Countdown to Under a Desert Moon

April 29, 2009 04:32 PM

Velvet curtains will soon part, revealing the stage of the Greenberg Theatre and the hard work each Sahara Dance student has put into preparing for “Under a Desert Moon.” In these final hours before the performance, it’s all about the details, and stage-ready makeup is a key final touch that’s needed to illuminate each belly dancer beneath the spotlights and through the lenses of adoring cameras.

Red lips and kohl-lined eyes enhance the sexy and glamorous look that’s often associated with belly dance, but makeup serves a practical purpose during any performance. Without makeup, a performer (regardless of gender) will appear washed out beneath the mega-watt lights and hard to see for those audience members seated in the back of the theater.

Last week, Colleen gave my stage mates and I break from drilling Scheherazade to discuss the importance of stage makeup and how to apply it properly. Our LI class gathered around Colleen as she withdrew a treasure trove of jewel-toned eye shadows, face and body glitters, crimson lipsticks and rosy blushes from a large makeup bag. Even for students like myself who enjoy playing with makeup, the options available are overwhelming. Fortunately, Colleen was eager to recommend preferred products and provide guidance on how to wear them.

Before performing, Colleen applies foundation followed by Bare Escentuals Mineral Powder. She uses pink Smashbox-brand blush, and specifically asks students to avoid wearing brown and orange-toned blushes onstage as these two colors will fade beneath the spotlights.

Framing the eyes with liner, fake lashes and eye shadows can be the most intimidating part about applying stage makeup so Colleen shared the following routine she practices to illuminate her eyes before any performance:

Apply mascara

Line eyelids with liquid eyeliner. Allow liquid eyeliner a couple of seconds to dry.

Draw a line over the liquid eyeliner with a dark kohl pencil.

Apply eye shadow in the crease of the eyelids only. Dark purples, greens, and blues will work well. Do not cover entire eyelid in shadow.

Highlight the eyes by placing a shimmery-colored shadow along the brow bone, which is right just below the eyebrows.

Apply eye glitter over the line you created with your liquid liner and kohl pencil for a dazzling effect.

Apply fake eyelashes if you feel comfortable. A set of fake lashes can be purchased at drug stores for less than $5.

Colleen and many of her students prefer Loreal’s HIP High Intensity Pigment products for the stage. HIP makeup usually costs between $8-$12 a pop, can be purchased at CVS and has been proven by students to endure performances without fading or melting. HIP products are currently on a “buy one get one free” special at CVS.

MAC-brand foundation wins exceptional reviews from students each year, but for a less expensive option, several students from Colleen’s LI class recommend Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse which is also available at most drug stores.

When in doubt, Stephanie, my stage mate from LI performance class, recommends consulting MakeupAlley for an extensive collection of consumer reviews on just about any makeup product on the market.

By: Lauren

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