Are you getting ready to perform and need some amazing stage makeup tips? Then this post all about dance stage makeup is perfect for you.
It is almost performance season which means it’s time to get out your dance stage makeup and get your glam on! However, where are you suppose to start with your stage makeup and what are some of the best tips for the best dance makeup on stage? As a dancer with years of stage makeup trial, error, and success with different products and techniques I am giving you the top ten tips for the best dance stage makeup look.
You are going to learn all about dance stage makeup tips, the best dance stage makeup, stage makeup for dancers, dance makeup products, makeup products for dancers, and more!
After reading this post you will be ready to conquer the stage will the best makeup looks that will wow the audience!
This post is all about dance stage makeup tips
Dance Stage Makeup Tips
Part 1: Questions About Dance Stage Makeup
If you are just starting to really explore the world of stage makeup and makeup for dancers, chances are you have a lot of questions. Stage makeup, especially for dancers, can be very different from everyday makeup and stage makeup for actors.
That’s why I’ve added the answers to a few common questions you might have about dancer stage makeup and stage makeup for dancers to make your life easier!
What Makeup Do Dancers Use?
Each and every dancer uses different makeup based on their individual needs and wants for stage makeup. No matter what colors, shades, and tones you choose it is important that you know and understand your skin to choose the right stage makeup.
For example, I tend to be a VERY sweaty dancer. I’m talking sometimes even “waterproof” isn’t waterproof enough. I also have sensitive skin. Therefore, I need to choose and do my makeup based on those needs.
How do Dancers Keep Their Makeup On?
As dancers, we move a lot and also probably sweat a lot. This means we have to find good ways to keep our makeup on while we perform and dance.
Try and choose long-wear and sweat-proof makeup to keep your dance makeup on better. You should also use proper setting and priming products to keep your makeup look together while you are on stage. You’ll learn more about this is these upcoming tips!
What is the Purpose of Stage Makeup for a Dancer?
Stage makeup and makeup for dancers helps accentuate and highlight your features under stage lighting. This will help make your expressions clear and help your face stand out.
Sometimes stage makeup, especially for dancers, can add a little extra glamour and match the vibe of the show or your costume. Imagine having a really fancy, beautiful costume without a great face of makeup to match!
You Might Also Like: 9 AMAZING Dance Makeup Bags Perfect for Your Dance Makeup Needs
Part 2: Dance Stage Makeup Tips
Now it is time for all of the best stage makeup tips for dancers that you have been waiting for. These tips will take you through the makeup steps, starting with prepping your face and ending with setting your look.
Start with a Clean Face
It is important to start with a clean face. With makeup, your face is your canvas. It needs to be clean and clear in order for you to do your makeup properly.
Start by washing your face and applying some sort of moisturizer or hydrating primer. It also helps to moisturize your lips and sometimes even exfoliate before you begin to apply lipstick or any other dance stage makeup product.
Use a Quality Primer
You want to apply a good makeup primer to prime your face and help keep your stage makeup on while you are dancing.
You need a good primer that will keep all of your stage makeup on your face throughout sweat, warm stage lights, backstage chaos, costume changes, and everything else that goes on during a dance performance.
Using a makeup primer can make a huge difference in how your makeup stays on your face during a performance. This is why this step is crucial in the stage makeup process.
To apply makeup primer, check the instructions on the primer label. However, I prefer to use a makeup sponge or the Beauty Blender to apply and add primer to my face.
With makeup primers, it is usually best to blot or dab the makeup product on to apply an even coat on your face and eyelids.
Make sure to get the makeup primer on your eyelids as well as the rest of your face. This will help your eyeshadow and eye liner stay put.
The primer I used to use was the Cover FX Gripping Primer.
However, I recently switched to the ELF Powergrip Primer and I am OBSESSED!
I have also used the Laura Geller Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer which is another great option.
Use Long-Wearing Foundation
Every dancer knows how much they might sweat on stage. With rigorous movement combined with bright stage lights, long wearing stage makeup is key. Choose a foundation and concealer that matches your skin tone and lasts long on your face.
Currently, my favorite long-wearing foundation is the L’Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Up to 24HR Pro-Glow Foundation. I use this foundation both on-stage and daily because it is just that incredible. It is also incredibly light-weight which keeps it from feeling too thick onstage which every dancer knows can sometimes just feel gross.
I recommend almost any product from L’Oreal for great stage makeup and stage foundation. They have a variety of great coverage foundations in a variety of finishes and shades to match your stage foundation needs as a dancer.
Set with Powder
Once you’ve added your foundation and concealer, it is extremely important to set it all with a powder. Use a translucent or skin-tone setting powder that will keep you makeup on through sweat and oil.
Powder will give your makeup and skin a matte-finished look to it and avoid any oil or shine on-stage as you dance and move.
I find pressed powder incredibly useful for makeup touch ups backstage during breaks in the show. Just use a makeup sponge to grab some powder and dab it on your face to fix anything smudged by sweat or movement.
Accentuate Eyes
Emphasize your eyes with bold eyeshadow looks. I love to experiment with different colors and shades that match what I’m wearing or I try to go with the overall vibe of the show.
I recommend experimenting with what you look best in so you know what your go-to eyeshadow colors are.
There are a variety of great YouTube videos and online articles with tips and recommendations for choosing your eyeshadow colors if you are a beginner with makeup or dance stage makeup.
Eyeliner for Definition
Now it’s time to show off your eyes with some eyeliner. Eyeliner gives your eyes some shape and helps them open up on stage to be seen by an entire audience.
When you’re dancing it is also important to have an eyeliner that doesn’t smudge or run. This is why you need to choose a waterproof eyeliner. Most of the best waterproof eyeliners for the stage will be liquid eyeliners.
The two eyeliners I recommend for dancers are the Maybelline Hyper-easy eye liner and the NYX Epic Ink Liner. Both are super easy to apply (and that’s coming from a left handed dancer that struggles with eyeliner). They also stay on FOREVER when you are dancing and have amazing reviews on amazon. If you are looking for affordable dance and stage makeup or just stage makeup in general I can not recommend these eyeliners more.
Dramatic False Lashes
False lashes can enhance your eyes and create a captivating look. In all of my experiences dancing I have never regretted using false lashes for a big performance.
Find a false lash that works best for you. One false lashes hack that I know lots of dancers use is to cut the lashes in half and apply them to the outer corner of your eye.
When applying false eyelashes, spread the glue on the lash and allow it to get tacky. I will personally blow on the eyelash or wave it through the air to speed up the process.
Intensify Cheekbones
Define your cheekbones with a well-blended contour and highlight. Defining and outlining your cheekbones with a contour, highlight, and blush will help your face shape stand out onstage and give you some extra definition.
My favorite blush, highlight, and bronzers for my dance makeup needs all come from Tarte. I also love the blush highlighter sets from Wet n Wild.
Bold Lips
Choose a bold, vibrant lip color that complements your costume and stands out under stage lights.
I happen to LOVE red lipstick and feel as if it works with just about anything. However, if you’re not a fan of bright, red RED lipstick try a dark rose or maroon colored lipstick.
No matter what color you choose make sure your lipstick is long-wear. This will keep it from easily wearing off or transferring on to any costume pieces you might have.
My ALL TIME FAVORITE dance lipstick is the Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in the shade “dancer”. No matter what shade you choose in this collection I guarantee it will stay on FOREVER. It is transfer-proof and an amazing long-wear lip stick that has shades for every dancers’ needs.
Here are some of the BEST long-wear lipsticks:
Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lipstick
Set with Setting Spray
Finish your makeup application with a setting spray to set the look and keep it in place throughout your performance. Look for a long-lasting formula that withstands sweat.
I personally love and use the MORPHE continuous setting mist for all of my stage makeup setting needs. I have also used the Tarte setting spray which also works amazingly for all day wear! If you are looking for a more affordable option the e.l.f. Matte Magic Mist & Set also works great and is only $6!
Before you go:
This post has been all about the best dance stage makeup tips. I hope you have found some useful tips and tricks to try for your next dance performance.
Share some of your favorite dance makeup tips and products in the comments!
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This post was all about the best dance stage makeup tips
