It's important to apply your cheer makeup just right in order to put your best face forward for the big event. Unlike your daily makeup, cheer makeup should look especially striking. You also don't want your makeup to fade or smear; therefore, it is important to figure out how to do your makeup the right way to make it stick.
Cheer Eye Makeup Tips
Getting the right look for your eyes requires a few different necessities, according to eight-year all-star cheer vet Chrisandra Bayne. You'll need eye primer, shadow (at least two different colors) and good liquid liner.
- Always apply the primer first and wait a few minutes before trying to add a shadow.
- When applying the shadow, start with the lighter color first then add the darker one, using soft rounded strokes. A good blending brush can be really helpful in getting the perfect blend of colors.
- Use liquid liner to line the eyes for lasting results. Liquid liner can be difficult to get the hang of; therefore, it is important to take your time and not rush.
- Using tape on the corner of your eye can also help you to get a perfect pinup point.
- While mascara is okay to add a little volume to your lashes, make sure it is waterproof.
- Using fake lashes isn't recommended. Sweating and movement can cause them to fall off or cause injury by having them impair your vision.
Applying Eye Glitter
When you purchase cheer makeup, you may need to buy loose glitter to apply to your lids for a striking look. For the best application, recruit a teammate to apply the glitter for you, then you can apply her glitter for her.
- After adding eye makeup and liner, lie on the ground with your teammate situated directly above your head.
- Close your eyes.
- Have your teammate apply a line of makeup glue across your lash line.
- Dip an angled brush lightly in water, blotting it on a towel before dipping it in the bright glitter color.
- Take the brush and dab the glitter across the makeup glue, covering the glue completely.
- Apply a second line of makeup glue directly above the crease of your eyelid.
- Clean the angled brush and repeat the glitter application on the second glue line with the lighter glitter color.
- Lie still for several minutes to allow the glue to dry completely.
- Clean any excess glitter with baby wipes.
Your coach may want you to apply the glitter in a different pattern, but the process will work the same way. You can apply glitter to your lips in a similar fashion by first applying lipstick, then placing makeup glue and glitter over the top. This will ensure that your makeup and glitter will stay for the entire time.
Perfect Skin
While it isn't required, it can be helpful to add foundation and blush to smooth the skin out and give you that rosy-cheeked look.
- Always wash your face or tone your skin before applying foundation.
- Primer is important. Apply it first before foundation to help your makeup stay in place.
- When choosing products, make sure to look for those that are sweat proof or long lasting.
- It is also important to choose a foundation color that is either close to your skin or one shade darker. You don't want to look washed out or too dark.
- Don't go overboard on the blush. Your cheeks are going to get red naturally as you complete your routines. Think pink.
- If you are using new makeup, always test it first.
Don't Forget the Lips
With your eyes looking so bright and stunning, you'll need to add some color to your lips to balance it out. Bright colors like reds are common in cheerleading. However, you'll want to use a matte lipstick or a lip stain to ensure the color stays on your face and doesn't brush off on to your uniform.
Set It or Forget It
To make sure your makeup doesn't get smudged or sweat off, you can set your look with a setting spray. This will ensure that your makeup stays intact for your entire routine whether you are a Friday night cheerer or competing in a national competition.
Adding Mascots or Symbols
Cheerleading is all about uniformity. Therefore, most cheek numbers or symbols will be temporary tattoos or stickers, according to Bayne. This helps to give the girls a uniform look and avoids the variation that drawing on numbers can make. However, it is important to make sure you get the perfect application.
- Do not apply foundation or blush
- Thoroughly clean the area with an alcohol swab
- Have a teammate help you to apply the decal to ensure it is straight
- Allow ample time for drying
If stickers aren't an option, using glitter or a stencil is always a good alternative.
Removing Makeup
After a competition, you'll want to make sure you remove your cheer makeup completely. If you had to apply a temporary tattoo, remove it with a small alcohol swab. You can remove the rest of your makeup with oil-free eye makeup remover, baby wipes or makeup wipes, and face wash.
The Cheer "Look"
When you're cheering in a competition or football game, you want to exemplify team spirit while looking your personal best. Cheer makeup needs to be applied heavily to see it from a distance, but not so heavily that you end up looking like a clown.
