It’s no secret — COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has caused numerous cancellations to dance performances, classes and competitions around the world. To keep dance alive companies are streaming performances online, teachers are holding virtual classes and friends are throwing dance parties on Instagram live (we totally love this idea). You may not be able to dance in any competitions right now, but that makes it the perfect time to practice and prepare for future showcases. To help you look flawless on the floor, we’ve collected some simple and helpful DIY ballroom hacks. Read on for 15 hair and makeup tips you can try at home today!
Hair
If you plan to style your own hair for a competition, be sure to practice several times beforehand. In other words, you’ll need to “brush up” your hairstyling skills! Check out a few more must-know tips to help keep your hair shiny and in place on the dance floor:
- Use hair ties that match your hair color.
- Use a fine-tooth comb or boar bristle brush to get a smooth finish.
- Make your ponytail or bun as tight as possible (without being uncomfortable).
- Use a bit of water or hairspray — we like Schwarzkopf Silhouette Super Hold Hairspray — on your hands to help any flyaway hairs lie flat.
- You can make your ponytail high, medium or low depending on what flatters you the most.
- Use a hair net that matches your hair color and wrap it tightly around the ponytail. Secure it with a bobby pin.
- Make a bun and shape it using the hair net. Once you have a shape you like, bobby pin and spray everything in place.
Makeup
Washing and lightly moisturizing your face before applying any cosmetics can really help boost your makeup’s staying power — and don’t forget about the lips! Brushing your lips with a soft toothbrush can help remove any chapping. Plus, your lipstick will look and hold better after this quick lip exfoliation. Here are a few more terrific tips and tricks:
- Get a smooth, seamless finish by matching your foundation to your tan (rather than tanning your face with the same products you use for your body). Choose a shade that’s a couple hues darker than your regular tone, then bronze to match if it’s not quite dark enough. Our favorite tanning products are Al’iver Medium Color Self-tanning Lotion, Isner Mile Dark Self-tanning Mousse and Isner Mile Sunless Tanning Lotion.
- A shimmery highlighter is great for your brow bone and the very tips of your cheekbones.
- Apply the brightest white and the darkest black eyeshadow in addition to black eyeliner. We love the smoky charcoal color in this Veronni Eyeshadow Palette!
- Use an eyebrow pencil that’s a few shades darker than your regular color. Cooler colors are generally better under the harsh ballroom lights.
- Dark lipstick is all the rage right now, but it doesn’t read well under the floor lights. Depending on your undertones, you’ll want a vibrant red or a nearly neon pink.
Other
While these last few hacks aren’t related to hair and makeup, we’ve found them incredibly useful:
- Use plain water to reduce static on your costume, but do not use water on any feathers. Try using a dryer sheet instead.
- Use deodorant and/or talcum powder to help prevent foot blisters.
- Stay tuned for a special stoning tutorial coming soon from our founder and fellow dancer, Jeravae! To follow along, you’ll need a package of factory-sealed Swarovski stones, an applicator tool and glue (we recommend using E600 Multi-purpose Craft Glue). Click this link to see a video of these shimmering, sparkling stones on our website.
What other tips and tricks have helped you prepare for dance competitions? Comments are welcome!