Here is, I believe, the most complete list of EVERYTHING dancers/cheerleaders need for competition weekends. I have polled dance moms, dancers, cheerleaders, teachers, and perused websites to create THE list of lists. Print it out - email it to your friends, moms, and dance teacher/cheer coach! If you can think of anything I have forgotten…please comment so I can keep adding.

You might want to have these items delegated and contributed to a “studio/team competition kit” by each family rather than every single family bringing every single item. Do whatever works best for your competitive group as decided by the studio owner / director / cheer coach.

MAKEUP – Makeup look as determined by studio owner / director / cheer coach. All dance makeup products should be water-resistant, highly pigmented, and long-lasting.

· Foundation & any application tools (sponge, foundation brush, etc)

· Loose Powder

· Mineral Eye Shadows

· Mineral Blush

· Black Water-resistant mascara

· Black Waterproof Liquid Liner

· White Highlighter Eye Pencil

· 2 pairs of False Lashes

· Waterproof Eyelash Adhesive – DUO is the BEST!

· Lip Pencil

· Mineral Lip Stick – healthiest option for long lasting performance color

· Makeup Brushes – lip, thin eyeliner, 2 eye shadow brushes (1 for dark colors/1 for light colors), blush, complexion/large powder, brow comb/brush

· Makeup Sponges

· Any glitter or shimmer items as determined by studio owner / competition director

· If using JAM cosmetics, include a small dropper bottle of water in your makeup kit so you can turn your black eye shadow into a water-resistant, smudge-resistant eyeliner

BEAUTY AIDS

· Makeup Remover Wipes – I love Ponds Makeup Remover/Cleanser Wipes!

· Tweezers – Tweezerman is the BEST!

· Razor and shaving cream (or electric razor, just in case someone forgot to shave)

· Baby Powder

· Vaseline

· Cotton Pads

· Q-tips

· Kleenex/Tissues

· Nail polish remover

· Clear Nail polish

· Nail clippers/nail file

· Clear, gel deodorant

· Skincare products (Cetaphil waterless cleanser & moisturizer is great for young, sensitive skin!)

· Hand, Feet, & Body Moisturizer

HAIR PRODUCTS

· Spray bottle of water

· Hair Gel

· Hairspray

· Hairnets

· Hair Pins/Bobby Pins

· Comb/Brush

· Hair dryer/curling iron, etc (if necessary)

· Any required hair pieces/hair jewelry/hair glitter

COSTUME STUFF

· All costumes - Head/Arm/Leg/Body pieces

· Jewelry

· Any individual props you are responsible for

· Mini Sewing Kit – includes needles, safety pins, scissors

· Thread that matches all costumes

· Static Guard

· Lint Brush

· Hot-glue or superglue

· Double sided tape

· Body adhesive

· Spare clear and tan bra straps

· Spare pair of tights in appropriate color

· Tide “to go” stick

· Shoe polish in the color of your shoes (tan, black, etc)

· A little extra rosin (if competition will allow – BUT do not use on marley floors!)

FIRST AID

· Children’s and Adult Tylenol/Advil

· Antacid/Pepto-Bismol

· Dramamine

· Handi Wipes

· Clear Band-aids

· Neosporin

· Icy Hot/BioFreeze

· Instant Ice Packs

· Ace bandage (If a dancer/cheerleader needs an ace bandage to perform, cover it in makeup/foundation so that the bandage matches the skin and won’t be as noticeable)

FOOD/DRINK

· Bottled water – try Spring Water instead of “purified water”

· Juice Boxes – try 100% juice

· Granola/power bars

· Fruit – try apples & cheese

· Veggies – try celery & peanut butter

· Mozzarella cheese sticks & crackers

· Trail Mix

· Nuts – Almonds are a very healthy choice

· Raisins

· Popcorn

· Goldfish

MISCELLANEOUS/COMFORT STUFF

· Extra copies of music on CD

· Money for program (usually $10-15 dollars)

· Money for photos, videos and souvenirs

· Pens, highlighters, sharpies

· Notepad

· Pillow

· Blanket

· Towel

· Slipper/slipper socks/flip flops

· Pop up laundry basket

· Warm-ups/Studio Sweatshirt or t-shirt

· Extra underwear, dance clothes

· Teen magazines/madlibs/coloring books/workbooks

· Camera

· New batteries

· iPod

· Gameboy or other handheld game options

· Crayons and pencils

· Screwdriver (for taps)

· Extra tissues to use for toilet paper in case venue runs out

· Extra Sanitary supplies

Ideally, choose hypo-allergenic/non-comedogenic (non-clogging to the pores), talc and paraben-free products that are as naturally derived as possible while being effective. A Dancer’s makeup look must be worn for long periods of time and this can be very hard on the skin, especially if it is sensitive or prone to breakouts. You do not want products that are going to make your skin look and feel horrible at the end of a performance weekend. There is nothing that can make you more self-conscious than irritated, reddened skin or an acne covered face.

To choose your look and get a custom Dance Makeup Kit, click here.

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About the Author

Jessica Dupont is a former Professional NYC Dancer and Makeup Artist. She owns JAM cosmetics, which is a line of ULTIMATE performance cosmetics for dancers and cheerleaders. JAM specializes in dance makeup, cheer makeup and is known for their beautiful half lashes and step-by-step video tutorials.

Find out 4 secrets the pro’s use AND 3 things you NEED TO KNOW to look gorgeous and stand out from the crowd, by getting Jessica’s free dance makeup e-Guide NOW at www.JAMcosmetics.net.

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If you’re a dancer, click here

If you’re a cheerleader, click here

If you’re a dance mom, click here

If you’re a dance teacher or cheer coach, click here

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A stock item for cheerleader makeup is GLITTER!  But how do you know when your cheerleader makeup look has gone overboard?  DWTS is known for its ultra glam makeup and costuming and their use of LOTS of glitter!

You can get their super gorgeous looks for your cheerleader makeup look as long as you follow one simple rule…use only ONE (or maybe two) of these ideas at a time.  If you use too much, you risk the “cheap & trashy” label.  Cheerleader makeup can show glamorous style and class and every girl can look gorgeous with these expert tips!

There are two very important points that I would like to share with you about using glitter for your performance makeup.  First, when applying glitter makeup to the eyes, small amounts do fall into the eyes so please only use “cosmetic grade” glitter.  When glitter is labeled as “cosmetics grade” glitter it means that the sizes of the individual pieces of glitter are much smaller and much more refined than just “craft” quality glitter.  There are no dangerous sharp corners that can make tiny hair-like cuts in the eye or cornea and allow an eye infection to develop.

Second, because you may be using glitter on the lips, technically, you will probably be EATING the glitter makeup.  PLEASE only use glitter made in the USA.  When glitter makeup is manufactured in other countries, it is not inspected as thoroughly as it is here in the United States.  You cannot be sure of what you are getting!

Dance makeup is an important part of the cheerleader’s costume.  Using cosmetics grade glitter for your cheerleader makeup look may mean paying a little bit more.  However, you need to use the highest quality eye glitter makeup when you are near your delicate eye and lip area.

1)    On your body:  Mix glitter in with your body lotion and apply to legs, arms, and collar bone…any spot you want to shine!

2)    Highlight Cheekbones:  Apply glitter high on the cheekbones as a highlighter with adhesive.

3)    Highlight Cheekbones & Brow bone:  Apply glitter high on the cheekbones & brow bone with adhesive.

4)    On Lips:  Mix glitter with your lip gloss and apply to lips alone or over any lipstick color

5)    Corners of Eyes:  Apply a bright silver glitter or gold glitter or white/iridescent glitter to inner corner and outer corner of eyes.  This little accent brightens the eyes and makes your cheerleader makeup really stand out!

6)    As Eyeliner:  Apply glitter as an eye liner with glitter adhesive

7)    On Eyelid:  Apply eye glitter makeup with a brush or your finger to eye lid over eye shadow for a subtle effect

8)    In Hair:  Spray hair spray into your hand, add body & hair gel glitter, rub hands together, comb your hands through your hair evenly dispersing the glitter, rinse hands

9)    On Eyelid & Crease:  Apply your favorite eye shadow color (or team color!) over entire lid and up over the crease and then apply glitter adhesive on top.  Use a makeup brush and apply a neutral shade of glitter over the entire lid and crease for intensely dramatic eyes!

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Check our FULL-LINE of glitter makeup for your face and body

by clicking here!

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Want a FREE Customized Gift from JAM?

If you’re a dancer, click here

If you’re a cheerleader, click here

If you’re a dance mom, click here

If you’re a dance teacher or cheer coach, click here

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About the Author

Jessica Dupont is a former Professional NYC Dancer and Makeup Artist.  She owns JAM cosmetics, which is a line of ULTIMATE performance cosmetics for dancers and cheerleaders. JAM specializes in dance makeup, cheer makeup and is known for their beautiful half lashes and step-by-step video tutorials.

Find out 4 secrets the pro’s use AND 3 things you NEED TO KNOW to look gorgeous and stand out from the crowd, by getting Jessica’s free dance makeup e-Guide NOW at www.JAMcosmetics.net.