Curtain Call Cosmetics
Stages everywhere have lowered the curtain and turned on the ghost light since March of this year, leaving artists unemployed. For a theatre artist, this pandemic doesn’t just mean the lack of a paycheck, it also means their creative outlet is unsafe. Many are left grasping at straws looking for somewhere to send their creative energy (ahem, this blog).
Curtain Call Cosmetics, Enter Stage Left.
Founded by my sweet former co-worker and fellow performer Wendy Watt, Curtain Call Cosmetics was one of many creative business ideas to come about because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what she said about starting her business:
“I started Curtain Call Cosmetics because I wanted to fuel my passion for theater into something tangible during this ‘intermission.’ I have always been inspired to create, whether that be through song, dance, baking or crafting. Due to the pandemic, I lost my job and joined the millions of Americans that were unemployed. With that, I wound up with a lot more time on my hands, but also a clearer head. My creativity soared. After years of trying to think of a business I could start, the idea of making nail polish appeared.”
So why nail polish? Wendy says she’s always loved polish: “I find great joy and relaxation in painting my nails to match my outfit or the season.” I’m always afraid to experiment with my nails, and usually end up with some kind of neutral ballet slipper pink or a french tip, but seeing the gorgeous colors Wendy creates made me start thinking of my mani in technicolor, and as more of a fun self care activity and less of an obligation when my hands start looking like an SFX makeup experiment.
The whole point of this gift guide series is shopping small and local, and I think that feels especially good when you’re supporting someone hit hard by this pandemic. The stages may be closed, but Curtain Call Cosmetics brings the magic of theatre to your fingertips. Which segues nicely into my favorite thing about these polishes- the names. Wendy graduated from Westminster Choir College with a Bachelors of Music in Music Theater, so the girl knows musicals. The first colors she released were Aldonza and Dulcinea- both characters from Man of La Mancha. The adaptation of Don Quixote won 5 Tony awards when it premiered on Broadway in 1965 and has been revived four times since. Here’s Wendy on why this show, and these colors, are meaningful to her;
The whole point of this gift guide series is shopping small and local, and I think that feels especially good when you’re supporting someone hit hard by this pandemic. The stages may be closed, but Curtain Call Cosmetics brings the magic of theatre to your fingertips. Which segues nicely into my favorite thing about these polishes- the names. Wendy graduated from Westminster Choir College with a Bachelors of Music in Music Theater, so the girl knows musicals. The first colors she released were Aldonza and Dulcinea- both characters from Man of La Mancha. The adaptation of Don Quixote won 5 Tony awards when it premiered on Broadway in 1965 and has been revived four times since. Here’s Wendy on why this show, and these colors, are meaningful to her;
“I performed as Antonia in a production of La Mancha a few years ago and quickly fell in love with the show. The music is beautiful, and the story is uplifting and hopeful. Aldonza is such a fiery character… sultry, sassy, independent. I knew I wanted a bright shimmery red to reflect her electric personality.”
A couple that I know I’ll be gifting this year are Anastasia, a gorgeous red plum color named for the title character of the animated movie turned musical, and Eurydice, a shimmery black for when you’re feeling a dark academia vibe and jamming to Hadestown.
I’m THRILLED to be writing this blog right now because Curtain Call Cosmetics has just released a handful (lol) of new colors- a Schuyler Sisters trio that’s a perfect gift for your Broadway loving squad, a hot pink Elle shade, and an On a Clear Day top coat to finish off any look, to name a few. My favorite of the new releases is the Cady color- I’m loving a forest green for the fall and winter, and this color is on my wish list. Here’s Wendy on her top picks:
“Christine from The Phantom of the Opera was a surprising favorite. I love her lace dressing gown and final dress and knew I wanted an ivory white color that was reminiscent of these costumes. Usually white nail polishes can become very thick and gloopy, so I tend not to wear them, but I’ve found that the Christine nail polish has a beautiful milky consistency, with just the right amount of shimmer. Glinda is just so beautiful to look at. It’s my only glitter polish so far, but certainly won’t be the last. This polish is based on Glinda’s bubble dress in Wicked and features cool blue polish with tiny silvery-blue glitter specks. It’s perfect for the holidays!”
Okay, are you ready for the best part? Wendy is giving all of us a little early holiday gift and offering an exclusive promo code for us! Use code CAROLINE10 for 10% off your purchase of $35 or more from now until Wednesday (11/25/20). Get some Christmas shopping done before Black Friday, and stock up on Curtain Call colors now so that when Laura Osnes is spotted wearing Satine, you can be the one that wore it first.
All of Curtain Call’s products are vegan, cruelty free, 10-Free, and made in the USA. 5% of sales pre-tax are donated to Beagle Freedom Project, a non-profit that rescues and rehabilitates animals used in testing facilities across the country.