SHIMMY-PROOF STAGE MAKEUP // EXPERT TIPS FROM A MAKEUP ARTIST
Makeup is an essential part of any performance: it shouldn’t distract from your dance performance, yet be a striking enhancement of your features, making you shine in all your glory. Here are a few things to keep in mind, especially if the performance will be photographed.
WASH YOUR FACE AND APPLY SKINCARE BEFORE MAKEUP
Skincare is the first step to great makeup application – just ensure it has some time to penetrate the skin before applying your makeup. Use a lightweight moisturizer rather than a thick formulation/oil, and check that it does not contain SPF protection: SPF can shed a white cast on pictures and make you look grey.
USE WATERPROOF FORMULATIONS
For mascara and eyeliner/eye pencil, opt for waterproof formulations – these will stay put better under the heat of the lights.
SHAPE YOUR EYEBROWS
Eyebrows are the frames of our eyes, therefore shaping and adding some colour to them will beautifully complement your eyes. Choose a tone that is as close to your own hair colour as possible.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT FOUNDATION
Select a foundation that is lightweight and not full-coverage, as the latter does not always tend to be very compatible with sweat. To choose the closest colour to your skin tone, swatch the foundation on your jawline or chin: this way you will also be able to check if the chosen colour transitions smoothly to the skin tone of your neck and chest, which usually are slightly different from your face’s. Use a mattifying primer or a setting spray as a base for your foundation to make it last longer.
POWDER AWAY
Dust translucent powder with a fluffy brush after your foundation and concealer to fix for longer-lasting results.
FAKE EYELASHES
For the ultimate va-va-voom effect, make sure to cut them to fit your eye width (before glueing them onto your eyes!). For smooth application, allow the glue to dry 15-20 seconds before glueing them on. Add a coat of mascara once they are set in place to help merge the fake eyelashes with your natural ones. Keep the packaging and carefully remove the glue from the fake eyelashes once you take them off to reuse them for your next performance.
APPLY BODY OIL/LOTION
For added shine on your body, apply body oil or lotion on shoulders, collarbone, shins, and thighs (unless you’re doing a piece where there is floor work involved: refrain in this case to avoid slipping) right before going onstage.
AVOID TOO MUCH SHIMMER OR GLITTER MAKEUP
This type of makeup won’t capture well on camera, and it will take away from your costume.
DON’T WEAR GLOSS
In addition to the difficulty of capturing a clear image due to the reflections on its surface, if your hair gets caught in it you will have a harder time freeing it (not to mention the risk of dragging the gloss across your face) than with a matte formulation.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO GO HEAVIER WITH EYE MAKEUP AND BLUSH
Stage lights will draw the colour from your face; therefore, you should apply more eye makeup and blush than you would on a daily basis.
Nayla Joy photographed by Linda Kastrati @Bost Productions. Makeup by Neferdidi Makeup
DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR FINGER AND TOENAILS
Shape your nails and wear whichever colour suits your mood or costume but do add a coat of nail polish, even if just a clear topcoat, as this will nicely pull together the whole look – especially if there are close-up photos being taken!
Anup Jones photographed by Alessandra Gabaglio. Makeup by Neferdidi Makeup.
These are only guidelines, the most important thing is to have fun with your makeup, and let it reflect your personality – just like in dancing. Yalla!
- Didi, ZeoT alumni student and freelance makeup artist
For any questions or to visit the Neferdidi Makeup Atelier (Kreis 4), please contact makeup@neferdidi.com / @neferdidi_makeup.
For all ZeoT students, there is a 15% discount on all services – happy dancing ☺