Make-up for Peformance Revisited

 This blog was first published in 2012, and it was one of our most popular postings so we decided to share it again!  We hope you enjoy it, and that you get some good tips to add to your make-up bag of tricks!

At a recent show, someone remarked to one of the dancers, “Wow!  You really look fantastic tonight!”  (I thought so too.)  The performer in question is a naturally beautiful woman, and always looks lovely.  But that night, she really popped onstage, and much of the reason was that she had had her make-up done differently that she normally does it.  What a phenomenal difference it made in her stage appearance!

It got me thinking about how I could improve my stage make-up as well (I am certainly no make-up expert!), and thus I did a little research and came up with some tips and tricks to share with you.  If you find this post helpful at all, please send a picture of yourself wearing your new make-up to share with the rest of us in a future post as we would love to see the new and improved you!

The lovely Hannan Sultan with picture perfect make-up!

Tip #1: Imagine what your stage make-up would look like in black & white. You want to go for a dramatic effect akin to old time movie stars. Under the spotlight, parts of your face may seemingly disappear so you need to use make-up to make your features appear larger.  When you are finished, step back and take a look in the mirror.  Does anything appear washed out or hard to see?

Breathtakingly beautiful Kaitlyn

Tip #2: False eyelashes are a performer’s best friend!  Here is a link to a great tutorial for applying them: http://www.wikihow.com/Apply-False-Eyelashes

Tip #3: Body and face glitter is hot and trendy, but apply it to some specific areas, not all over.  Otherwise you may end up looking like a disco ball!  Use a brush to apply, and only ever use specially designed glitter on your face and eyes.  There are also gels and sprays available for easier application.

 Tip #4: To give your lips the illusion of being more pouty and full, apply a touch of white or silver gloss in the center.  Be sure to use a base of some sort (there are specific lipstick bases such as those by Urban Decay and Smashbox), and be sure to powder your lips before you apply the shiny gloss to set the color.

Tip #5: Be sure to take the shape of your eyes into consideration when doing them.  Too much dark shadow can make some eyes appear smaller and more closed up.  Just because it looks great on Rachel Brice doesn’t mean it will work for you!

Blush brush

Tip #6:  The right tools make all the difference!  You don’t have to break the bank to purchase the right make-up brushes and applicators.  Stores like Target and Walgreens have a good selection of inexpensive tools , and you can also use natural bristle art brushes for make-up application.  Do some research ahead of time to find what type of brush, sponges, etc. you need for different applications (a blush brush isn’t the same as a loose powder brush,  for example).  Print out some pictures or save image urls to your smart phone to bring to the store with you so that you know you are getting the right ones.

Tip #7: Use a make-up setting spray when you are satisfied that it is finished. Urban Decay has a fantastic product, and they are cruelty-free to boot!

Exotic and exquisite Rachel Brice

Tip #8: Have a make-up kit packed and ready to go with you to performances.  It should include the following:

·         Foundation

·         Pressed powder (easier to transport than loose powder)

·         Eyeliner: most dancers prefer liquid waterproof eyeliner in black

·         Blush and/or bronzer

·         Lipstick: dark and rich reds are often your best bet

·         Lip gloss in white or silver

·         Eyeshadow: multi-color packs are good for when space is limited in your dance bag

·         Mascara:  Blackest black unless you are pale blonde, then brown-black.  Waterproof is best for avoiding raccoon eyes

·         Tweezers

In researching this post, I came upon a fantastic article on how to apply belly dance performance make-up.  You can find it here: http://www.ehow.com/how_4594319_apply-belly-dance-performance-makeup.html

Tribal style dancers often need some extra help achieving a signature look, so here is a You tube video with some tribal style make-up tips.  She is a bit talky in it, but it does offer some good pointers for the tribal dancer:

Okay, now go practice and be sure to show us some pictures of the new, more striking stage-ready you!!