ready to wear make up

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!!!!! 

28 SHORT BLUNT BOB HAIRCUT THAT’LL INSPIRE YOU TO MAKE THE CHOP

The blunt bob is having a moment, and for good reason! This edgy yet elegant style is perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance yet chic look. Get inspired by these 28 stunning examples.

Chic Volume


Zendaya in a green dress with a side-parted tousled bob.Blunt bobs don’t have to be flat or lifeless. Zendaya shows off a bouncy, blunt cut with face-framing, piece-y fringe that’s full of volume. “One of my favorite ways to style a blunt bob is with a voluminous blowout that’s smooth but still retains a shiny, radiant finish,” says Graciano. “This look works well for those who enjoy flipping or playing with their hair throughout the day.”

Blunt Ends


Vanessa Hudgens in a purple top and a rounded bob with a center part. For a chic effect, add subtle shape to your long bob by curving the ends. Use a round brush to replicate this sleek look.

Bed Head Texture


Hailey Bieber in a tousled, textured bob. Bringing the ’90s vibe back, Hailey Bieber’s short, edgy, and tousled bob looks effortlessly undone. Achieve this messy yet stylish look with a texturizing spray, such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.

Short and Sweet


Kaia Gerber in a textured center-parted bob with brown hair and pink ends. A chin-length bob is always timeless and chic. Add a fun twist by dyeing the ends pastel pink, like Kaia Gerber, for a playful and unique edge.

Long Blunt Bob


Selena Gomez with a rounded bob and brown lipstick. A long bob is always a winner, and you can elevate the style by going for a blunt, angled chop, just like Selena Gomez did.

Space Buns and Faux Locs


Ciara with a long bob featuring space buns and dreadlocks. Any hair type or texture can pull off a bob. Ciara adds her own twist by pairing faux locs with space buns for a modern, playful look with a ’90s-inspired feel.

Bleached and Center-Parted


Kourtney Kardashian in a bleached blonde bob with a center part. A bleached blonde bob stands out on its own, but when paired with a center part and blunt ends, the look becomes ultra-modern. The subtle root contrast adds depth and style.

Air-Dried and Straight


Emma Chamberlain in a blonde blunt bob with sunglasses. Air-dried hair doesn’t always mean waves. Emma Chamberlain’s air-dried, straight bob with tousled texture looks effortless. Graciano suggests using a pomade stick like Goldie Locks Flyaway Fix for extra dimension.

Textured Waves


Ella Mai with a textured wave blunt bob. Textured waves add volume to a blunt bob. To recreate this look, use a flat iron on low heat and a good texturizing spray.

Clean Lines


Geraldine Viswanathan with a straight blunt bob. A blunt bob with straight ends and a middle part is timeless. Add shine with a glossing treatment like Rahua’s Color Full Glossing Oil Mist for an instant light-catching glow.

Smooth & Textured


Jennifer Lopez with a blunt bob. For naturally fine hair, a blunt cut creates the illusion of thicker, more voluminous hair. The even ends give a fuller, denser look.

Blunt Braids


Marsai Martin with shoulder-length braids and blunt ends. Braids with blunt, even ends create a bold statement. Marsai Martin’s slightly angled ends enhance the look.

Add Some Volume


Taylor Hill with a voluminous blunt bob. Subtle internal shaping, also known as graduation, removes bulk and adds volume to a blunt bob. Taylor Hill’s effortless volume is perfect for switching between sleek or wavy textures.

Wispy Bangs


Orion Carloto with a blunt bob and wispy bangs. For a chic, “undone” finish, add wispy bangs and a messy texture to your blunt bob. This style looks effortless and is suitable for any time of year.

Super-Subtle Waves


Taylor Lashae with a soft, wavy blunt bob. For a modern yet retro look, combine straight, blunt ends with soft waves. A great hair gel and side part help achieve this effortlessly stylish bob.

Big Waves


Cardi B with a sleek wavy blunt bob. Big waves give a blunt bob extra volume and body. Use a one-inch curling iron for defined curls that won’t fall flat.

All the Curls


Alanna Arrington with curly bangs and a blunt bob. Curly-haired individuals benefit from blunt bobs that show off curls while creating bounce and volume. Brown recommends using gel products like Deva Curl Supreme Gel mixed with volumizing foam.

Subtle Layers


A subtle layered blunt bob. Subtle layers can add shape and volume to a blunt bob. Start with a volumizing product near the roots for extra lift and movement.

Pin Straight


Rosamund Pike with a sleek, pin-straight blunt bob. A flawless, pin-straight blunt bob is a stunning statement. Use a flat iron like the Dyson Corrale for the perfect finish.

Chin-Length Braids


Chin-length box braids in a blunt cut. Box braids at chin length are lightweight and perfect for any season. This bold, edgy style is ideal for showing off a new cut.

Voluminous Curls


Yara Shahidi with voluminous curly blunt bob. Curly hair and blunt ends play off each other, creating volume and bounce. To style, use gel products that add both weight and volume.

Chic Fringe

Rihanna with a blunt bob and fringe bangs. Rocker-chic vibes come alive with a blunt bob featuring wispy bangs. Add a piece-y texture with hair pomade like Marie Nila Salty Cream.

Sleek Silhouette


Irina Shayk with a sleek, side-swept blunt bob. An asymmetrical, side-swept blunt bob creates a sleek silhouette with a bit of edge.

Soft, Side-Swept Finish


Tiffany Haddish with a soft, side-swept blunt bob. Show off healthy, soft ends with a sleek, high-shine finish and side part for a clean and polished look.

S-Waves


Jennifer Lawrence with S-waves and a blunt bob. S-waves add a soft texture to blunt ends. This touchable look is perfect for everyday wear.

Platinum Perfection


Michelle Williams with a platinum blunt bob. Pairing a blunt bob with platinum hair creates an edgy, bold statement that stands out.

Side-Swept Curls


Taraji P. Henson with side-swept curly blunt bob. For natural curls, a blunt bob lets curls bounce beautifully, and side-swept styling adds extra flair.

Layer-less Volume


Bella Hadid with a voluminous, layer-less blunt bob. This sleek chin-length bob showcases soft, blunt ends that still offer volume and body, making it ideal for thin or fine hair.

CONCLUSION

Ready to take the plunge? The blunt bob is a bold statement that’s sure to turn heads. We hope this collection has sparked your imagination and fueled your desire for a fresh start