Dance Competition Makeup: A Practical Guide

Ballroom and Latin competition floors are big, brightly lit and judged from a distance. Makeup that looks finished in your bathroom mirror disappears under stage lights and at the edge of the floor where the judges stand. This guide covers what competition makeup needs to do, the order to apply it, and the mistakes we see most often from first-time competitors.

Why competition makeup is different

Everyday makeup is designed to be seen from a few feet away in natural light. Competition makeup is designed to be seen from ten to thirty feet away under strong overhead lighting, often while you are moving fast. Three things change as a result:

• Contrast has to be stronger. Features that are not defined wash out and your face looks flat from the judges' table.
• Everything has to last. A full competition day can mean several heats, a quick-change and hours under lights. Makeup that slides by the second round costs you presentation.
• It has to match your tan. Most Latin competitors and many Standard competitors use competition tan. Face makeup has to match the tanned body, not your natural skin.

Before you start: skin and tan

Apply competition tan the day or night before, following the product directions, and let it develop fully before you match your foundation to it. Clean, moisturized skin holds makeup longer. Use a primer on the face and eyelids. If you perspire heavily, a mattifying primer in the T-zone helps more than extra powder later.

Step-by-step application

1. Foundation matched to the tan

Choose a full-coverage, long-wear foundation one shade that blends into your tanned neck and chest. Test it in daylight next to your body tan. A pale face on a dark body is the most common mistake on the floor and it reads clearly from a distance.

2. Contour and highlight

Contour more than you would for daily wear: under the cheekbones, along the jaw, the sides of the nose and the hairline. Blend well so the lines are defined but not striped. Highlight the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose and the center of the forehead. Under competition lights, this is what gives your face shape.

3. Set with powder

Set the base with a translucent or tan-matched setting powder. Press it in rather than sweeping. A light setting spray at the end locks the base without making it cakey.

4. Eyes

Eyes carry the most expression, so they get the most attention.

• Use a darker shade in the crease to create depth that reads from a distance.
• A strong winged liner lifts and opens the eye. Waterproof liquid liner holds best.
• Use false lashes. Strip lashes that are fuller than you would wear socially are standard in both Latin and Standard. Glue them well and let the glue set before you open your eyes fully.
• Finish with waterproof mascara to blend your natural lashes into the false ones.

Latin styling usually allows more color and shimmer on the lid. Standard styling tends to stay closer to classic neutrals, browns and bronze. When in doubt, follow the look of the top couples at your level and check your competition's rules.

5. Brows

Fill and define brows slightly darker and fuller than usual so they frame the eye from the audience. Set them with a brow gel so they do not smudge when you sweat.

6. Lips

Line lips first, then fill with a long-wear lipstick. Deep reds, berries and warm nudes all work under lights. Blot and apply a second layer for staying power. Carry the lip color in your bag for touch-ups between rounds.

Makeup is one of nine parts of the complete competition image, together with the dress, hair, tan, jewelry and shoes. See What It Really Takes to Create the Ballroom Look.

Makeup for men

Male competitors also wear makeup, just lighter. A tan-matched foundation or tinted moisturizer evens skin under lights, a matte powder controls shine, and a small amount of brow definition helps the face read from a distance. Skip anything shiny.

Makeup for youth dancers

Youth and junior categories often have specific rules about makeup and false lashes. Rules differ between organizations and age groups, so check the rulebook for your event before you buy anything. Keep it age-appropriate and simple. The goal is to prevent the face from washing out, not to look older.

How long it takes and when to start

Full competition makeup usually takes one to two hours, including lashes. Plan to finish at least an hour before your first heat so you have time to warm up, get into your costume and do hair touch-ups. If your hair is in a slicked competition style, do the hair first so gel and spray do not ruin fresh makeup.

What to pack for touch-ups

• Blotting papers and setting powder
• Lipstick, lip liner and a small mirror
• Lash glue and a spare pair of lashes
• Cotton swabs and makeup remover for quick fixes
• Setting spray

For the full list of what to bring on competition day, including shoes, costume care and snacks, see our Ballroom Competition Packing List.

Common mistakes to avoid

• A face that does not match a tanned body
• Too little contrast, so the face looks flat from a distance
• Lashes that were not given time to set and lift during the first heat
• Trying a completely new look on competition day. Do a full practice run at least a week before.
• Forgetting the neck and ears, which show clearly with competition hairstyles

Preparing for your first competition

Makeup is one part of presentation. Technique, floor craft and confidence under pressure matter far more to your results. New to competing? Start with What Is DanceSport? At AscenDance Studio, Jelena Stojkovic, a World Cup Champion and 14-time National Champion, coaches pro-am and amateur competitors in Dallas through every part of competition preparation, from routines to the day itself.

If you are getting ready for your first event, learn more about our DanceSport coaching or book a private coaching session to build a plan around your competition date.