out from under go for gold seamless top pink

DANCE MAKEUP

There’s nothing quite like watching your child light up the stage at an eisteddfod or dance concert. Hair and makeup play just as big a role as the costume, ensuring each dancer looks their best under the stage lights.

For many parents—and even dancers applying their own makeup—creating the perfect stage look can feel overwhelming, especially if makeup isn’t your strong suit.

To help, we’ve put together some essential tips for achieving dance makeup that truly stands out.

First, let’s take a look at a before-and-after photo of the lovely Isabella. Her makeup highlights her features, making them pop beautifully on stage!

Great makeup starts with the right tools! Investing in a good-quality yet affordable brush set can make all the difference in achieving a polished look. Priceline offers budget-friendly options, including Manicare and Models Prefer brushes. For a reliable choice, Real Techniques brushes are among my personal favorites!

Step 1 – Primer

Dancers often wear their makeup for an entire day, so choosing the right products to enhance longevity is essential. Primer plays a crucial role in keeping foundation in place and creating a smooth base for application.

One of my favorite primers is the Laura Mercier Primer, available at David Jones, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Face of Australia Primer from Priceline is a great choice for under $12.

For teenagers with oily skin, a mattifying primer helps control shine, especially in the T-zone. I highly recommend the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Mattifying Primer for this.

Don’t forget to prep your lips! Apply a nourishing lip balm like Lanolips or Paw Paw Ointment to keep them soft. Regularly exfoliating with a toothbrush is a simple trick to remove dead skin and keep your lips smooth.

Step 2 – Eyes

I always start with the eyes first, especially for stage makeup, as eyeshadow fallout can get messy. Doing this before foundation allows for easy cleanup and gives the primer more time to settle into the skin.

Prepping the Eyes

  • Apply your foundation over the eyelid and under the eyes to create an even base.
  • Use an eye primer to ensure eyeshadow adheres properly and stays in place. This also prevents smudging and creasing throughout the day.
    • Top picks: Too Faced Shadow Insurance (Mecca Maxima) or Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.
    • Budget-friendly option: Face of Australia Eye Primer (Priceline, under $9).
  • If you don’t have an eye primer, concealer can work as an alternative.

Eyeshadow Application

  • Set the base – Apply a nude eyeshadow over the entire lid.
  • Define the crease – With a small fluffy brush, blend a soft brown shade into the crease and down toward the lash line.
  • Deepen the outer lid – Layer a medium brown/taupe shade on the outer lid, blending well. Gradually build intensity by adding darker brown, then black, ensuring the black remains closest to the lash line. Use a clean blending brush to seamlessly blend the shades together.
  • Brighten the inner lid – Apply a shimmery gold or bronze shade to the inner lid and inner corners to open up the eyes.
  • Highlight the brow bone – Use a pearl shimmer shade just below the eyebrows.
  • Lower lash line – With an angled brush, apply lighter shades toward the inner corner and darker shades on the outer lash line for added dimension.

For a great dance-friendly eyeshadow palette, try the CHI CHI Nudes Palette (Target, under $23) or Models Prefer Nude Palettes (Priceline).

Finishing Touches

  • Clean up fallout using micellar water and cotton buds or a makeup wipe.
  • Line the eyes:
    • Apply gel or liquid eyeliner along the upper lash line.
    • Line the lower lash line, stopping just short of the outer corner, then extend it horizontally for a lifted effect. A pencil liner works well here.
  • Mascara: Coat the top and bottom lashes for added volume.
  • False lashes:
    • Trim strip lashes to fit your eye shape.
    • Apply lash glue and wait about 20 seconds until tacky before placing them on the lid.
    • To create a lifted effect, position the outer corner slightly above the lash line.
    • Press the false lashes into your natural lashes using tweezers or fingers.

For stage-perfect lashes, I recommend Modelrock’s Pick and Mix lashes—affordable at under $2 per pair. Styles 212, 259, and 236 are great for stage performances.


Step 3 – Base

With the eyes complete and the skin prepped, it’s time to perfect the base.

Foundation

  • Use a buffing brush to blend a waterproof foundation into the skin.
  • For stage makeup, choose a shade one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone to ensure your features stand out under bright lights.
  • I used the Atelier Paris Waterproof Foundation on Isabella, but a great alternative is Revlon ColorStay Foundation.
  • Investing in a high-quality foundation is worthwhile, as it lasts longer and eliminates the need for frequent touch-ups.

(For local dance mums and students, I offer color-matching if you’re interested in ordering Atelier Paris foundations.)

Concealer

  • Apply concealer in a V shape under the eyes, down the nose bridge, and on the center of the forehead and chin for a brightened, even complexion.
  • I used MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, but Maybelline offers great budget-friendly options as well.

Blending is key—use a smaller buffing brush or a damp beauty sponge for a seamless finish.

Step 4 – Contour, Blush & Highlight

Once your base is perfectly blended, set everything in place with a translucent powder. A colorless powder is best to avoid altering the foundation shade. I recommend Ben Nye Translucent Powder, available from Scotty’s.

Contour

  • Using a contour powder, apply a line just below the cheekbones and blend upwards (making a “fish face” helps find the right placement).
  • Blend contour along the temples, jawline, and sides of the nose for added definition.
  • I used the Anastasia Contour Palette, but a great budget alternative is Models Prefer Contour Powder from Priceline for just $10.

Blush

  • Use a fluffy brush to apply a rosy pink blush to the cheekbones for a natural flush.
  • On Isabella, I used NARS Deep Throat, but any soft pink blush works well.

Highlight

  • Apply a highlighter to the tops of the cheekbones for a radiant glow.
  • My favorite is The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, available at David Jones and Sephora for under $30.
  • A great budget-friendly option is the Models Prefer Highlighter, available at Priceline for under $11.

Blending is key—make sure all the products transition smoothly for a flawless, stage-ready finish!

Step 5 – Brows & Lips

Brows

  • Fill in the eyebrows using a brow pencil or an eyeshadow that is one shade lighter than your natural brow color.
  • Apply with an angled brush for precision and blend well for a natural yet defined look.
  • Remember, eyebrows frame the eyes, so shaping them correctly enhances the overall makeup!

Lips

  • Outline the lips with a red lip liner to define the shape and prevent feathering.
  • Fill in the lips with a long-lasting red lipstick for a bold, stage-ready look.
  • Revlon ColorStay is a fantastic option for a vibrant, long-wearing red.

Step 6 – Setting Spray

To lock in the makeup and ensure it lasts under the bright stage lights, finish with a makeup setting spray.

  • Skindinavia Setting Spray is my go-to for long-lasting wear.
  • For a budget-friendly option, the Models Prefer Setting Spray from Priceline (under $15) works well to keep everything in place.

A few spritzes will help prevent smudging, fading, or melting—so your dancer’s look stays flawless from the first step to the final bow!

Let the show begin!!!!! 

10 BEAUTIFUL NAIL COLOURS THAT GO WITH EVERYTHING

In today’s fast-paced world, balancing a demanding career, managing a household, and enjoying quality time with loved ones leaves little room for downtime. And when we do find a moment to relax, we want to look and feel our best while doing it all.

For many women, nothing boosts confidence quite like the perfect manicure—elegant, timeless, and smart. A manicure that doesn’t chip after just a few days is a game-changer. With the advent of gel polishes, brands like CND have made it possible to enjoy flawless nails that last anywhere from two to four weeks. In fact, many women now even perform their own shellac manicures at home!

However, there’s one downside to gel polishes. While long-lasting manicures are convenient, it also means you’re stuck with the same nail color for weeks, which may not always match your outfits—especially if there’s a special occasion around the corner.

Unless you have the time or budget for frequent touch-ups, the most practical solution is to choose nail colors that complement everything in your wardrobe—colors that are versatile, timeless, and never clash with your ensemble. While olive green might be on trend for a weekend brunch, it might not be the best choice for a professional setting come Monday morning.

So whether you prefer gel, acrylic, or traditional polish, here are our top 10 nail color choices that go with just about everything.

SHORT BLACK NAILS

A touch of black is the simplest way to elevate any outfit with a hint of sophistication, and this extends to your nails too. While some may hesitate to use black for fear of it being too gothic, when applied to shorter nails, it strikes the perfect balance between edgy and chic. Plus, black pairs with everything, so you never have to worry about your nails clashing with your outfit!

NAVY BLUE NAILS

It may come as a surprise, but navy blue is actually a surprisingly smart and versatile color that pairs well with almost anything—whether it’s jeans, a suit, or an evening dress. The key to making navy blue look stylish rather than overwhelming is to keep the nails relatively short and avoid overly flashy nail art. This simple approach allows the color to shine without becoming too bold.

CHOCOLATE BROWN NAILS

You could say that chocolate brown is a deeper take on nude, and you’d be right, but this rich, sleek color truly deserves its own spot on this list. It’s a warm, flattering shade that complements every clothing color and suits all skin tones, making it ideal for the cooler months of autumn and winter. Chocolate brown pairs beautifully with pale pink or warm orange outfits and looks stunning with gold jewelry, adding a touch of sophistication to any look.

BORDEAUX NAILS / BURGUNDY NAILS

Closely related to the classic red nail, both bordeaux and burgundy are elegant alternatives. Bordeaux, a deep red inspired by Bordeaux wine, and burgundy, a rich reddish-purple, offer a sophisticated twist on the traditional red. These shades are perfect for the cooler autumn months and, like red, have a timeless appeal. Both bordeaux and burgundy seamlessly complement any outfit, making them a versatile and stylish choice for any occasion.

CLASSIC RED NAILS

How could a list of nail colors that match everything be complete without the most iconic shade of all—classic red? This timeless color radiates femininity, confidence, and effortless elegance. It’s the epitome of sophistication, and no matter what you’re wearing, you can always rely on red nail polish to be the perfect match.

LILAC NAILS

Lilac is often an underrated shade on nail polish lists, but when applied simply and without too much nail art, it can be absolutely stunning, especially during the spring and summer months. The key is to choose a subtle lilac, almost like a lilac version of blush pink, which complements a wide range of outfits—from blues and greys to pinks and yellows. Give it a try—you might be pleasantly surprised by how versatile and beautiful it looks!

BLUSH NAILS

A natural progression from beige, blush pink is the ideal choice for those with fairer skin who may not feel as comfortable in beige. Blush pink nail polish is a soft, delicate shade of light pink—subtle and understated—that seamlessly complements virtually any outfit in your wardrobe. Its gentle hue makes it a versatile and timeless option for any occasion.

BEIGE OR NUDE NAILS

Much like grey, nude or beige tones are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion, year-round. These neutral shades are universally flattering and easy to pair with almost any outfit, making them a go-to choice for many.

The ideal beige or nude shade for you depends on your skin tone (though this is more of a suggestion than a strict rule). Medium and darker complexions tend to suit a wide range of nude shades, while lighter skin tones might prefer opting for lighter hues for a more complementary look.

LIGHT GREY NAILS

Light grey is a popular shade that effortlessly blends trendiness with timeless elegance. Grey works year-round, with lighter shades ideal for the warmer spring and summer months, while darker greys are perfect for the chillier autumn and winter seasons. This versatile color complements both silver and gold jewelry, making it a go-to choice for any occasion. Whether dressed up or down, grey nails offer a sophisticated, understated look that pairs with virtually everything.

WHITE TIP NAILS / FRENCH MANICURE

Starting off with the cleanest option on the list, the classic French manicure, with its signature white tips. Whether on fingers or toes, a well-executed French manicure is perfect for any outfit or occasion and suits all skin tones. A bit more traditional than a full white nail, the French manicure is a timeless classic that remains ever-relevant. It’s incredibly versatile, and when done well, it ensures your nails look polished and manicured, lasting until your next touch-up.