Perfect stage makeup is an artform in itself, and learning to apply it is a skill all dancers need. Dance Informa spoke to some of the artists from Queensland Ballet to get their top tips on applying stage makeup, and how to care for your skin.
On applying makeup…
“My number one makeup tip would be to find a good primer, and always use it before applying your base foundation. This has saved my skin during performance seasons where we require stage makeup once, if not twice, a day.” – Sophie Zoricic
Queensland Ballet’s Sophie Zoricic. Photo by David Kelly.
“As dancers, we are always given reference pictures for our makeup for a performance that provide a guide of how the makeup should look, what colours to use. It’s great to have the guide, but I still think it’s very important to find a way to do the makeup to suit your own face. Everyone is different, and what works for one dancer may not be any good for another dancer. Make it your own.” – Tamara Hanton
“A tip for applying stage makeup is to make it thick enough that it can be read from the back balcony of the theatre.” – Teri Crilly
On skin care…
“As far as skincare goes, I really like to give my skin a chance to breathe when it can, whether it be not wearing make-up when it isn’t necessary or taking it off as soon as I get home. I then cleanse my face and if my skin is feeling a bit dry and under-nourished, I’ll moisturise.” – Sophie Zoricic
“Never underestimate the importance of investing in good quality makeup wipes to remove makeup. I always make it a priority to drink plenty of water for my skin but also for my general health and well-being. I always moisturise under my makeup and never sleep in my makeup! Always cleanse before bed.” – Teri Crilly
“I always cleanse my face really well in the shower straight after a performance to allow my skin to breathe after being under thick stage makeup. I’ve recently discovered that baby wipes are also really good for removing stage makeup quickly. Two of my golden rules are to never sleep in makeup and always moisturise under makeup.” – Tamara Hanton
Queensland Ballet’s Tamara Hanton. Photo by David Kelly.
What’s inside that counts…
Good nutrition is also essential for looking after your skin and protecting against the effects of thick stage make-up. Some of the best foods for your skin are:
- Carrots, apricots, and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables.
- Spinach and other green leafy vegetables.
- Beans, peas and lentils.
- Salmon, mackerel and other fatty fish.
By Rain Francis of Dance Informa.
Photo (top): Queensland Ballet’s Teri Crilly. Photo by David Kelly.
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