How to Apply Makeup for Cheerleading

When cheerleaders are on the sidelines rooting for the home team, they must look fantastic. Not only must your uniform and hair appear flawless, but your makeup must accentuate your animated face and reflect your school spirit. Before entering the stadium spotlight to strut your stuff, learn how to apply cheerleading makeup to wow the crowd.

Instructions

1. Ask your cheerleading coach whether there are rules and regulations regarding makeup. She might require you to stick to certain colors or may provide a specific list of cosmetics for each squad member to purchase.

2. Practice before the first game. Plan a slumber party with your cheerleading pals to try out your new makeup and come up with the perfect look. This is sure to be a good bonding experience, but can also prevent embarrassment when all eyes are on you.

3. Apply foundation first. To achieve a natural look, choose the foundation shade that best suits your coloring and blend it in thoroughly. Top off this first makeup layer with pressed or loose powder to further even out your skin tone and to reduce shine.

4. Put the emphasis on your eyes. To widen and accentuate your eyes, use eyeliner, eye shadow and mascara. First, lightly and evenly apply dark liquid liner at both lash lines to open up your eyes. Next, add a medium tone of eye shadow just above your lash line and a bright, highlighting color between the top of your lid and your eyebrow. Finally, curl your lashes and apply liberally apply dark mascara.

5. Brush powdered blush onto your cheeks. Choose a shade that coordinates with your uniform, your other makeup and your skin tone. Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks and be sure not to overdo it. Your goal is to accentuate your natural beauty, not cover it up.

6. Add lipstick to complete your basic look. Again, choose the appropriate color for your cheerleading ensemble. Look for lipsticks designed to withstand activities like eating, kissing and cheering. If you choose matte lipstick, add some gloss to give your lips some shimmer.

7. Remember the finish touches. Apply glistening body lotion, facial glitter and other items, like temporary team tattoos, to complete your look. Now, get out there and cheer your heart out.

Tips & Warnings

• Resist the temptation to apply excessive amounts of makeup. You don't want to look like a clown when you're cheering on your team, you want to look like your beautiful self.

• Some online retailers specialize in cheerleading makeup, but not all of these products are high quality. Most major cosmetics manufacturers carry lines that include shimmery, glittery and bright hued lipsticks, glosses and eye shadows.