Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Professional Makeup Artistry & Products Since 1967
Founded in 1967 by legendary Hollywood makeup artist Ben Nye, Sr., our company has grown from a niche professional brand to a global leader in high-quality makeup solutions. We specialize in crafting pigmented, durable cosmetics tailored for film, television, theater, bridal, special effects, and fashion industries. Every product reflects decades of expertise, with most items still hand-crafted in Los Angeles to maintain our signature quality. Our extensive range includes foundations, blushes, setting powders, and specialty effects designed to meet the demands of artists worldwide.As a family-owned business, we prioritize innovation and reliability, ensuring our products perform under the most challenging conditions. From beginners to seasoned professionals, our tools empower creativity across all mediums, including drag, cosplay, and editorial makeup. Our educational resources and comprehensive kits support aspiring artists in developing essential skills. With a legacy rooted in Hollywoods golden age, we continue to evolve while staying true to our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Services
Professional Makeup
Special Effects
Bridal Makeup
Theatrical Makeup
Body Art
Drag Performance
Cosplay Makeup
Fashion Makeup
Educational Kits
Hair Color
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1967 with Hollywood heritage
- Products hand-crafted in Los Angeles for quality control
- Extensive range for film, theater, SFX, and fashion
- Trusted by professionals like Cirque Du Soleil artists
- Pigmented formulas ensure minimal product waste
What people say
Deep, true colors
Long-lasting formulas
Essential for FX kits
Vibrant bodypaint options
Trusted by professionals
Services
Film & TV Makeup
Our film and television makeup line delivers high-definition, camera-ready formulas that maintain integrity under intense lighting and close-up scrutiny. Products like MatteHD Foundations and Luxury Powders ensure flawless, long-lasting application for on-screen performances. Developed through decades of Hollywood expertise, these tools meet the rigorous demands of directors and cinematographers while offering artists versatility for natural or dramatic effects.
Special Effects
Special effects products like Scar Wax, Latex, and Grime FX enable artists to craft realistic injuries, fantasy creatures, and otherworldly transformations. Designed for authenticity, our FX line balances durability with ease of application, making it ideal for film, cosplay, and haunted attractions. The pigmented cremes and bloods provide true-to-life results that withstand rigorous production conditions while maintaining safety for performers.
Theatrical Makeup
Theatrical makeup solutions, including Creme and Cake Foundations, deliver bold, visible-from-a-distance colors that endure under stage lights. Formulated for operas, musicals, and dance performances, these products resist sweat and movement while maintaining vibrant hues. Our theatrical line balances traditional techniques with modern innovations, ensuring reliability for both amateur and professional productions.
Bridal Makeup
Bridal makeup products like MatteHD Foundations and Eye Shadow Palettes ensure radiant, long-lasting results for photography and ceremonies. The line combines luxury finishes with sweat-resistant formulas to maintain perfection throughout events. From subtle elegance to dramatic styles, our bridal collection offers versatile shades and textures to complement diverse skin tones and wedding themes.
Bodypaint
Professional bodypaint products, including MagiCake Aqua Paints and ProColor Paints, provide vibrant, durable coverage for festivals, performances, and competitions. Water-activated formulas ensure easy application and removal, while mixable options with Final Seal offer enhanced longevity. These non-toxic, skin-safe paints cater to both airbrush and hand-painting techniques, supporting intricate designs for creative projects.
People
Ben Nye, Sr.
Founder
Legendary Hollywood makeup artist who established the brand in 1967, leveraging decades of industry experience to create professional-grade cosmetics trusted by global artists.
Andrew Velzquez
Makeup Artist & Educator
Professional makeup artist who praises Ben Nye's versatility across mediums, from theatrical productions to bridal work, emphasizing its reliability in diverse creative environments.
Meghann Mason
Makeup Artist & Educator
Cirque Du Soleil veteran who highlights Ben Nye's deep, true colors and staying power, crediting the brand for enhancing performance makeup in demanding stage environments.
Brian Kinney
Professional Makeup Artist
Two-decade industry veteran who credits Ben Nye for essential products spanning Halloween makeup to professional FX kits, supporting artists at all career stages.
Questions
What industries use Ben Nye products?
Our products serve film, television, theater, bridal, special effects, drag, cosplay, and fashion industries with specialized makeup solutions.
Are Ben Nye products cruelty-free?
We prioritize ethical practices and ensure all products are non-toxic and safe for professional use across all applications.
Can I purchase Ben Nye products directly?
Products are available through our network of authorized retailers for both professional and consumer access.
What makes Ben Nye makeup durable?
Formulas are engineered for longevity, with pigmented cremes and setting sprays designed to withstand harsh conditions on set or stage.
Do you offer educational resources?
Yes, our blog provides tutorials, technique guides, and inspiration for artists at all skill levels using our products.
Are products suitable for sensitive skin?
Our cosmetics are formulated to be gentle on skin while maintaining performance standards for professional environments.
Videos