Why Performance Makeup Is Important For Cheerleaders and Dancers!!!

 Why Performance Makeup Is Important For Cheerleaders and Dancers!!!

The main concept for performance makeup and everyday makeup are very much the same, they are used to create an illusion. The major difference is the illusion you want to create while wearing performance makeup is more dramatic and bold so that it can be seen from far away. Cheerleaders and dancers have special needs when it comes to performance makeup. As athletes, makeup has to stay fresh through perspiration and last for many hours.

Performance makeup needs to look natural but also needs a hint of glamour. Usually athletes are performing under bright lights and at a distance from their audience or judges. As cheerleaders and dancers our facial expressions play a huge role in our performance;  this is the way we engage our audience and show character. If performance makeup is not applied correctly this is lost in the performance due to the distance of the audience. Performance makeup should be heavier, both in texture and pigment.  It is very important to observe the athletes skin type when choosing makeup products so that they avoid blemishes and breakouts.

Basic performance day makeup tips:                    

Foundation

·        Try using a light weight foundation or a BB Cream.

·        Avoid going too dark with your foundation even if your body is tanner.

·        Use a sheer bronzer on the outer sides of the face to enhance a bright look.

Blush

·        Choose a pink or peach blush color

·        Avoid a blush with brown mauve under tones

·        Apply to the front apple of your cheek

Eyeliner

·        Choose a water proof formula

·        Focus on the top lid, applying under the eye can look messy after a long day

·        Use a tiny makeup brush to apply

·        Paint in dashes from inner eye to the outer

Mascara

·        Choose a waterproof formula

·        Focus on the top lashes so you won’t have smudges

·        Two coats to the top lashes

·        Replace tube once a month

Lips

·        Reds, pinks, and shimmer gloss are all good picks

·        Choose a long-lasting color

·        Use a same color lip liner to cover the entire lip first

 The author

 Natalie Gregg is from Louisiana. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Natalie has been an instructor for the Universal Cheerleading Association for 4 years. She earned a UCA College National Championship title in 2005 while cheering at ULM. Natalie has been coaching for the past 7 years as well as Head All-Star Cheer Coach in her home town for 3 years. She has also worked as a choreographer in the States of Louisiana and Arkansas. Cheerleading has been a part of her life for 14 years and she is grateful for the opportunity to share her passion for this sport internationally in China!