating Important NPC X's costume will cost $100, budget for at least $125- that means that no one else is spending that 25, even though you don't think you'll need it.

Since you seem to be an American larp, the other thing asides from makeup I'd say is worth splurging on is weapons- if your staff has the time and skill to make them. Getting the supplies and following tutorials for generic larp-safe weapons- there are plenty out there, and they do not have to be expensive. If you allow for them, it may be worth it to occasionally splurge on a latex weapon to be added to your arsenol.

Other general considerations- put in the budget enough to account for staff expenses, such as gas when going shopping for the larp, or the occasional pizza. Your writers should consider budget all the time, but as you build up your supplies of generic stuff, this will hopefully leave time for you to be able to spend a bit more money on the details.

I think that's I can think of this second what, but it mostly comes down to is be frugal and check youtube for a better way, always.

cheap makeup

I have oily skin and I like Mehron (water based). I find that moisturising well and foundation helps me keep face paint on. I always bring my face paint and brushes with me to a con just in case. I'll touch up oily spots if needed.

I realised after typing this up that you only asked about makeup and not technique but I figured someone else might want to know how to do this.

You can get the basic colours in a palette (Mehron Makeup Paradise AQ Face & Body Paint 8 Color Palette (Basic) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGAET6A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tXdJDbTF8TEWW ). They come separately as well. I had two 0.25oz white refills that my friend used twice for Pennywise and Jack Skellington (one 0.25oz per cosplay). If you plan on doing this cosplay frequently then invest in the larger white palette.

If you have very dark eyebrows then you might want to cover them first. To cover your eyebrows, use Elmer's glue stick. I prefer the purple one. You'll need to set it with powder. Baby powder will do in a pinch or Ben Nye if you don't buy makeup setting powder. Then I layer foundation over it, and powder to set. There's tons of drag queen tutorials on how to cover your brows.

Apply Mehron white with a damp makeup sponge and let it dry between layers. Get some brushes (dollar store) and play around with the sizes and application.

The picture up there is a post version of the Joker's makeup done more cleanly. If you can, start out with cleaner lines and rough up the edges with a barely damp brush. You can fake the tear by carefully painting the line. You could also gather a bit more water and blue paint on you brush and guide the drop to naturally slide down your face. Be cautious painting near your eyes as they may water a bit. You should do a makeup test to see which method works best for you and to test the opacity. Mehron goes a long way.

I wouldn't recommend Mehron on the lips. Try a test though. I found it stung my lips a bit and I didn't want to eat or drink any of it during the day. You can use red lipstick or lip stain (lasts longer) from the drug store. My friend forgot to get red face paint for Pennywise so we used my Fenty red lip stain. You can easily find a shade of red lipstick/stain to match the Mehron palette for the eyebrows or use the lipstick/stain and feather out the edges with a dry clean brush.

Set it with makeup setting spray. You can usually find a travel size bottle at Ulta or Sephora. The Joker look is a bit messy so you can go without the makeup setter if you want but it might also help with the oiliness. Super cheap option is hairspray but I would be cautious of inhaling or getting it in your eyes.

You should invest in makeup wipes and makeup remover/face wash. Use the wipes first and then wash the leftovers off after. Mehron is water based but it's still annoying to wash off. A damp towel will work in place of the wipes if you don't use red lipstick/stain. Always clean your brushes. Gentle hand soap will work.