What it is: Non - waterbased makeup.
Availibility: At many costume shops, however , the shop isn't likely to carry a full range of colors. It can be ordered online, check my Links section for some options.
Cover: Excellent. It doesn't take a whole lot to get a nice, even, full cover.
Texture/Feel: It is very smooth, and it doesn't make your skin feel 'tight' like some waterbased does.
Color Selection: Cream comes in all sorts of colors, from flesh tones to 'animal' colors to bright primary colors, where it may be more difficult to find the 'perfect shade' of some other types of makeup.
Appearance: If you apply in a moderately thin coat, even up close, the makeup will look like a second skin.
Wear: Set well, this can last for a long time. I've done events where I've had the makeup on for a good 8 hours at a time, with only a touch-up or two (after eating, for example, though if you're reasonably careful, your makeup can even last through that - think straws for drinks and making things bite sized).
Setting: Not a huge problem, but it can be difficult to set the makeup properly, and it is an extra step.
Removal: Also not necessarily a disadvantage, you will need remover (cold cream or a specially made remover) in order to get cream off of your face. Good to know before you put it on!
Cost: This stuff can get expensive. It will be about $4.00- 6.00 for a small 'pot'. It does last for a fairly long time, but if you need many colors at once, it can really run up the bill. (Or if you do many, many faces and use it up more quickly.)
This is my favorite makeup. It would get my highest recommendation for every situation except perhaps if you are just experimenting with faces and intend to put on and take off your makeup several times in a row, simply because the removal is more of a task. Great for close up 'performance' and distance, with plenty of colors to choose from and great durability. The price may be a bit steep for some, but if you have one cat you do most frequently, and you only get the colors for them, the price can be fairly moderate. Really the best type of makeup overall, in my opinion.