Silver cream makeup-- how do you stay on?

October 31, 2015 10:06 AM

I bought a tube of silver cream makeup for my halloween costume weeks ago! I thought I was so prepared, but now I'm realizing when I apply it to my face, it doesn't really seem to dry. I'm not close to any costume stores, unfortunately, but I do have a pretty well stocked drug store nearby, what should I be putting on on top of this to ensure that my face is not wet all night? Or alternatively, have I just not been waiting long enough-- how long should this stuff take to dry?
posted by twill to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (12 answers total)

I always assumed that there was some sort of matte finishing powder that was applied over such make up to keep it from smearing or running. A light dusting of talcum?
posted by Major Matt Mason Dixon at 10:21 AM on October 31, 2015

In the event of true desperation: An alcohol-based hair-spray?
posted by lovableiago at 10:22 AM on October 31, 2015 [1 favorite]

Any face powder should lock it down. The shininess may be reduced but the powder should be basically transparent. A talcum used lightly might work but that needs a test.
posted by sammyo at 10:24 AM on October 31, 2015

Best answer: Translucent setting powder. Loose powder would work better than pressed, and this should be readily available from several different brands at your drugstore. Maybe take the silver cream with you, and see if you can test powders before buying...
posted by palomar at 10:26 AM on October 31, 2015 [3 favorites]

Came in to suggest translucent setting powder.
posted by Sara C. at 10:27 AM on October 31, 2015

If you've got a Sephora within a short distance, I'd suggest going there -- this is a problem their floor-wandering people were made to solve, and you may luck out and get sample sizes for hella cheap....
posted by palomar at 10:28 AM on October 31, 2015 [2 favorites]

It isn't drying because it isn't supposed to dry- just like, say, lipstick or liquid foundation isn't. But setting it with powder should work to keep it from smearing and getting on other things/people.
posted by showbiz_liz at 10:31 AM on October 31, 2015 [1 favorite]

Go to Sephora and get a free sample of powder. Problem = solved!
posted by youcancallmeal at 10:43 AM on October 31, 2015

Setting it with powder should help but normal loose powders will take down the shine (because they're supposed to). So look for something like this that's irredescent or brightening.
posted by billiebee at 11:06 AM on October 31, 2015 [2 favorites]

Close your eyes and apply hair spray. This was a recommendation to me at a costume store by someone who, I think, performs regularly while wearing large quantities of make up.
posted by bluedaisy at 11:53 AM on October 31, 2015 [3 favorites]

bluedaisy, does it need to be aerosol hairspray?
posted by palomar at 11:56 AM on October 31, 2015

Palomar, I don't know! I'd try whatever I had at home.
posted by bluedaisy at 10:19 PM on October 31, 2015