When it comes to dance competition makeup there are so many things to consider. Here you will find everything you need to know to be competition ready!
You do not need to be stressed before a competition! Follow these instructions for easy makeup application.
Dance Competition Makeup
Competition dance makeup is an important aspect of a dancer’s performance on stage. It enhances facial features, adds definition, and ensures that the dancer’s face is visible from a distance. Here are some tips and guidelines for competition dance makeup:
Facial Cleanser
1. Start with a clean, moisturized face: Before applying makeup, cleanse your face and moisturize it to create a smooth base for the products.
I really like to cleanse my face with this Hydrating Essential Oil Facial Toner before applying my makeup.
It cleanses and nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling cool and smooth.
Makeup Primer
2. Primer: Apply a makeup primer to help your makeup last longer and create a smooth canvas for foundation and other products.
Primer is an essential step in creating a long-lasting and flawless dance competition makeup look. It helps to smooth the skin’s texture, minimize the appearance of pores, and create a barrier between your skin and the makeup products. Here’s how you can incorporate primer into your dance competition makeup routine:
1. Choose the right primer: Select a primer that suits your skin type and addresses your specific concerns. For example, if you have oily skin, look for a mattifying primer to control shine. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating primer to moisturize and smooth the skin.
2. Cleanse and moisturize: Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser and follow up with a lightweight moisturizer. Allow the moisturizer to fully absorb into the skin before applying the primer.
3. Apply a small amount: Take a pea-sized amount of primer and dot it onto your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. This will ensure even distribution of the product.
4. Spread and blend: Use your fingertips or a makeup brush to spread the primer evenly across your face. Focus on areas where you have larger pores or texture concerns. Gently blend the product into your skin using upward and outward motions.
5. Allow it to set: Give the primer a few minutes to set before applying foundation or other makeup products. This will allow the primer to create a smooth base and improve the longevity of your makeup.
6. Proceed with your makeup routine: Once the primer has set, continue with your usual dance competition makeup routine, including foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, blush, and so on. The primer will help your makeup adhere better, last longer, and prevent it from settling into fine lines or pores.
Remember, different primers work best with different skin types and concerns, so it’s important to choose one that suits your specific needs. Additionally, if you’re participating in a dance competition with specific makeup guidelines or restrictions, make sure to adhere to those rules while incorporating primer into your routine.
Makeup For Dancers
3. Foundation: Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and apply it evenly to your face, neck, and ears. Make sure to blend it well for a natural look.
Foundation is a crucial element of dance competition makeup as it helps create an even complexion, hides imperfections, and provides a base for the rest of your makeup. Here are some tips for applying foundation for dance competitions:
1. Choose the right shade: Select a foundation shade that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. Test the foundation on your jawline or wrist to ensure a seamless blend. It’s important to avoid foundations that are too light or too dark as they can appear unnatural on stage.
2. Prep your skin: Start with a clean and moisturized face. Cleansing removes any dirt or excess oil, while moisturizing ensures a smooth canvas for foundation application. Allow your moisturizer to absorb fully before moving on to the next step.
3. Use a primer: Applying a primer before foundation can help extend its wear and create a smoother surface. Choose a primer that suits your skin type (e.g., mattifying for oily skin, hydrating for dry skin) and apply it evenly all over your face.
4. Apply foundation: There are various ways to apply foundation, including using a foundation brush, sponge, or your fingertips. Choose the method that works best for you. Start by applying small dots of foundation to your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
5. Blend it in: Blend the foundation outward using gentle, circular motions. Pay attention to areas that may require extra coverage, such as blemishes or redness. Ensure that you blend the foundation down your neck and onto your ears for a seamless look.
6. Set with powder: To increase the longevity of your foundation and control shine, set it with a translucent or setting powder. Use a fluffy brush to apply the powder lightly over your face. Focus on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) where oil tends to accumulate.
7. Check in natural light: Step outside or near a window to check your foundation in natural light. This will help you ensure that the shade matches your skin tone and that the application appears even and seamless.
8. Touch-ups: Pack a small makeup bag with essentials like a compact mirror, powder, and a foundation brush or sponge for quick touch-ups backstage. This will allow you to maintain your foundation’s appearance throughout the competition.
Remember to practice your foundation application technique before the actual competition to ensure that you’re comfortable and achieve the desired results. Additionally, consider the specific guidelines or rules of the dance competition you’re participating in, as they may have restrictions on foundation shades or finishes.
Makeup Concealer
4. Concealer: Use a concealer to cover any blemishes, dark circles, or imperfections. Apply it sparingly and blend it gently into the skin.
Concealer is a vital component of dance competition makeup as it helps cover any blemishes, dark circles, or imperfections, creating a flawless complexion on stage. Here are some tips for applying concealer for dance competitions:
1. Choose the right shade: Select a concealer shade that matches your skin tone or is one shade lighter. A lighter shade can help brighten the under-eye area and highlight specific areas of your face.
2. Prep your skin: Before applying concealer, cleanse your face and moisturize it to create a smooth base. This will help the concealer blend seamlessly and prevent it from settling into fine lines or dry patches.
3. Determine the areas to conceal: Identify the areas that require concealing, such as under-eye circles, blemishes, redness, or any other imperfections. This will help you target those areas effectively.
4. Apply in a triangular shape for under-eye circles: For under-eye circles, apply concealer in a triangular shape with the base under your eye and the point towards your cheek. This technique helps brighten and lift the under-eye area.
5. Use a small brush or your fingertip: Use a small brush, such as a concealer brush or a small fluffy brush, to apply the concealer precisely. Alternatively, you can use your ring finger to gently pat and blend the concealer into the skin. The warmth of your finger will help melt the product seamlessly.
6. Blend gently: Blend the concealer by patting or gently pressing it into the skin. Avoid rubbing or dragging, as this can disrupt the coverage and make the concealer appear uneven. Blend the edges of the concealer to ensure a seamless transition with the foundation.
7. Set with powder: To set the concealer and prevent it from creasing or fading, lightly dust a translucent or setting powder over the concealed areas. Use a small fluffy brush to apply the powder, focusing on the under-eye area or any other areas where you applied concealer.
8. Check in different lighting: Step into natural light, as well as indoor lighting, to ensure that the concealer matches your skin tone and appears seamless. This will help you make any necessary adjustments.
9. Carry touch-up products: Keep a small makeup bag with you backstage that includes essentials like a compact mirror, powder, and a small concealer brush or sponge. This will allow you to touch up any areas that may need additional coverage or blending.
Remember to practice your concealer application technique beforehand to ensure that you achieve a natural and flawless finish. Additionally, consider the specific guidelines or rules of the dance competition you’re participating in, as they may have restrictions on concealer shades or finishes.
Makeup Setting Powder
5. Powder: Set your foundation and concealer with a translucent or setting powder. This will help control shine and make your makeup last longer.
Setting powder is an essential step in dance competition makeup as it helps to lock in your foundation, concealer, and other cream-based products, prevent shine, and ensure long-lasting wear. Here are some tips for using setting powder in your dance competition makeup routine:
1. Choose the right setting powder: Opt for a translucent setting powder that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter. Avoid powders with heavy coverage or pigmentation, as they can alter the appearance of your foundation.
2. Apply after foundation and concealer: Once you’ve applied your foundation and concealer, give them a few moments to set and dry before applying setting powder. This will help the powder adhere properly to the skin.
3. Use a powder brush or puff: Take a fluffy powder brush or a velour puff to pick up a small amount of setting powder. Gently tap off any excess to avoid applying too much powder at once.
4. Apply in a pressing motion: Starting from the center of your face, press the powder onto your skin using gentle pressing motions. Focus on areas where you tend to get oily or where your makeup tends to crease, such as the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
5. Blend and dust off excess: After pressing the powder onto your skin, use the same brush or a clean fluffy brush to gently blend and sweep away any excess powder. This will help achieve a natural finish without any cakey appearance.
6. Set under-eye concealer: If you’ve applied concealer under your eyes, use a small fluffy brush or a sponge to apply a light dusting of setting powder. This will help prevent creasing and keep your under-eye area looking smooth.
7. Focus on touch-up areas: Keep a small powder compact or a brush with you backstage to touch up any areas that may get oily or require additional setting throughout the competition. This is especially important if you have a longer performance duration.
8. Avoid over-powdering: Be cautious not to apply too much powder, as it can dull the natural glow of your skin and create a heavy, cakey appearance. Start with a light application and build up if needed.
Remember, it’s important to practice your setting powder application technique beforehand to ensure that you achieve a natural, shine-free finish. Additionally, consider the specific guidelines or rules of the dance competition you’re participating in, as they may have restrictions on the use of powders or specific powder finishes.
Eye Makeup For Dancers
6. Eye makeup: Focus on enhancing your eyes for stage performance. Apply eyeshadow in colors that complement your costume and dance routine. Use darker shades in the crease to add depth and lighter shades on the lid. Finish with eyeliner and mascara to define your eyes.
Eye makeup is a crucial element of dance competition makeup as it helps to define and enhance your eyes, making them stand out on stage. Here are some tips and guidelines for eye makeup in your dance competition routine:
1. Prime your eyelids: Start by applying an eyeshadow primer or a concealer to create a smooth and even base for your eyeshadow. This will help your eyeshadow colors appear more vibrant and prevent creasing.
2. Choose eyeshadow colors: Select eyeshadow colors that complement your costume and dance routine. Consider using a combination of neutral shades for a classic look or more vibrant colors for a bolder and dramatic effect. Matte or shimmery finishes can be used depending on your personal preference.
3. Apply transition shade: Begin by applying a transition shade, which is a medium-toned eyeshadow color, to your crease. Use a blending brush to sweep the color back and forth in windshield wiper motions for a soft and well-blended transition.
4. Define the outer corner: Use a slightly darker eyeshadow shade on a smaller blending brush to define the outer corner of your eyelid. Blend the color in a “V” shape to create depth and dimension. Gradually build up the intensity, blending as you go, to achieve your desired look.
5. Lid color: Apply a lid color of your choice on the center of your eyelid using a flat eyeshadow brush or your fingertip. Pat the color onto the lid for maximum pigmentation and blend it slightly into the crease for a seamless transition.
6. Highlight the brow bone: Use a light, shimmery eyeshadow shade or a highlighting powder to highlight the brow bone. Apply it just beneath your eyebrow arch to create a lifted and polished look.
7. Eyeliner: Apply eyeliner along the upper lash line to define your eyes. You can choose between liquid eyeliner for a precise and bold line, or a pencil eyeliner for a softer and smudged effect. Extend the liner slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye in a wing for added drama, if desired.
8. Mascara: Apply mascara to your upper and lower lashes to add volume and length. Consider using a waterproof formula to prevent smudging during your performance.
9. Eyebrows: Define and shape your eyebrows using an eyebrow pencil or powder that matches your natural brow color. Fill in any sparse areas and shape your brows to frame your eyes.
10. Lower lash line: To complete the eye makeup, apply a touch of eyeshadow or eyeliner along the lower lash line. This will help balance the overall eye look and add definition. Use a smudging brush to soften the line and create a more blended effect.
Remember to practice your eye makeup technique before the actual competition to ensure that you’re comfortable and achieve the desired look. Additionally, consider the specific guidelines or rules of the dance competition you’re participating in, as they may have restrictions on the use of certain eye makeup products or colors.
False Eyelashes For Dancers
7. False lashes: False eyelashes can make your eyes stand out on stage. Choose lashes that are natural-looking yet voluminous. Apply them carefully using lash glue.
False eyelashes can be a fantastic addition to your dance competition makeup, as they help to enhance and define your eyes on stage.
We have compiled everything you need to know about false eyelashes to make your life easier and less stressful at the below links!
Everything You Need to Know About False Eyelashes
Everything You Need to Know About Magnetic Eyelashes
Blush and Contour Makeup For Dancers
8. Blush and contour: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks to add color and a healthy glow. Contour your face lightly to add dimension and definition. Blend well to create a natural-looking effect.
Blush and contour are essential components of dance competition makeup as they add dimension, shape, and color to your face, ensuring that your features stand out on stage. Here are some tips for applying blush and contour in your dance competition makeup routine:
Blush:
1. Choose the right shade: Select a blush color that complements your skin tone and works well with your overall makeup look. Pink, coral, and peach tones are popular choices. Consider the intensity of the color based on your costume and the desired level of vibrancy.
2. Placement: Smile to locate the apples of your cheeks, and gently apply blush to this area using a blush brush. Blend the color upward and outward towards your temples. The placement should be slightly higher than your natural cheekbones to create a lifted and youthful effect.
3. Build up the color: Start with a light application of blush and gradually build up the intensity if needed. This allows you to control the color and ensures that the blush looks natural and not overly concentrated.
4. Blend well: Use a clean blush brush or a blending brush to blend the blush seamlessly into your skin. This helps soften any harsh lines and creates a natural flush of color.
Contour:
1. Choose the right product and shade: Select a contour product that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. Choose a shade with a cool undertone to mimic natural shadows. Cream or powder contour products can be used, depending on your preference.
2. Identify the areas to contour: Determine the areas you want to define and sculpt. Common areas for contouring include the hollows of the cheeks, the temples, the jawline, and the sides of the nose. Consider your facial features and desired look when deciding on the areas to contour.
3. Apply and blend: Use a contour brush or a small angled brush to apply the contour product to the desired areas. Begin with a light application and gradually build up the intensity. Use a gentle tapping or sweeping motion to blend the product, ensuring there are no harsh lines. Focus on blending the product thoroughly to create a natural shadow effect.
4. Check in different lighting: Step into different lighting conditions, including natural light and indoor lighting, to ensure that the contour appears seamless and enhances your features without looking harsh or unnatural.
5. Set with powder: After contouring, you can lightly dust a translucent powder over the contoured areas to help set the product and blend any remaining edges.
Remember to practice your blush and contour application techniques before the actual competition to ensure that you achieve a natural and flattering look. Additionally, consider the specific guidelines or rules of the dance competition you’re participating in, as they may have restrictions on the use of certain blush or contour shades.
Lip Color For Dancers
9. Lip color: Choose a lip color that complements your overall makeup look and costume. Opt for long-lasting formulas, such as liquid lipsticks or lip stains, to ensure that the color stays put throughout your performance.
Lip color is an important element of dance competition makeup as it completes your overall look and enhances your facial features. Here are some tips for choosing and applying lip color for dance competitions:
1. Choose the right shade: Select a lip color that complements your skin tone and works well with your costume and makeup look. Consider the style of the dance and the overall theme when deciding on the shade. Popular options include reds, pinks, nudes, or even bold and vibrant colors depending on the performance.
2. Consider the formula: Choose a lip color formula that suits your preferences and the requirements of the competition. Options include traditional lipsticks, liquid lipsticks, lip stains, or lip glosses. Keep in mind the longevity of the formula, as you’ll want the color to last throughout your performance.
3. Define and shape your lips: Before applying lip color, use a lip liner that matches the shade or is slightly darker. Outline your lips to define their shape and prevent the color from bleeding or feathering. You can also fill in your lips with the lip liner to enhance the longevity of the lip color.
4. Apply the lip color: Use a lip brush or directly apply the lip color to your lips, starting from the center and moving outward. Take care to stay within the lip line and create a smooth, even application. Layer the product for intensity if needed, allowing each layer to dry or set before adding more.
5. Blot and set: After applying the lip color, gently blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess product and prevent smudging. For long-lasting wear, consider setting the lip color with a translucent powder or a setting spray.
6. Check in different lighting: Step into various lighting conditions, including natural light and indoor lighting, to ensure that the lip color complements your makeup and costume. This will help you make any necessary adjustments or touch-ups.
7. Carry touch-up products: Keep your lip color and a small mirror in your dance bag for quick touch-ups backstage. This allows you to maintain the vibrancy and precision of your lip color throughout the competition.
Remember to practice applying your lip color beforehand to ensure a precise and even application. Additionally, consider the specific guidelines or rules of the dance competition regarding lip color choices or finishes, as they may have restrictions on certain shades or formulas.
Dance Makeup Tips
10. Finishing touches: Set your makeup with a setting spray to make it last longer and prevent smudging. Carry any necessary touch-up products with you, such as blotting papers, lipstick, or powder, for quick fixes backstage.
Finishing touches are the final steps in your dance competition makeup routine that help polish your look and ensure everything is in place for your performance. Here are some essential finishing touches to consider:
1. Setting spray: After completing your makeup, use a setting spray to help lock everything in place and increase the longevity of your makeup. Hold the spray a few inches away from your face and mist it all over to set your foundation, blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick.
2. Blotting papers: Carry blotting papers with you backstage to control shine and remove excess oil without disturbing your makeup. Gently blot your T-zone or any areas prone to oiliness to maintain a matte finish throughout your performance.
3. Powder touch-ups: If needed, carry a compact powder and a brush or sponge for quick touch-ups. Use a light dusting of powder to freshen up your foundation and control shine in areas that may get oily during your performance.
4. Lip color touch-ups: Keep your lip color and a lip brush or the lipstick itself for touch-ups. After eating or drinking, or if the lip color has faded, use the brush or directly apply the lipstick to redefine and refresh your lip color.
5. Check your appearance: Take a moment to check your overall appearance in natural light and using a handheld mirror. Ensure that your makeup is still intact, your lashes are in place, and everything looks polished and well-blended. Make any necessary adjustments or touch-ups as needed.
6. Hair touch-ups: If you have any specific hairstyles or hair accessories, ensure they are in place and secure. Use bobby pins, hair spray, or any other necessary hair products to fix any loose strands or maintain your desired hairstyle. You can learn more about How to Make a Bun With Long Hair here and How to Make a Bun With Short Hair Here.
7. Confidence and attitude: Remember that your performance goes beyond makeup and hair. Carry yourself with confidence, maintain a positive attitude, and let your passion for dance shine through. Your energy and stage presence will make a significant impact on your overall performance.
By focusing on these finishing touches, you can ensure that your dance competition makeup remains fresh and flawless throughout your performance. Remember to be prepared with necessary touch-up products and practice your touch-up routine during your makeup trial runs.
Remember, practice your competition dance makeup before the actual event to ensure that you’re comfortable and confident with the application process. Additionally, consider the specific requirements and guidelines of the competition you’re participating in, as some events may have specific rules regarding makeup application.