Competition Makeup

[middy]

Up until now I have relied on my friends to do all my make-up for performances and the one competition I've done. I know nothing about make-up. Not just comp make-up, any make-up. So there's a comp next Saturday, too early in the morning to ask my friends to do me, nobody there offering the service, so finally I must face doing my own face. I've studied this thread and delved into YouTube but it's all so very complicated. And so many products to buy!

Tomorrow a ballroom friend is going to take me make-up shopping. I've been told these are the items I need. Which ones can I skip? It's just syllabus, not all day, so maybe it does not need to be so complicated?

primer
foundation
setting powder
eye primer
eye shadow palette
eye liner
brow something (I think she said powder?)
fake lashes & glue
lip gloss (she said 4 layers after alcohol scrub)
blush and bronzer
concealer
setting spray
brushes, sponges, thingies for applying the stuff

So, of that list, which are optional?

At least I already own make-up remover. Learned that the hard way: buy that before the event or face walking into the drugstore in stage make-up.

One more wrinkle: I am going to have to do my face during the drive, with my partner driving my car (and not used to the clutch). I'm more apprehensive about the make-up than the dancing.

You can use concealer and powder as an eye primer, so no need to buy that separately.

I'm going to say the same thing as others - absolutely do not do your makeup in the car! Either wake up extra early before you leave or get to the venue early enough (2 hours ahead of when you dance) to do your makeup. The only thing you could reasonably do in the car is apply lipstick, maybe.

Just in case you don't find someone, I think you could find three hours somewhere to prepare - one hour to go buy the makeup and two hours to practice using it.

Worst case scenario if you find yourself in a bind and are freaking out about makeup: throw on a single neutral metallic eyeshadow from lashline to crease (the edge of your eye socket) (color: gold or bronze), black pencil eyeliner, mascara, some blush, and a bright lip (red). Fill in your brows if you have lighter hair, but if you have darker hair, you might be able to skip that.

I also wrote a blog post a while back that might point you to some other videos that may be helpful, though I don't know how good they would be for an absolute beginner. https : // ballroommind . wordpress . com/2013/09/01/how-to-ballroom-makeup/

 

[theAnnelis]

flying_backwards, I'm with everyone else. 1, don't do your makeup in the car, least of all eye makeup. Recipe for disaster. I was on the train earlier tonight and had trouble getting straight lines with my liquid lipstick - and I'm a pro.

But secondly, in my experience, buying a whole ton of makeup at once without knowing *through experience* what you need is a bad idea - you'll probably end up buying a lot of items you'll either not know how to use, never use again, or that won't suit you, and that's just an insane waste of money, because good quality, durable makeup is not cheap. A light glam look or even a natural look can easily add up to $300 of products.

I know you said you know nothing about makeup, but think about what you can see yourself also using off the dance floor - and there'll be much less resentment for you that way. You won't feel like you spent so much money on something you didn't have to. I agree that it's better to find someone who knows and have them do it for you. You can see what products you like and don't (for example, you may or may not like the way they sit on your skin or how they wear through the day), and maybe take some notes. Makeup isn't something you learn in one sitting! I promise, the process is the fun part

I like this thread

 

[FancyFeet]

I will just have to find someone to do my face this time and then plan farther ahead for next time.

Sounds like a good call. There are usually vendors that take appointments, but more experienced dancers or local pros might be willing to help you out for less $. Word of mouth is how you find ones that have some skills.

For that next time: I'm not exactly a glamour girl in my everyday life... so when I decided I wanted to do my own make-up for comps, I did some product research (thanks DF!), went to a Sephora for a how-to on the basics (you can use a knowledgeable friend), and watched several YouTube videos for eyes. Then I practiced the look I wanted several times. The first time took me forever, and I did it with the video in front of me. The second time was better, and I timed it to give me an idea of how much time I needed on competition day. If memory serves, it was an hour or so. After years of practice, I can now do a full comp face in 30 minutes if I have to, but I like 45... it's much less stressful that way!

Overall, it took about a month of prep, between the research, shopping, learning and practicing. And yes, it ran to a few hundred - and would have been more had I just walked into a Sephora or MAC and bought everything there. I suggest you do this well out from your next competition or you'll be struggling to fit it in amongst all the other prep activities and financial outlay (hair, skin, nails, tan, practice, dress, etc.).

I do also suggest to dancers that are going to compete fairly regularly that even if you plan to pay someone to do your make-up - and if you don't have the skills or the desire to learn, and only compete once or twice a year, that may be the better option for you - have a basic kit (drugstore is fine) and learn how to do a simple look. It will save you if you are ever in a jam.

 

[flying_backwards]

Feeling so grateful for the advice.

Competing once or twice a year, and having no use for any make-up outside of a comp or performance, I agree it is more economical and better results to hire a pro to put my face on. I've heard the make-up goes stale or spoils after 6 months. If there were a make-up vendor at this comp I would have booked with them.

I watched a bit of the videos. Make-up is not for sissies nor dilettantes! I recall DF has a thread for pre-comp stress disorder. See ya over there... Really. This is not what I want to focus on this week.

 

[middy]

Competing once or twice a year, and having no use for any make-up outside of a comp or performance, I agree it is more economical and better results to hire a pro to put my face on. I've heard the make-up goes stale or spoils after 6 months. If there were a make-up vendor at this comp I would have booked with them.

Makeup should last longer than that, but yes, if you don't ever wear it outside of comps, then a minimal kit would make more sense than buying everything. Here is a decent estimate of expiration dates: http://www.popsugar.com/beauty/When-Throw-Makeup-Away-Guidelines-Cosmetic-Life-Span-1124422

However, I have a lot of stuff that is older than that and it works fine. The general rule is that powder products last longer than cream/liquid products, as they are less likely to grow bacteria.

 

[open_mind]

Hello!! I have been searching high and low for a tutorial on ballroom comp makeup that includes the names of colors and brands that are being used. I did find two videos that are exactly what I am looking for however, it's in another language and the products seem to be brands we can't get here in the States. I would love a side by side list of high end and drugstore brands along with color ideas for the eyes. I alredy have loads of eye shadow but when practicing with them, I can never seem to duplicate the smooth and flawless finish that I see on the comp floor. Is there a secret eye shadow that I don't know about? Please help!!! Thanks a bunch!!!!

Here is instructional video on ballet performance makeup with makeup brands names:

I am not sure if the products are available in the US, looks like to me they might be.

 

[middy]

Feeling so grateful for the advice.

Competing once or twice a year, and having no use for any make-up outside of a comp or performance, I agree it is more economical and better results to hire a pro to put my face on. I've heard the make-up goes stale or spoils after 6 months. If there were a make-up vendor at this comp I would have booked with them.

I watched a bit of the videos. Make-up is not for sissies nor dilettantes! I recall DF has a thread for pre-comp stress disorder. See ya over there... Really. This is not what I want to focus on this week.

Out of curiosity, what did you end up doing for your competition?

 

[flying_backwards]

Out of curiosity, what did you end up doing for your competition?

Thanks for asking Middy.
DIY was my only option. In the mirror it looked like a kid drew my face with crayons. But the photos from a distance look ok.

Now that I have a whole shoe box full of the stuff I should practice applying it, and watch more How To videos, before the next time. I suppose applying cosmetics is like any other craft that can be learned. I would just rather spend that time practicing dance.

 

[middy]

Thanks for asking Middy.
DIY was my only option. In the mirror it looked like a kid drew my face with crayons. But the photos from a distance look ok.

Now that I have a whole shoe box full of the stuff I should practice applying it, and watch more How To videos, before the next time. I suppose applying cosmetics is like any other craft that can be learned. I would just rather spend that time practicing dance.

Fair enough. As long as it looks decent from far away, that's all that matters!

If it helps you feel better at all, like it or not, the whole grooming aspect is totally an integral part of competitive dance, so it's kind of like practicing for that...

 

[Sania]

Taking a poll on eye primer:
- MAC paint pot?
- MAC prep and prime?
- other?

Would love to hear pros and cons and reasons for your preferences!

 

[3wishes]

Taking a poll on eye primer:
- MAC paint pot?
- MAC prep and prime?
- other?

Would love to hear pros and cons and reasons for your preferences!

I use MAC prep and prime, staying power, non greasy, easy for my needs even with daily or special event make up.

 

[Ballroom Boutique]

Taking a poll on eye primer:
- MAC paint pot?
- MAC prep and prime?
- other?

Would love to hear pros and cons and reasons for your preferences!

I love e.l.f. eye primer. My eye shadow looks just as great at the end of the day as when I applied it in the morning. And two bonuses, it's cruelty free and only costs $2!!! NYX is a really great product as well. I use their white base to make my ballroom eye shadow really pop and stand out. They are also cruelty free and costs about $7. I haven't tried any of the high end eye primer but from what I've read, these two that I've mentioned are great dupes for the more expensive brands.

 

[s2k]

Taking a poll on eye primer:
- MAC paint pot?
- MAC prep and prime?
- other?

Would love to hear pros and cons and reasons for your preferences!

I use Urban Decay eyeshadow primer and it. is. legit. Long wearing. No creasing - and I use a matte black eyeshadow so no creasing matters to me. Bright colors look on the eye as they do in the palette. There are four to choose from. I use Eden since it's mattifying.

Sidebar: in a pinch, it's a fantastic concealer.

Also, it's easier for me to get to an Ulta than it is to a MAC store, plus I find there's way more to choose from in the UD line than there is for MAC.

 

[Sania]

Thanks for the great feedback - I may try the e l f since I'm on a budget for this comp

What about setting spray / makeup fixative - any thoughts?

 

[s2k]

What about setting spray / makeup fixative - any thoughts?

Urban Decay's All-nighter. I use it for every day, and every day I come home and my face looks like I've just put it on. And I've got oily skin. AND I had practice!

It's not cheap, but I've learned by now you get what you pay for.