Stage makeup for dance recitals
If your child is participating in a dance recital, wearing stage makeup is incredibly important. This specialized makeup accentuates a dancer's features, ensuring their expressions are clearly visible to the audience. We've put together a handy guide and some tips for you on how to apply stage makeup at home:
For Preschool-aged Children
The secret to applying makeup for young dancers is to opt for natural colors. Your goal isn't to make the child appear overly "done up" with bright colors. Instead, the makeup should highlight their features in a way that they stand out even from a distance. It's about enhancing, not overdoing.
For Children, Teenagers, & Ladies
As dancers grow, their makeup should evolve to reflect their age, becoming bolder and more sophisticated. The basic principles remain the same, but the makeup should be applied more heavily. Teenagers should also consider adding false eyelashes and deeper eyeliner to their stage makeup.
Essential Makeup Items:
Foundation – Match Skin Tone
Lip liner – Red
Lipstick – Red
Blush – Pink
Powder – Match Skin Tone
Eye shadow – Three shades of brown: Light, Medium, & Dark
Eye liner – Black
Mascara – Black
Highlighter – Ivory or Cream
Brushes for lips, eyes, brows, blush, powder
False Eye Lashes for teenagers (optional)
Bronzer (optional)
Foundation/Base
Apply foundation with a makeup sponge, choosing a shade that closely matches the child's skin tone. Use a heavier application than daily makeup. Ensure it's well-blended into the jawline. Set the foundation with a lightweight, slightly shimmery powder to ensure it lasts onstage.
Eye Shadows
Begin with a cream or ivory shadow on the lids, followed by brown shadows in light, medium, and dark shades for depth. Light brown should be applied at the crease of the eye extending up toward the eyebrows. Followed by a medium brown on the eyelid. A dark brown can be applied close to the lash line. Avoid overly bright colors to prevent a "loud" appearance. Seal the eyeshadow with powder.
Blush
Choose a cream blush in peach or pale pink with shimmer to highlight cheekbones. Blend smoothly into the foundation.
Eyeliner
Use liquid eyeliner in black or very dark brown, extending the line slightly past the eye without turning it upwards. Enhance the eyes with two coats of mascara, slightly darker than the eyeliner.
Applying Lipstick
Outline the lips with a red lip liner, then fill in with red lipstick. Opt for deep but vibrant shades of red suitable for most skin tones, avoiding overly bright reds.
Tutorials
Included below are three video tutorials that demonstrate how to apply stage makeup effectively. The first tutorial is particularly useful for parents with very young children, offering extended guidance and tips for a calm and successful makeup application.
The Art of Stage Makeup
Mastering the art of applying stage makeup is crucial for your child's performance, ensuring they shine under the spotlight and their expressions captivate the audience.. Remember, practice makes perfect. Begin experimenting well before the recital to ensure you are comfortable and your child feels confident in their appearance. The transformation that stage makeup brings not only elevates the performance but also boosts the performer's confidence, making every moment onstage truly unforgettable.
