Dance Competition Makeup: A Checklist

A confident dance performance begins with a confident face, and that starts with the right look. Dance makeup helps the judges and audience tune into the emotional aspects of your performance, whether they’re sitting in the front row or at the back of the theater.

Instead, prevent cosmetic catastrophes with this handy checklist. The night before your competition, pack all these items in your bag so they’re ready to go the next morning. It doesn’t hurt to run through the checklist one last time before running out the door, either.

Dance Competition Makeup Checklist

1. Moisturizer

A smooth, bright complexion starts with hydrated skin, so tote along a hydrating face lotion.

2. Face & Eye Primer

Primer preps it for foundation, helping your makeup to last through multiple routines and sweat.

3. Foundation & Concealer

Foundation and concealer smooth any blemishes, dark marks, or shadows on your skin and brightens your complexion so you can put your best face forward.

4. Foam or Sponge Makeup Blenders

You can have the perfect foundation, but you need a way to apply it. The debate is out about whether it’s better to apply foundation with a brush, sponges, or foam blenders – experiment with what works for you!

5. Blush & Contouring product

A powder or cream in a shade slightly darker than your skin color can help define your cheekbones, neck, and shoulders and add dimension to your face. After defining your face with contouring powder or cream, you need to top it all off with blush. Choose a pink shade slightly brighter than your average, everyday makeup.

6. Eyeshadows

To define your eyes, you’ll need several eyeshadows in a variety of shades.

7. Liquid or Gel Eyeliner in Black and White

Liquid or gel eyeliners last longer than their pencil counterparts. White eyeliner can be applied to the waterline to make eyes look bigger, while black eyeliner pressed into the upper and lower lash lines make your eyes and lashes stand out even more and set off your shadow.

8. False Eyelashes

False eyelashes are a must-have for the stage, making your eyes pop.

9. Mascara

If you’re wearing fake lashes, you don’t really need mascara, but it can be useful to pack a tube just in case your fake lashes decide to be fussy and won’t stick.

10. Brow powder/pencil

Strong brows are an essential part of your stage look since they set off the rest of your makeup and define your expressions to the audience.

11. Lipstick

Pack a long-wear lipstick product that will last throughout your competition without drying out your lips.

12. Finishing powder or setting spray

A finishing powder or setting spray is the cherry on top of your look that will help your makeup stay put, no matter how much you break a sweat.

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It’s smart to pack some useful extras in your makeup bag, too. Bring Q-tips, makeup remover, cotton pads, and extra makeup brushes, so you’re prepared for anything.

Dance Recital Must-Haves Checklist

Every dancer will agree with us – no matter how many recitals you’ve performed in, in the midst of excitement and stage fright, somehow you always manage to forget something important.  So, to help you make sure you’ve got everything you need for your upcoming recitals, we’ve put together a dance recital checklist!

  1. Extras: It’s always good to have an extra set of tights/delicate garments on hand in case your first set get a run or get dirt all over them somehow. Plus, if someone forgot theirs, you could save the day with your spare set!
  2. Mini first-aid kit: Between quick changes and rehearsals, a lot of things could go wrong! It’s not a bad idea to keep a mini first-aid kit as it will contain bandages, ointment, and wraps. You may want to throw in a package of blister bandages, a few hot and cold packs, a pain reliever, and some allergy medication. It may be necessary to have extra feminine products available as well.
  3. Hangers & garment bags: There’s nothing worse than not being able to find a critical part of your costume right before you’re about to go onstage! Avoid stress by organizing your costumes on hangers inside garment bags as soon as you get to your dressing room – you’ll thank yourself during the quick changes!
  4. Miniature sewing kit: Let’s face it – costumes don’t always hold up. Having said that, it’s smart to keep a handful of safety pins or needle and thread in your makeup case for any last-minute repairs or alterations. This could also include a lint brush, static guard, stain removal pen, and some double-sided tape.
  5. Snacks and water: Recitals are long and exhausting! It’s important to make sure that you’ve got a variety of snacks and water bottles in your bag so you can maintain hydrated and your energy levels to avoid fatigue.
  6. Makeup: You never know if your make up will fade or sweat off during a recital, chances are, you’re going to have to reapply your makeup throughout the day. Make sure you bring all your essentials – eyelash glue, lipstick, blush. You never know what you might need!
  7. Wipes: Your makeup looks might vary between dances. Makeup removal or baby wipes are great for quickly removing your lipstick or even your full face of makeup between routines.
  8. Camera: Dance recitals make the best memories! Be sure to bring a camera so you can document the show with your friends! ????

Did we miss anything? What’s on your dance recital packing list? Share with us in the comments section below.