Dance Competition Makeup Tips
Dance Competition Tips
JUDGES KNOW MORE ABOUT MAKEUP THAN YOU THINK
Writing for Dance Magazines and touring with Dance Conventions has put me in the front lines with Dance Competition Judges. Many judges sit in the front row of the theater as they watch each dancers performance. This allows not only a close up view of the performance but also of the overall look or presentation of the performer. After interviewing countless dance competition judges, I was surprised to discover how much about a performer’s makeup these judges really noticed. Here is a check list of stage makeup mistakes they have mentioned:
1 . Make sure brows are defined, arched and extended properly, especially for the very fair or dark skin tones. Lack of an eye brow creates a “surprised” look and draws away from eyes. Mode Dion’s Brow Pencil‘s built in brush helps your brows look natural and defined.
2 . Skin tone on all ages should look even and natural, not blotchy, red, pink, orange or shiny. Avoid light reflecting Mineral make-up which can make the face look too fair against the body and extremely shiny under stage lights. Use a golden tone foundation not pink or orange toned which can look overly made up. Use foundation especially where cheek color is applied to prevent overly flushed faces. Be sure to blend down under the chin an area that rarely gets sun and remains light. This is an area judges often see very well as they are below the performer.
TIP: If your matte foundation shade looks to light against your body try a darker powder shade on top instead of foundation. This looks more natural and avoids a line across the jaw. MODE DION Foundation/Powder/Concealer Kit has it all!
3 . Eye shadow should look well blended and in neutral colors that do not fight with different costume changes. Avoid frosted or bright colors like blue, green, or purple eye shadow. Bright color is for theme looks only. Use three shades of eye shadow to look more blended. A dark shade to define at corners and through crease, a medium warm shade to balance onto the eye bone and a light matte shade under the eye brow and onto the eye lid to pull forward. Matte eye shadow works best. MODE DION Pro Pallet Eye shadow is perfect for the job!
4 . Avoid black eye liner all around eyes. This makes eyes look smaller. Eyeliner should be left open at the outer eye corner. Black at outer corner upper lid and brown to line under lower lashes looks softer. Always avoid the lower eye lid (ridge above the lower eye lashes) as this really closes eyes. White pencil there is preferred. Black eye liner top and bottom is appropriate for drama when performing Jazz/Fosse/Cabaret or for deep skin tones.
5 . Wear false lashes. They do open eyes! MODE DION Cabaret Lashes are the perfect length and shape,
6 . Cheek color should be well blended to avoid a stripe of color across cheekbones. Try MODE DION Stage Red for flawless color.
7 . Lips should appear full and defined. Use a dramatic lip shade in either our Stage Red Lip Stain or for a softer look try Rhubarb a neutral red brown. Be sure to use a lip liner to shape lips and enhance fullness. Lip liner needs to be blended over most of lips to avoid showing. Don’t forget, the most important part of the mouth is the sides. Keep sides of lips full for profile views. MODE DION Stage Lip Liner is the right shade of red/brown to add depth.
8 . Be cautious when using glitter and shimmer. Apply only to key light catching points and never on male dancers. For a variety of fun glitter uses try our many shades of Glitter. Our Cosmic Glitter Spray (included in kit) with both gold and silver glitter combined is famously dazzling!
For a complete affordable stage makeup kit be sure to see Discounted Kits and our Pro Kit with all the colors you need for a perfect stage face.
