How to Apply Makeup

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Whether you are going out with friends or getting ready for an audition or competition, the basics of applying makeup are the same. Here is an outline you can use to get the look you want and learn some great tips for you and your friends!

The Basics
Prep
•   Clean your face with an oil-free cleanser.
•   Follow with an acne prevention or treatment. This is a good step for teens and even older dancers to prevent pores from getting clogged with makeup and sweat, which can cause breakouts.
•   End your preparation with an oil-free facial moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher.


Skin
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Cover imperfections, under-eye darkness and blemishes with concealer. Blend the edges with your finger or a sponge.
•   Apply a liquid or powder foundation over your whole face with a brush, make up sponge or fingers. Make sure to blend around your hairline and your jaw. To make sure your color looks consistent you can use some foundation on your neck. Try blending foundation with lotion to make it easy to apply on the neck.
•   To set your foundation and help prevent shine, add a translucent powder like corn silk on your face with a brush.
•   Finish off your foundation with a matching powder, blending it in circles to give your skin a finished look.


Brows
•   If you tweeze your brows, only take the stray hairs from around your natural brow. If you have never done this you may want to try getting your brows waxed once so you can find a good shape for you. Then you can keep that shape by tweezing strays.
•   Do not over-tweeze your brows, because very thin brows will make you look older. Also, the more you tweeze the better the chances are that your hair follicle will die and your brow will not grow back.
•   If you need to, fill out your brows with a pencil that matches your hair color.


Eye Shadow and Liner
•   If you use eyeliner, begin by applying it. Use your finger to gently pull your eyelid out so the skin lays flat. Apply a liquid or pencil to the upper lash line, and the lower as well if you choose. Liquid is much bolder and darker, and is a good choice for competitions.
•   Blend the edges of your pencil liner with your finger or a small makeup brush.
•   Eye shadow is a lot of fun. If you are at a competition you may want to use a color that complements or matches your costume. Or you may choose more neutral browns or strong grays and blacks.
•   Basic: use a darker color on your eyelid and the crease of your eye. Use a lighter color for a highlighter below the arch of your brow. Blend all colors and along the edges.
•   Three Color: use three different shades; the lightest highlighter can be applied to the arch below the brow and on the inner part eyelid.
•   The second darker shade can be applied to the middle section of the eyelid.
•   The darkest shade is applied to the outer corner of the eyelid.
•   Blend all edges; you want the colors to blend in with each other.


Eyelashes
•   Curl your eyelashes. This will make your eyes look big and your lashes look long. Use an eyelash curler with padded edges. Gently pinch your lashes and use several quick clamps with the curler moving from the base of the lash out.
•   If you are applying false eyelashes for a big event, put glue on lashes and let them dry until the glue is tacky, and then apply the lashes. Place the longer lengths at the outer edges of your eyes.
•   Then finish up with mascara to blend the fake lashes with your own. If you are going to be working hard and sweating, use waterproof mascara.


Blush
•   Apply blush with a brush on the apple of your cheeks. Smile while looking in the mirror to find the round apple of your cheeks.Then blend the edges.


Lipstick
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Finish with lipstick or colored lip gloss. If you are at a competition or need your lipstick to last a long time, try a color-last or long-wear formula. If you are on stage choose a red color. Red will show up to the audience, define your face and show your emotions. Red shades work on everyone. Pinks and browns work for some skin tones.
•   For casual events, choose a color that is close to the shade of your lips.
•   For a quick fresh makeup look use a tinted lotion with SPF, mascara and lip gloss!
* To add a little quick color add a swipe of liquid eye shadow to lips.


Tips:
•   Check your make up in natural light!
•   You can use blush for your eye color and cheeks.
•   Blend a little lipstick with gloss for a touch of color.
•   Blend your tan summer foundation with a lighter winter color for spring and fall.
•   Use oil blotting papers to control shine throughout the day.
•   Always wear a moisturizer with an SPF; the sun ages skin more than anything else.
•   Use Crest White Strips for a beautiful white smile.
•   Use baby wipes to remove color-stay lipstick and other makeup.


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