Proper dance stage makeup ensures every smile and frown is visible, even from the back row. Learn how to correctly apply ballet dance makeup here.

Every performer needs to have their makeup applied correctly, even ballet dancers. In this article, we will look at how to do stage makeup for dancers, including the makeup tools and essentials needed for ballet stage makeup, the demographics that this applies for – from preschoolers taking their first steps on stage to professionals captivating an audience – as well as a step by step process on how to apply dance makeup.

Key Points:

Ensure that you are equipped for all occasions with the best makeup brushes

Understanding Stage Makeup For Dancers

Unlike everyday makeup, dance make-up serves multiple purposes: it dramatically enhances a dancer’s facial features to prevent them from being lost under bright stage lights. This type of makeup might appear exaggerated up close but looks perfect from afar. 

The key is improving natural features using a palette that’s a few shades darker than the dancer’s typical skin tones, ensuring visibility without distortion.

Every dancer’s makeup kit should be stocked with several essential items to achieve the perfect stage look:

• Foundation: A shade that matches the skin tone for a seamless look.
• Lip liner and Lipstick: Red shades that complement the performer’s skin tone without overpowering.
• Blush: Pink to naturally pronounce the cheeks better.
• Powder: To set the makeup and reduce shine.
• Eye Shadows: A trio of browns—from light to dark—to add depth to the eyes.
• Eyeliner: Black or very dark brown to define the eyes.
• Black Mascara: This can be used to aid lash visibility.
• Highlighter: Ivory or cream to brighten and illuminate key facial features.
• Brushes: Various sizes for precise application on lips, eyes, brows, and cheeks.
• False Eyelashes: For teenage and adult dancers, adding a dramatic flair.
• Bronzer: Using bronzer is optional, especially for added warmth and contouring.

What Age Groups Does This Apply For?

With dance makeup for the stage, makeup techniques need to be applied differently depending on the age group. For example, preschool children with parents eager to get them into dance school may need more subtle makeup changes, whereas older children, teenagers, young adults and more, will need more pronounced, in-depth makeup appliances. We have broken these down into subgroups for you to better understand:

Preschool Aged Children

When it comes to dance makeup for the youngest performers, subtlety is sometimes the best option.

Using natural colours ensures that the makeup highlights rather than overwhelms a child’s features. The goal is to elevate their expressions so that they’re visible from afar without making them appear overly “made up.” 

A gentle touch with a pink blush, a light brown eyeshadow, and a small amount of mascara can make a preschool child’s features pop under the stage lights, keeping their look as innocent and delightful as their performance.

Older Children and Teenagers

As dancers grow, their stage makeup should evolve to match their age and the intensity of their performances. 

For children and teenagers, the dance make-up becomes slightly more dramatic to adapt to their roles and the size of the venues. Incorporating darker eyeliners, a richer palette of eye shadows from light to dark brown, and using false eyelashes can help their facial expressions significantly. 

Women

For women, ladies should opt for a stronger foundation base, professional eye makeup, and bold lips using a red lip liner and lipstick to ensure their facial expressions are conveyed all the way to the back of the auditorium.

Remember that all dancers are different, especially if they have beauty marks and moles to be aware of when applying dance make up.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Ballet Stage Makeup

Please follow this professional step by step guide on how you should apply ballet stage makeup:

Step 1. Foundation and Concealer 

Start with a solid base. Depending on the performer’s age and skin type, you can begin with either a makeup primer or a simple moisturiser to prepare the skin. 

For the foundation, use a pancake or cream foundation when dealing with adult dancers, as these formulations provide long-lasting coverage and resist sweating under stage lights. 

For younger dancers, a tinted moisturiser or a light coverage foundation may suffice since their skin requires less coverage.

When applying concealer, select a shade slightly lighter than the skin tone to brighten under the eyes and cover any imperfections. This step is crucial for ensuring the dancer’s face looks flawless and luminous from the audience.

Step 2. Setting Powder and Blush 

After you have applied the foundation and concealer, set the makeup with a translucent powder. This helps to mattify and stabilise the base, ensuring it stays intact throughout the performance. Whether you choose loose or pressed powder depends on your preference for blending or setting.

Next, bring the cheeks forward with a blush. Stage makeup for dancers allows for a bit more intensity with blush to ensure the features pop under harsh lighting, but it’s important to blend well to maintain a natural appearance in relation to the stage environment.

Step 3. Brows 

Eyebrows frame the face and are vital for expressive performances in ballet. 

Begin by filling in the brows with a pencil that matches or is slightly darker than the natural brow colour. Use light, feathery strokes to keep the brows looking natural yet defined. 

For those with naturally thick brows, a clear eyebrow gel can be used to set the shape and help build the natural arch, preparing them for the spotlight.

Step 4. Eyeshadow Application 

The eyes are central to expressing emotion in dance. 

Begin with a light, neutral eyeshadow over the entire eyelid to create a smooth base. Then, apply a darker shade in the crease to add depth and dimension. Blend thoroughly to avoid any harsh lines. For a touch of sparkle and to highlight the eyes further, add a shimmery highlighter or a light champagne eyeshadow to the inner corners and brow bones. 

This step will ensure that the eyes are not only way more defined, but also makes them appear larger and more open, ensuring the dancer’s expressions are clear and impactful.

Step 5. Eyes

In ballet, the intensity of stage lighting can often diminish facial features, making well-defined eyes pivotal for dancers. 

Using a dark brown or black eyeliner, draw a precise line as close as possible to the lash line, extending slightly into a subtle flick to aid the eye’s natural shape. This technique helps maintain the visibility of the eyes from afar. 

For the lower lashes, a softer application using a darker brown eyeshadow with a thin brush can add depth without overpowering the look.

Step 6. Eyelashes

Start by curling the eyelashes to open up the eyes. 

Apply several coats of waterproof mascara to ensure the lashes remain defined and free from smudging throughout the performance. For dancers ten years or older, false eyelashes might be needed. 

When using false lashes, trim them to fit the natural lash line and blend them with a coat of mascara. 

How long do eyelash extensions last? Find out now.

Step 7. Lips

Lip colour is the final touch that can make a significant impact on a dancer’s stage makeup. 

The common choice is often a shade of red, but it’s important to select a tone that complements the overall makeup and costume. 

Proceed by outlining and filling in the lips with a red lip liner to define the shape and provide a base that aids the longevity of the lipstick. Apply the lipstick with a brush for precision, ensuring even coverage and a polished finish.

Step 8. Ready for the Spotlight

With the makeup application complete, the dancer is ready to take to the stage. 

The makeup should improve natural beauty and expression, ensuring every gesture and emotion is conveyed to the audience, making the performance unforgettable.

Take To The Stage With Ballet Dance Makeup

In conclusion, applying ballet stage makeup correctly is a demanding but essential skill needed to help dancers stand out on the stage, from their general features to their unique expressions made during a performance. By following this detailed guide, dancers can ensure their makeup is flawless and durable, allowing them to captivate and shine during their performances.

Check out these useful sweat-proof makeup tips from an expert ballerina.

FAQs

How do I remove heavy stage makeup without harming my skin?

To remove heavy stage makeup gently, use an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover. These products dissolve makeup effectively without harsh scrubbing. Follow up with a gentle face wash and a hydrating moisturiser to replenish moisture and soothe the skin.

Any tips for makeup application for male dancers?

Male dancers should focus on defining their facial features without looking overly made-up. A tinted moisturiser, a light dusting of powder to reduce shine, and a subtle contour can help their facial structure. A clear or brown mascara can be used to emphasise the eyes without appearing too dramatic.

Sources

LaLancette, K., (2023) A Ballerina’s Expert Tips for Sweat-Proof Makeup. The Kit. [online] Available at: https://thekit.ca/beauty/makeup/ballerina-tips-for-sweat-proof-makeup/ [accessed 07/02/2025]