Makeup Ready

June 22, 2011

Prepping Your Face for Stage Makeup


If you have a weeklong run of performances, you’ll be applying a lot of makeup—and without the right preparations, it could lead to a major breakout. But don’t fret! We asked Karen Armand, Pacific Northwest Ballet’s specialty makeup supervisor, how to save your face from the havoc heavy makeup application can cause. —Stephanie Falkowski

 

Step one: Use a cleanser.
Start with a clean slate by removing dead skin cells, excess oil and dirt from the skin.

Armand’s pick: Aveeno’s Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser. It’s hypoallergenic and soy-based, so it soothes the skin.


Step two: Apply a moisturizer. Lotion serves as a barrier between your skin and the makeup, keeping in moisture and minimizing irritation from any allergic reactions you may have to the foundation. If you’re using a cream foundation, slather on a heavier moisturizer, but for a water-based foundation, use a lighter moisturizer. Moisturizer will make makeup removal much easier, too.

Armand’s pick: Dr. Hauschka’s Quince Day Cream for heavy moisturizing and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer for lighter moisturizing.


Step three: Use powder to help keep the makeup set. With a flat powder puff—not a brush— press the powder directly onto your face in a blotting motion, so there’s no smearing.

Armand’s pick: MAC Blot Powder

Tip: The makeup-removal process is just as important as the prep because it keeps your pores from clogging. Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes are perfect for quickly taking off makeup and sweat.


Do a trial run! Every dancer’s skin is unique, so test several different products to find what works best for you.


Did You Know?

Visualization can help you eat healthier. In a recent study at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, researchers discovered that people

who visualized the steps they were going to take to change their diets found themselves eating healthier than ever before. So, take a seat, close your eyes and ask yourself: “What healthy foods am I going to buy? Where am I going to buy them? How am I going to prepare them?” Then, put your plan into action. —Michael Anne Bailey


Homemade Heaven

Dying to have a facial but can’t afford the hefty salon price tag? Try Armand’s easy at-home steam facial to help soothe skin irritation from stage makeup. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the pot on a sturdy table, then sit in front of it. Drape a large towel over your head and the pot and steam for 5–10 minutes. Be careful not to get too close—steam burns can be serious! Always keep at least six inches to one foot between your face and the pot.  —SF

Quick Tip:
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, your risk for melanoma doubles if you have more than five sunburns in your lifetime—yikes! So if you’re planning a little fun in the sun, be sure to slather on the sunscreen first.