We all want big, beautiful, expressive eyes, right? So, when applying makeup for dance, or any live performance, the eyes are the key for showing your emotions. Don’t let glowing technique fall flat because of pale, boring dance makeup!

When applying makeup for dance performances, dancers should wear liner, false eyelashes and mascara.

First, let’s focus on EYELINER!

· Apply your eye shadows first in the pattern you love

· Upper lash line: Black liquid liner (waterproof)

· Inside lower lash line: White Highlighter pencil

· Lower lash line: Use a dark brown mineral eye shadow color as a liner

· You can do a tiny “wing” on the upper lash line with your liquid liner.  This is to indicate the “last eyelash” – but no more than a quarter of an inch or so.

· Avoid making long stripes with your eye liner that go all the way to the temples. Avoid connecting the lower lash line to the upper lash line, leave a space between them (no “fishtails”, please) and use white highlighter pencil in between. This will make the eyes look bigger, brighter and more open.

· When applying makeup for dance, DON’T use black liquid eyeliner under the eyes!  Too much and too messy!  If you must, use an eye pencil.

· Also, don’t use black liner on the inside lower lid of the eye – it will make the eyes look small on stage.

JAM cosmetics pressed mineral eye shadow in “Fear Me” is also the perfect eye liner when applied wet with an angled eyeliner  brush.

Next, apply the FALSE LASHES!

· If false eye lashes aren’t currently part of your routine because you find them difficult to apply or uncomfortable to wear, don’t give up on them!  You can learn how to easily apply false lashes here:  Link “How To Apply False Lashes”. Do use them, as they enhance the shape of your eyes on stage and are an integral part of makeup for dance.  It just takes practice!

· Dancers wear false lashes because on stage we are always trying to make the eyes look bigger. We want to naturally enhance the existing lash line with false lashes because they give the eyes a pretty almond-y shape. Great false lashes, properly sized and/or trimmed, and properly applied do just that. This type of look is perfect for dance makeup, but is also easily modified for other theatrical occasions, including acting on film and even just a glamorous look for a special night out.

· Avoid lashes that are too thick in the center of the band. They make the eyes look heavy and sleepy or even closed when you are dancing on stage! You want the lashes to start shorter in the center and get longer as they go to the outer corner of the eye. Half or “demi” lashes are great because they are easy to apply, do not need to be trimmed, look stunning, and can hardly be felt on the eyes.

JAM cosmetics Elise Faux Half Lashes are the perfect choice for a natural or glamorous look.

Time for the MASCARA!

· YES, you need mascara even if you have false lashes on – two coats! This will bind the false lashes to the real lashes and remove the bits of powdered eye shadow that have fallen on the eyelashes.

· Make sure your lashes are secure first! Leave them alone to dry before going onto the next step of your dance makeup.

· I recommend water-resistant mascara as opposed to waterproof mascara because it is gentler on the sensitive eye area and can also be easily reapplied.  Most waterproof mascaras are quite clumpy and feel like glue on the lashes. Waterproof mascara is also clumpy on false lashes and can collect lots of “gunk” on them – your lashes will not last as long.

JAM cosmetics’ water-resistant BLACK mascara is perfect because it’s incredibly long-lasting, can be reapplied throughout the event, yet easy to remove when you are ready.

You’re now ready to apply your dance makeup like a pro! Don’t forget the three MUST HAVES for eyes: Liner, lashes, and mascara. You’ll have big, beautiful and expressive eyes that will last long beyond your performance, or all day long. JAM cosmetics will show you the way!

Dancers on stage draw us in to the story they are telling. It is easy to become enchanted by their beautiful faces. What is it that has us so spellbound? The way dance makeup is used to intensify a dancer’s eyes contributes greatly to this. It looks incredibly complicated to achieve but with a little direction, you too can have this perfect classic dancer look!

JAM cosmetics calls the classic dance performance makeup look, Prima Diva. The most important part of this look is the expressive eyes. First we should discuss some basic contouring patterns for eye makeup. 

“Contouring” the eye means you are using darker eye shadow to create dimension.  This is done in three main ways. You can use these techniques together or separately depending on the look you wish to create.

1.   Using a dark, earthy eye shadow color, apply across the whole lash line blending the shadow to gradually fade as you go past the crease towards the brow bone.
2.   Create a blended, sideways “v” or “c” shape with contour eye shadow color, on the outer third of the eyelid.
3.   Apply contour eye shadow color in the crease.

Using these dance makeup techniques allows the audience to properly read the dancer’s eyes. You accentuate the natural shape and dimension of the eye. This helps the audience follow the dancer’s gaze. Contouring the eye with performance cosmetics helps the audience see if the dancer’s eyes are open, closed, or looking at something specifically. It also gives the eyes a larger, wider almond shape.

You will use several of these contouring methods to create the perfect dance eye in the Prima Diva look. Follow these simple steps to achieve this classic dance makeup look.

Creating the Prima Diva Look

1. Apply your foundation. Remember it is so important to BLEND, BLEND, and BLEND!

2. Shape and fill your eyebrow. Use a shadow color that is a similar o your eyebrow.

3. Highlight under the brow line with a white liner.

4. Use a light/medium, warm-toned, neutral eye shadow over the entire eyelid. When using performance cosmetics neutral/warm earth-toned eye shadows are perfect for stage performances.  They compliment dancer’s eyes and skin under the stage lights.

5. Blend a deep, rich, dark brown shadow into the crease of the eye to create dimension.

6. Define the eye by lining the upper lashes with waterproof black eye liner. Use a chocolate brown shadow underneath the lash line; apply this with a small angled brush. Don’t use liquid under the eye, it’s very messy! To complete this step, use a white pencil to create a highlight between the upper and lower lash lines.

7. Highlight the inside of lower lash line with a white eye pencil. Don’t use black liner as it will make the eye appear smaller to the audience.

8. Next, apply your false lashes. Use black mascara to coat and bind them. A false lash will enhance the natural shape of your eye.

9. Apply blush, again remember to BLEND! You certainly don’t want clown cheeks.

10. Line and the fill the entire lip in with your lip pencil. A quick tip: when lining your lips always go from the outside corner to the middle of the lip. Then fill the lips with lipstick.

Your makeup should be dark enough to be clearly seen from the first 8 to 12 rows of the theatre.  Applying performance cosmetics may seem difficult at first, especially if you have a small eye lid, but practice makes perfect!  You will be applying the Prima Diva look like a pro in no time.

Preparing for a performance you want your dance makeup to be the best it can. Applying dance makeup with good quality makeup brushes makes all the difference in the world to beauty of your look. But there are so many different kinds of makeup brushes out there. How do you know what you really need? Well, I have narrowed it down to these eight “must have” makeup brushes that every dancer should own.

1. Large Powder Brush/Complexion Brush – This should be used only with loose or pressed translucent powder. Don’t mix! Never use this powder brush with your blush.

2. Blush Brush – It shouldn’t be too big or too small – a medium sized brush is best. Again it should never be mixed with your translucent powder.

3. Eye Shadow Brush – A medium sized brush is best, not too big. This size brush is great for both light and medium shadow colors.

4. Angled Eyeliner/Brow Brush – This brush does double duty for you. It will work for both eyebrows and eyeliner application.

5. Angled Shadow Brush – Choose a smaller brush for this. It should be angled. An angled brush is best for easy application of darker shadow colors.

6. Lip Brush – This brush is essential for dance makeup. You cannot do PERFECT red lips without a lipstick brush!

7. Eyebrow Brush/Lash Comb – These brushes will keep your brows and lashes looking natural and beautiful!

8. Foundation Brush – This brush gives skin an airbrushed look when you use it will liquid, cream or stick foundations.

Now that you have the perfect set of brushes to apply your dance makeup you need to care for them properly. Proper care will keep your brushes working their best and help them last longer. It is not necessary to buy fancy brush cleaners. Often brush cleaners contain alcohol and can dry out the bristles. Makeup brushes need to be cleaned often. How often do I clean my brushes? OFTEN! When makeup brushes are dirty, the cosmetics colors do not apply well. And it leads to the colors looking muddied.

Start by putting a dollop of shampoo/conditioner into the palm of your hand. Wet your makeup brush under running water or in a cup of water. Swirl your makeup brush in the palm of your hand creating suds. You should see the suds turn from white to brown. Rinse your hands and brush under running water until the water runs clear. Finally you’ll squeeze excess water out of the makeup brush with a towel.

When your makeup brush is clean you should lay it flat on towel overnight. Do not stand brushes up to dry. When brushes are left standing water can get down into the bristles and deteriorate the glue that holds bristles to brush handle. This will shorten the life of your brush and the quality of application for your dance makeup. In an ideal situation a brush sanitizing machine would be used.

Looking for the complete set of necessary makeup brushes? JAM cosmetics has the perfect little makeup brush kit that has every makeup brush you need and nothing that you don’t for $35.00…check it out!

Jessica Dupont is a former Professional NYC Dancer and Makeup Artist. She owns JAM cosmetics, which is a line of ULTIMATE makeup for dance and cheer. 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 at www.JAMcosmetics.net.

Creating a successful dance recital makeup look can be straightforward and easy with this guide. Concentrate on these five areas and a beautiful look can be achieved for all ages.

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Skin: Prepare a good base for your dance recital makeup. Start with a clean, dry, moisturized face. Use a sponge to apply Dual Mineral Powder Foundation over your entire face, blending it into your neck. Remember if you apply wet you will get a more opaque look, dry and you will achieve more sheer coverage.

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Eyebrows: Get your eyebrows ready by shaping them with a brow brush. Next use a thin eyeliner brush to draw a line down the center of your eyebrow, your brow brush can be used to smooth out and spread color to the rest of your brow.

If you are doing dance recital makeup for a younger dancer keep these tips in mind, an eye shadow slightly darker than your hair color will give a less severe look then an eyebrow pencil. A thicker eyebrow gives a more youthful look; a thinner severe line creates a sophisticated dramatic older look.

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Eyes: There are several steps to dance recital makeup when it comes to your eyes. Begin by using a eye shadow brush to highlight the brow bone and inner corner of your eye. This should be done with a shimmery white shadow. Using a damp brush to apply will give you a stronger highlight.

Use a brown eyes shadow at your lash line, fade the intensity of it as you bring it up to your highlighted brow. Very lightly apply this shadow under your lower lashes. When doing this begin in the middle of the lash and draw it out past the corner of your eye. Do NOT begin your line in the corner of your eye. A JAM white highlighter eye pencil is perfect for in between the upper and lower lash line. For dancers who are seven and up finish the eye with JAM black water resistant mascara.

It is important to remember ADDING color is much easier then SUBTRACTING once you’ve already applied it to your eye. Start out lighter first.

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Cheeks: Use a blush brush to apply your cheek color. Begin at the hairline and draw the brush toward the apples of your cheeks. Then use a large powder brush to blend by applying Dual Mineral Powder Foundation over your cheeks and face. Make certain you aren’t creating “clown circles” and never let your blush travel below the lip line.

For young dancers it is especially important to create a soft blended blush line. A severe blush line will make a dancer’s face appear older.

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Lips: For a dramatic look line your lips and fill with Warm Brandy Lip Liner. Then use a red lipstick. Try Fierce “red” Mineral Lipstick.

While lip color can be a matter of artistic preference I believe younger dancers should avoid the bold reds. Lining lips and filling lips with a pink mauve lip liner and using a rose colored lipstick creates a perfect young dancer look. Try using Wild Child “rose” mineral lipstick. A mauve color will still highlight a dancer’s mouth and help communicate their expressions without aging them unnecessarily.

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Following these steps will help you complete your entire dance recital makeup look. Feel confident knowing you are looking your best as you step on to stage. And remember simple adjustments at the eyebrows, cheeks, and lips allow this look to easily transition to younger dancers, giving them a wonderful youthful look that can still be seen clearly on stage.

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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.

It’s Dance & Cheer Season!
We’ve got a Special, Completely FREE & Customized Gift for you!

(And we think you’re going to love it)

If you’re a Dancer,  Click Here

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If you’re a Dance Teacher or Cheer Coach,  Click Here

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Thank you for being a part of the JAM cosmetics cheer & dance makeup community!

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