Taking the Stage!

By Jean Baez

When the lights are beaming on you and the cameras are rolling, you want to make sure you look your absolute best. Having to perform at a superior level can be difficult. Transforming yourself into the character needed for the part can be a challenge. But with the right products you’ll be fierce in a flash.

Stage makeup differs from other types of cosmetics. It is longer lasting, has more powerful pigmentation, and is built for capturing the best lighting on TV, Film and Print Media world. When applying Stage make up, it is crucial that your look is more dramatic. You want to make sure that you are seen from the far away seats or cameras. Follow this tips to make sure your face stands out.

Use primers! Primers for your eyes, face, and lips will help set your makeup so that you won’t have to touch it up as much.

Frame those brows. A brow pencil, though not necessarily a staple in every girl’s daily makeup kit, is a must-have in a Fly Gyal’s stage-makeup bag. Your eyebrows frame the shape of your face, so you definitely don’t want them to get lost or washed out! Fill them in with a pencil. If you’re pressed for time and don’t have a brow pencil, an eyeshadow in the color of your hairs should do temporarily.

Line your eyes. Make sure to line them about a quarter inch from the inner corner. This will leave some space to open the eyes. Line those eyes top and bottom.

Master mascara. Make sure to apply mascara and frame your eyes with false lashes. Falsies will add length and dimension.

Love your lips. Don’t just swipe a lip gloss. Outline with a lip pencil and fill in with whichever color and texture you deem most appropriate for your character.

Highlights. Your high lighting and contour should always be two to four levels up from what you normally apply.

Seal. Just as it’s important to start with a solid base, you have to make sure you seal your makeup. Seal with a waterproof setting powder to help control oil and sweat.

Tools. Make sure you have the right tools handy to create your masterpiece. All the different size makeup brushes and sponges will help you get into tight corners with precision.

Check out the slideshow below for all of Fly Gyal’s favorite products to make sure your stage makeup is on right. Remember, tools, prime, frame, and seal. Those are the key themes you should remember to make sure your face pops! In a good way, of course.

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SKIN Prep PRO $9.95 / Ben Nye Concealer Palette TATTOO Cover Palette Makeup NKP-12 $42.99 / Cinema Secrets 5-Shade Foundation Palette $24.00 / Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kit $48.00 / Smashbox Brow Tech Trio $25.00 / Kryolan 20-Shade Eye Shadow Palette $89.95 / Kryolan Dermacolor Waterproof Powder $26.50 / 12 FLASH COLOR CASE $99.00 / MAC Cosmetics Spring ’13 Forecast/Lips $47.00 / Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer $19.00 / Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Eden $20.00 / MAC Cosmetics 187 Duo Fibre Face Brush $42 / Sigma Beauty PREMIUM KIT $164.00 / Beauty Blender In Cylinder $19.99

Photo: Via Brittany Pollack

Stay Fly After The Rain Is Gone

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By Jean Baez & Samantha Yu

Whether you’re caught in the rain or dripping from sweat, looking oh-so-cool can be difficult when the studio is steaming, the sun is shining a little too much, or it’s pouring outside. Umbrellas and towels just don’t do the job. With that in mind, we’ve conjured up a few tricks to keep you and your makeup from feeling out of place. By combining top quality products with a solid ritual, you’re sure to appear fresh faced no matter where you’re coming from or where you’re going – to the stage!

1. Remember to focus on waterproof cosmetic beauty products – We’re sure this is a no brainer, but it’s important to mention just in case you forgot. Waterproof mascaras, stay-on lip colors, waterproof eye liners, you know the drill. The first step to appearing flawless all the time is to have the right products.

2. Purchase makeup removers that are designed to take off waterproof beauty products. With the invention of waterproof products, someone had to invent a suitable remover because, as we all know, going to bed with your makeup on is a huge no-no. So be sure to find a remover that will combat your waterproof makeup when you need it to.

3. Do not skip makeup setting sprays and sealing products for eyes, brows, and lips. Perhaps one of the least known about items is the makeup setting spray. They’re entire purpose is to keep your makeup in place! Perfect for both a night on the town and that big performance, this item is a must-have that can’t be forgotten.

4. Invest in stage makeup brands. Illamasqua, Make Up Forever, Kryolan, and MAC Cosmetics are all leading brands that have amazing color pay off and out lasting power.

Illamasqua sealing gel $15.00 / MAKE UP FOR EVER “AQUA SEAL” $21.00 / MAKE UP FOR EVER “MIST & FIX”  $10 to $28 / MAKE UP FOR EVER “AQUA EYES” $18 / MAKE UP FOR EVER “SMOKY LASH” $23 / KRYOLAN “CAKE EYE LINER SEALER” $10.20 / Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eye And Cheek Palette $38 / MAC  FIX + $25 / SEPHORA Instant Eye Makeup Remover $8.50 / KORRES Pomegranate Cleansing & Make Up Removing Wipes $12

 Photo: Via Jeddah Beauty

Flutter Those Flirty Falsies!

By Jean Baez

We know how difficult it can be applying falsies. But trust us, a feeling of pure and unparalleled joy will overcome you when you finally master the art. It’ll be a cause for celebration and we’ll be right there cheering you on!

There’s no doubt about it… without enough practice, you’re likely to find yourself aggravated with your eye makeup looking a hot mess. So get to it! And not just for dance performances. Wear lashes because you’re a woman who likes to add a little more femininity, sass, and pop to her undoubtedly already Fly look. Falsies make your eyes appear super alluring and ultra sexy. They create the effect of fuller, longer, thicker, healthier lashes. And who doesn’t want those?

Follow these simple steps and you’ll be batting those eyes like crazy in no time!

1. Head over to your local $1.00 store – False lashes at these places are only good for one time use and, most importantly, are SUPER CHEAP, meaning you won’t feel terrible if you make a mess of a pair. They’re perfect for practice.

2. Purchase a few pairs of false lashes that you think look most natural – The most basic, natural shape will fit your eye well and be easiest to apply. No need to go for huge giant feathers when you’re just starting out! That’ll come later.

3. Go home and practice, practice, and PRACTICE SOME MORE.

4. Invest. Once you’ve mastered the application process, go out and buy some quality brand falsies that will last longer than one application. Once your done wearing them, you’ll place them back in the packaging for later use. Bring on those feathers! Our favorite brands for top quality lashes include Makeup Forever, Illamasqua, MAC Cosmetics, Urban Decay, and Ardell.

Still feeling like a deer in the headlights? Watch these awesome tutorials from PIXIWOO and ARDELL that demonstrate how to apply fake eyelashes.

Image Via Donna Moderna