With spring comes the vibrant color of new blooms. Here are a few beauty ideas for a fresh makeup look that pops with color!

By Christine Dion of Mode Dion.

Nature has a way of mixing bright color and combing shades that go perfectly together. Find your inspiration in nature this spring. Have fun, but remember that colors affect your look differently. Bold color can pop and look fresh or it can overpower and wilt your eyes, cheeks and lips. Application and placement is the key. Here are a few basic rules:

Highlight/Lift shades

Bright bold colors like bright yellow, red, orange, neon green or pink, aqua, light blue or lavender, and shimmer shades, lift and pull the area they’re applied to forward. They are highlighting shades.

Define/Contour shades

Deep vibrant, rich colors like deep navy/indigo, emerald/forest green, royal purple/plum and brownish orange, pull in or define the area they’re applied to. These are defining shades.

Be sure to use these colors remembering the effect they have on your look. You would not want to apply a bright color into the crease area where defining is usually called upon. Here are a few basic tips to follow:

EYES
Add a pop of color to the eyelids with bold, bright colors that wouldn’t work on the eye bone, crease or under the eyebrow. The best colors are blue, green, yellow, pink or purple. Pink, yellow and orange can look great on the eye bone, as long as they are not sparkly (sparkles and shimmer pull forward and can make eyes look puffy when applied on the eye bone). Highlight inner eye corner and below brow with highlighting shades like bright yellow, as well as shimmer colors in white gold or silver, light lavender or pink, depending on the theme. Shimmer colors can be great to help soften and blend the look together. Defining shades are used at the outer eye corner or just above the crease to add lift to the eye and define. The best colors for these areas are deep and more neutral shades.

CHEEKS
Wear bright cheek colors up high on the apples. Avoid following the cheekbone line as from a distance this can appear like a bright stripe of color across the face. Contour cheekbones so bright cheek color can have center stage by using rich, neutral colors to define the bones and nose lines, not bright colors, if you would like those areas contoured. Highlight with shimmer high on the cheekbone up to the temple.

LIPS
Bright colors look great on the lips but can be very one dimensional, easily overpowering the shape of the mouth. A lip liner that’s one shade darker or has a little bit of brown can help define and pull lips down so the color can pop forward. For example, use bright pink lip color with a pinky brown lip liner. Be sure to blend in the color so the lip liner has a fade out and doesn’t show. Another way to bring lips forward for dimension is to use a lipstick highlighter. Any complimenting color that is lighter or has shimmer will do the trick. Be sure to apply a lipstick highlighter to the center of the upper and lower lip to create a round effect to the mouth.

FEATURES
Be sure to define features. Brows need to be enhanced, filled in and extended to frame and balance eyes. Bold eyes need bold lashes. False lashes help to bring out the eyes and prevent the eye color from being overpowering.

Enjoy Color

Using colors that fade into each other can create a very dramatic look. Don’t be afraid to layer colors, especially when lining the eyes. Try shades of blue or mix pink, yellow and orange. Even create rainbow eyes for a whimsical look.

Stencils can be used (find these at your local craft store) to create fun color designs on the face and body. Paint right into the stencil by wetting your color pigment until it’s a creamy texture that’s easy to spread.

Glitter works well to add dimension and lift to the area of the face you would like to draw focus to. Be sure to secure glitter with spirit gum like Mode Dion’s Diva Glue. Diva Glue painted into stencils or used to draw designs with glitter patted on top can add more drama and fun to your look.

MODE DION SPECIAL: Receive 20% off when mentioning Dance Informa on all of Mode Dion’s Pure Bright Color Pigments, Glitter and Diva Glue! Call (760) 837-9433 to place an order by phone or order online at modedion.com. Mention Dance Informa at checkout under Special Instructions.

Be sure to visit modedion.com for more great beauty tips, how to videos and products. Sign up at modedion.com for more tips and updates on Mode Dion Cosmetics & Training Facebook, Newsletter and Twitter.

Photo (top): © Viktor Penner | Dreamstime.com

The dancers of So You Think You Can Dance Season 9 are currently on tour across the US.  With a grueling schedule of travel and performances it can be a challenge for the dancers to look their best. Here the girls of the tour, Season 9 Winner Eliana, and finalists Lindsay, Witney, Tiffany and Audrey share their beauty tips from the road.

ELIANA
West Palm Beach, Florida
Age: 21

What is your go-to look on tour?
“My go-to-look is a smokey eye with the color palate based off of a metallic dark green. The color makes brown eyes pop more than just black and grey. For stage makeup, go for the dark look, but offstage, it’s best to give your skin a rest.”

What are your go-to beauty products?
“Kiehl’s products for my skin – I use the facial wash, toner and moisturizer. My curly hair tends to be on the dry side so leave-in conditioner is a must-have, as well as a gentle mousse. I recommend Fredric Fekkai and Paul Mitchell products.”

Top Advice
“As long as you feel beautiful it radiates naturally.”

TIFFANY
Plantation, Florida
Age: 19

What is your go-to look on tour?
“My go-to look is natural and bright. One thing I really focus on is making my eyes look bright for the audience in the back of the room. Make sure that the middle of your face is light and the outside has the bronzer blush.”

What are your go-to beauty products?
“For performing I use MAC eye shadow and MAC foundation, blush and bronzer. For my everyday look I use Maybelline liquid eyeliner and mascara. Lip gloss from Ofra is the finishing touch.”

Top Advice
“Be nice to your face and hair so they will be nice to you!”

LINDSAY
Provo, Utah
Age: 18

Do you have any tips for long lasting make-up while performing on tour?
“To help my makeup last longer, I use moisturizer mixed with foundation to give my makeup a strong base that will hold all night.”

What are your go-to beauty products?
“My go-to products for stage makeup are MAC moisturizer and foundation. I also love my MAC Fluidline liquid eyeliner in Blacktrack. For everyday makeup, I use MAC Give Me Sun! bronzer with some MAC Dainty blush and their sheer Frou lipstick.”

Top Advice
“Wash your face every night and keep it moisturized.”

WITNEY
American Fork, Utah
Age: 18

What are your go-to beauty products?
“I always wash my face with Clinique face scrub. It’s honestly the best wash ever invented! I love it because it leaves your face feeling refreshed and zit-free, which is amazing! As far as make-up – before I put any on my face, I use MAC primer which keeps the makeup on all night. Even when I sweat, my makeup stays on and looks like it did when I first put it on. It’s brilliant!”

What is your go-to look on tour?
“When I’m performing on stage I like to make my look dramatic, but natural. For eye shadow, I always put a brown on the lid, a maroon for the crease, and a white just below the eyebrow with a thin, solid line for eyeliner on top. Add blush, a red lip and I’m ready to go!”

Top Advice
“You don’t need a lot of makeup. The more simple it is, the more you will pop. Simplicity is the key to a healthy, and glowing face. Wash your face daily, and moisturize afterwards. You won’t be disappointed.”

AUDREY
Edmond, OK
Age: 18

Do you have any tips for long lasting make-up while performing on tour?
“I like to use a really good base. Primer is always good to use to keep your makeup on and I also keep tissues handy to blot my face throughout the show.”

Top Advice
“When dancing on tour you have to remember that your hair and skin need off days too! So when you have a day off totally take advantage of keeping your skin and hair clean!”

Photos: 2012 Fox Broadcasting Co. Mathieu Young/FOX. Top photo by Adam Rose/FOX.

By Christine Dion of Mode Dion

Whether your performance is a piece from Lion King, Jungle Book or Cats, creating an animal face can not only be fun, but can create excitement and add a tremendous amount of show appeal to your number.  All you need is a photo of the animal you would like to copy and your imagination. Here are a few basic rules to follow to help make designing your animal face easier.

Tools are important. What you will need:

• Rich pigments cake powders (like an eye shadow with dense pigments). Use for wet and dry work because they give you versatility when painting and are easy to use.
• A white pencil is a must have for highlighting.
• For large facial areas use a white pigment paint cake powder.
• You can also use grease or cream pigments but these can be messy and run so be sure to set them with a light dusting of face powder.
• Brushes are important to any artist.  You’ll need a fine tipped brush for lining and a wider foundation brush for stroking on defining color. Strokes create a hair appearance, so avoid blending in color.

Creating  Your Animal Face

Creating a mouse face

• Define features by using a dark shade to pull features in and highlight by using a light shade to pull features forward.
• Animals have a muzzle and pronounced forehead. Highlight the center of the forehead, over the eye brows, down the center of the nose to above the upper lip, around the mouth and down the chin. Define along the sides of the nose and forehead. This will pull the face forward.
• Most animals have bold nostrils and many have dark nose tips and no visual lips. Defining the end of the nose and nostrils, along with defining the lips with a dark color (brown or black), will finish the muzzle.  You can cover lips and eye brows with foundation or white eye pencil to diminish their appearance even more.
• Whiskers are best shown by placing black dots instead of drawing on long lines. Glued on whiskers are more tricky. Using eye lash glue at the tip of a fine black plastic strand or stiff thread, glue whisker to the upper lip area. If on a large stage just use the dot method as the whiskers won’t be seen.

Creating a monkey face

• Animals have pronounced cheekbones. Defining the sides of the face below the cheekbones down to the jaw line will bring the chin forward and lift the cheekbones higher.  Highlighting high on the cheekbone and the chin with a white or white shimmer shade will pull the face forward even more.
• Animals have different eyes to humans. Cats and wolves have exotic eyes that are lined to sweep up at the outer eye corner and sweep down towards the nose at the inner eye corner.  Monkeys, dogs, rabbits and mice all have very round black eyes.  Rounding the center of the lower eye lid with white eye pencil and lining the lower lash line, rounding the line fuller at the center, will create a more rounded look.  Black eye shadow over the eye lid will pull eyes in and make them smaller.

Feline Fancy

By far the most popular animal on the stage is the cat. House cats are very diverse and you can create many variations of stripes and spots. Here I created an easy to follow and fast to apply tiger cat. For wild cats like a lion, keep it to three colors (brown, white, black). For a tiger (orange, black, white) and for a leopard use two colors (black and white) to apply spots instead of stripes.

Steps to a Purrrfect Cat Face

• Even out skin by applying foundation over face (including lips) and onto throat.  Conceal under eyes to lighten dark circles.
• Highlight with a white pencil down the center of the nose, under brows, around upper lip (to create a muzzle), onto chin, and high on cheekbones.
• Define features with black shadow cake using a wet tipped brush.  Apply to brows by sweeping up to create stripes, line into cat eyes, define tip of nose down to center of where lips begin, and down onto center of chin.  Lastly add spots for whiskers. (A liquid liner is great for whiskers too.)
• Set foundation and lids with sheer face powder.
• Contour eyes with dark brown shadow through crease.
• Lift and warm eyes with brown shadow to define and use terracotta on the eye bone.
• Highlight eyes with light shadow on inner lid and under brow. Use white pencil in between lines of inner eye corner and outer eye corner.
• Apply false lashes and one coat of mascara to top and bottom lashes.
• Create stripes with alternating yellow, brown, and terracotta in between black and white lines from brow.

Who is Christine Dion?

Christine Dion brings with her more than 30 years of experience in the beauty business. She has worked as a make-up artist internationally for fashion magazines, commercials, television, fashion shows and dance theater. She is a published author, beauty columnist and educator for dancers and performers, touring the country speaking at conferences and in dance studios. Check out her web site modedion.com where you can see her training and beauty products. For lots of great beauty and stage tips become a FAN of Mode Dion on Facebook.

DANCE INFORMA READERS
GET THE LOOK 20% OFF!

Create animal faces easily with these amazing Mode Dion Stage Makeup Products and receive 20% off when you mention Dance Informa Nov. 2012

MODE DION: Pro Pallet 5-color eye shadow/liner compact, White eye pencil and all Pure Pigment Paints. Liner Brush and Foundation blending brush.

Christine Dion’s Book “High Performance Beauty” 50% off SPECIAL
(offer good only off retail value. Kits not included. Does not include shipping. Offer expires 12/12)

Call 760.837.9433 or visit www.modedion.com.

Break the rules with dark smokey eyes and deep rich lips.

By Christine Dion of Mode Dion

Makeup artists usually follow the rule “the darker the eyes the lighter the lips”.  But bad girls never follow the rules. Dark coal eyes and deep sultry lips are the realm of rebel vixens.  Born in the 1920s and worn by Flappers and on the stages of the Cabaret or Moulin Rouge, this serious makeup style is designed to get attention.

The 1920s was the beginning of the Jazz Era.  World War 1 had ended and celebration was in the air. In the US, women had won the right to vote, threw out their corsets, cut their long hair into a stylish bob (or shorter!), raised their hemlines, called themselves ‘Flappers’ and danced the Charleston till dawn.

Clara Bow

Flirty Hollywood actress Clara Bow’s style fast became the rage when Max Factor created a look so her features could show up on the silent movie screen. Her confident, bold style set the tone of the era.  Meanwhile in Paris the Moulin Rouge was dazzling with daring and glittering vixens and in Berlin the Cabaret crossed lines with an even darker look that both men and women adorned.

The color choice of eye shadow and lipstick is dark burgundy and black.

Here’s how to get the ‘Vixen’ Look.

Brows: Should be dark, even black is ok. Some flappers wore thick dark brows while 20s Hollywood starlets, cabaret and Moulin Rouge performers’ brows were very dark and thin. For thin brows cover brow hair with foundation and draw on a thin black line.

Eyes: Define eyes in black shadow at outer lash corner, sweeping up to above the crease blending over to the inner eye corner. To keep eyes looking open do not blend onto center of the eyelid.  Keep the look rounded. These are not ‘cat eyes’ but round ‘doe eyes’. Blend burgundy eye shadow into the edges of the black above the crease, rounding eye from outer corner to inner corner. Wet your liner brush, stir it into black eye shadow and line across lid. Also line below lower lash line, creating a fuller line at the center of lower lashes.  For a large stage apply white pencil onto lower lid and a little at the outer corner to make eyes appear even rounder. Finish lining by applying burgundy eye shadow dry on top of the black, smudging more at the center of the lower lashes. Add a full row of black false lashes.

Foundation/Concealer & Powder: Clean up mess under the eyes from eye shadow fall out and apply foundation, concealer and powder, in that order, to create flawless skin.

1920s Flapper look by Mode Dion. Photos courtesy of Christine Dion

Lips: Lips need to be small and ‘rosebud’ shaped. The sides of the lips come in with the top ‘bow’ very defined. Use a burgundy lip liner and lipstick.  If you don’t have a burgundy lip liner or want to make your lips almost black, blend black eye shadow with your liner brush into your lipstick. To create more fullness to the lips apply a light shimmering lipstick to upper and lower lip center.

Cheeks: Flush apples in red cheek color. Use a shade a little stronger in color than you would normally use so the cheeks really show up.

Add a mole just above upper lip or at temple by dipping your wet liner brush into black shadow.

Glitz: If your costume has a lot of glitz (rhinestones or sequins), add a little glitter to compliment your costume color just at the center of the upper eye lid. A headband with a flower or feather at the side will complete a Flapper, Cabaret or Moulin Rouge look, or choose a top hat to add drama. Bob wigs in black or platinum create the hair style of the day.

Want to go ‘Goth’ and create a modern vixen? 

Eyes: Use the same principals as above but omit the burgundy shadow. Apply black to define eyes and matte cream color eye shadow to highlight under the brow, and a little onto the lid.  Add white shimmer powder at center of lid, inner eye corner and brow arch.

Brows are still dark and thin. Apply false lashes that are not as thick as the 20s look. Choose lashes that are a bit longer, sweeping out at the sides for drama.

Cheek color is still a strong red flush but add contouring to define features, especially the cheekbones and nose line.

Lips: Black or burgundy black tones made very shiny and modern with clear lip gloss.

Glitz: Silver glitter is the color of choice and applied at the center of lips, inner eye corner and center of eye lid to create a glam modern vixen look that is a show stopper. Be sure to secure glitter with a spirit gum like Mode Dion Diva Glue for staying power.

Who is Christine Dion?
Christine Dion brings with her more than 30 years in the beauty business. She has worked as a make-up artist internationally for fashion magazines, commercials, television, fashion shows and dance theater. She is a published author, beauty columnist and educator for dancers and performers, touring the country speaking at conferences and in dance studios. Check out her web site modedion.com where you can see her training and beauty products.

DANCE INFORMA READER’S GET THE LOOK 20% OFF!

CREATE THE LOOK with these amazing Mode Dion Stage Makeup Products and receive 20% off when you mention Dance Informa Oct. 2012

MODE DION: Pro Pallet 5-color eye shadow/liner compact, White eye pencil, Shimmer Pot, Stage Red cheek color, Rum Raisin lip liner, Rhubarb lipstick, Silver Glitter, Diva Glue.

Call 760.837.9433 or visit www.modedion.com.

Clara Bow photo source: www.maybellinebook.com/2011/04/maybellines-it-girl-clara-bow-unleashes.html

Tips for getting your look, mind and body back on track.

By Christine Dion of Mode Dion.

1. Clean up your act. Round up small travel bottles, clean them out and create a skin care set (wash, toner, moisturizer) for on the go. Always rehearse in clean skin. Be sure to have a plastic sandwich bag filled with cotton squares and Q-tips for a quick clean up from school to the studio. Pimples often are the result of skin that hasn’t been cleansed before perspiring. Carry a hair brush, clips and ties so your hair is off of your skin to prevent forehead and back breakouts.

2. Clean house. It’s time to make your home stress free. Clean out all your summer clothes and prepare winter shoes and clothes for fall. This will save time in the morning and give you an idea of items needed for the new season ahead. Go through your makeup bag and throw out anything that doesn’t look good on you. Why hold onto colors that don’t help you look your best and risk applying them when you’re in a hurry. Look for products that smell funny or have separated and throw them out. Summer heat and humidity can do a number on your products and increase bacteria growth, causing products to spoil. To help products last longer, store in a cool dark place like the fridge (cold inhibits bacteria) or a box. Keep out of sunlight and warm humid places like the bathroom. Shake liquids up every once in a while. If pigments separate and don’t shake back together, toss the product. Avoid touching products with your fingers (bacteria). Use sponges, brushes and Q-tips whenever you can. Keep lids closed tightly. Never share products.

3. Clean Studio. Back to school often means cold season!!! Be sure to wipe down ballet barres, door handles, telephones (don’t neglect your cell phone either) and any other place where many hands touch. Have sanitizers and proper hand wash in the bathroom to keep germs at bay.

4. Lift your spirits. Your home and the studio should be a place of inspiration. Use color to set the mood by painting or re-decorating with pillows or drapes that inspire. For more energy and to boost confidence use red. To stimulate the mind and feel inspired use yellow. To relieve tension, feel calm and focused use green. Cheer up, feel optimistic and increase enthusiasm with orange. Clear your mind and increase creativity with violet or purple. Unwind, relax and feel cool with blue. Feel romantic and excited with pink.

5. Take advantage of aromatherapy. Smells not only affect us emotionally, but physically. Taste is actually about 90% smell. Scents are best as essential oils. These can be sprinkled over potpourri, warmed in water or sprayed in the home or studio. Scents for the bath, shower or in a body lotion can help you enjoy the benefits all day. Here are a few smells that can give you a boost, calm you down or even make you think more clearly.

• Reduce anxiety: smell scents of green apple, cucumber, sandalwood, cedar.

• Increase alertness: smell scents of peppermint, jasmine.

• Increase energy and stimulate: smell scents in peppermint, menthol, eucalyptus, lemon, vanilla, evergreen, fir, pine or spruce.

• For quiet focus: smell scents in lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, rose, cedar, myrrh.

• Increase sleepiness: smell scents in lavender, vanilla.

• Help comprehension for learning: smell scents of mixed florals.

• Help concentration: smell scents in rosemary, peppermint, basil, ginger, juniper.

• Decrease appetite: smell scents in banana, green apple, peppermint.

6.De-Stress! You’re on all day so take a little time off for yourself. A bath is the best way to keep your immune system strong and your body feeling great! Botanicals are herbs that can influence the health of your body. Here is a list of wonderful herbs to look for in your favorite products. Try making your own by mixing 10-12 drops of concentrated, scented essential oils, into a neutral oil like almond or avocado oil, then pour into your bath. If you are mixing scents and botanicals for healing, be sure to test a drop of each mixed together to see if the combination smells nice. For the best aroma, mix just a few scents together. If you don’t have a tub try these botanicals in a shower gel.

The bath; how hot, what to put in, and how long to soak it up?

• Muscle warm-up: try a 10 minute long warm bath (95 F-105 F) to increase the internal temperature of the muscles. This makes them more flexible and pliable to reduce the chance of injury.

• Frazzled nerves: try a 10-20 minute long bath in hot water (102-104 F) which dilates your blood vessels and increases a sense of calm. For nerves try bath soaks containing geranium, vanilla, jasmine, peppermint, lavender, and seaweed.

• Aching Muscles: try a 10-15 minute warm bath (92-102) so muscles relax slowly. For muscle relaxation try bath products containing peppermint, primrose, lemon, bergamot, rosemary, and cypress.

• For Exhaustion: try a warm bath for 10-15 minutes. To ease sleep try bath products with lavender, chamomile, rose, and neroli.

• To Energize: soak in a bubble bath with citrus such as lemon, orange, or grapefruit. Other botanicals to lift your spirits are peppermint, bergamot, patchouli, rosemary or eucalyptus.

• For a stiff back: try a 5-10 minute long hot bath (102-104 F). Dip a small towel in diluted soothing oils of menthol, eucalyptus, juniper, peppermint, and lavender. Wrap it around your neck or place it behind your back.

Remember to limit your bath to a maximum of 20 minutes. Water that’s too hot can dry you out, irritate skin and even rupture capillaries. The hotter the bath the shorter your time should be in it. After a bath

allow yourself ten minutes or so to lie down and relax. Make your transition back into the real world as gentle as possible.

If you’ve caught a cold

Wrap the following herbs in cheese cloth, tie to close and soak with them in your tub.
4 tablespoons dried lavender
2 tablespoons dried ginger powder
4 tablespoons dried rosemary
2 tablespoons dried eucalyptus leaves

For more detailed information on health and beauty for performers see Christine Dion’s Book “High Performance Beauty”. A must have for any performer on the go.

Who is Christine Dion?
Christine Dion brings with her more than 30 years in the beauty business. She has worked as a make-up artist internationally for fashion magazines, commercials, television, fashion shows and dance theater. She is a published author, beauty columnist and educator for dancers and performers, touring the country speaking at conferences and in dance studios. Check out her web site modedion.com where you can see her training and beauty products.

SPECIAL “HIGH PERFORMANCE BEAUTY” Book
ONLY $12.50
50% off for Dance Informa Readers. (Retail $24.95)

Visit www.ModeDion.com to pick up your copy.

Top Photo: © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com

By Christine Dion of Mode Dion

Summer is here in full swing and now it’s time to adjust your makeup colors for the bright light and protect your skin from the burning rays.  Here are a few tips to keep you looking and feeling cool and radiant.

Switch to oil-free products. To help control shine, anything resting on your skin should be oil-free, including your sunscreen.

Change foundation and powder to a full shade darker. If your current foundation is only slightly lighter than your summer skin-tone use an oil-free powder one shade darker and with a golden undertone, to enhance features where the sun tans you, like the sides of your forehead, cheekbones, sides of nose, chin etc.  Be sure to powder down past the jawbone and onto the throat to prevent discoloration lines.  Watch for under eye concealers that now might appear too light and look un-natural.

Go light on mascara or skip it all together. Even water-proof mascara can run as oils from perspiration cause it to breakdown. Natural looking short false lashes applied to the outer half of the eyes can prevent a mascara ring below the eyes and still provide a thick lash look. Be sure to use water-proof glue as lids might get moist in humidity.

Brighten color on lips and cheeks using peach, coral or pink shades.  Avoid dull colors like mauve, plum or brown. If you love bronze tones be sure they have a golden glimmer to catch the light.  A little more color onto the cheeks and lips will allow you to go lighter on the mascara and eye shadow, which smudges easily in heat.

Set and hold makeup with a light dusting of oil-free powder including over cheek color, eyelids and lip liner. Blot makeup shine with blotting papers (sold at drug stores) or a soft cloth. Don’t use tissue paper as the fibers can cause irritation. Seal color with lipstick sealer and eye liner sealer (see these products at modedion.com).

Extreme heat
Avoid highly fragranced formulations and perfumes, as heat can increase potential for irritation. Sun combined with fragrance can cause skin discoloration.  Use products that contain mint, which has a long lasting cooling effect on the skin.  When performing out in the sun always use an oil-free sunscreen, at least SPF 25, under make-up for protection.  If you become red or inflamed, either from heat rash or sun exposure, use products that contain aloe vera to soothe your skin.

Quench a thirsty body and skin
The most important fluid your body needs is water, and it needs a lot of it, up to a gallon a day! The best water to drink is natural spring water, bottled at the source.  Shaking your bottled water a few times helps oxygenate it for faster absorption into the body.  You can also place a slice of lemon into each glass of water to help your body quickly absorb the moisture and regain balance.  A slice of cucumber is a wonderful addition as well. Used at many top spas, a slice in your glass will cleanse the body and refresh.

Restore dehydrated facial skin
Inside a small spray bottle filled with pure spring water place a green tea bag. Green Tea has powerful skin anti-oxidants and provides natural sun protection. For soothing skin try chamomile or rose hip tea bags, fresh mint or cucumber. Store the spray bottle in the fridge. Mist face a few times a day or as needed. Misting is especially helpful in dry climates or during air travel.

Restore fluids with this great quenching cocktail
– Pour boiling water into a pot of fresh mint leaves or mint tea bags.
– Let cool.
– Pour one part tea over ice cubes.
– Pour one part sparkling mineral water or seltzer.
– Sweeten with honey or organic pure white grape juice

Restore lost fluids through food
Fruits such as strawberries, all melons (especially cantaloupe), tomatoes, grapes, oranges, kiwis, apples, pineapples, and grapefruit, help restore fluids and carry a lot of vitamins.

Sun Safety
Most skin damage comes from the sun. Those who wear SPF (Sun Protection Factor) sunscreen of 15 and up, sit in the shade, and wear a hat for protection, will greatly lower their risk of sun spots, liver spots, skin cancer, and photo aging (this causes wrinkles and sagging). Sun damage done today may not even show up until ten to fifteen years later.

• Always use sunscreen.  If you are prone to break outs use oil-free creams as sun exposure can increase sebum production and cause even more breakouts. Don’t forget to re-apply sunscreen as often as indicated on the directions (especially after swimming or sweating).  Never leave sunscreen in the sun as it will lose its effectiveness.
• Wear a hat and good sunglasses (eyes can be damaged too) when outside.
• Don’t forget to protect your lips when out in the sun.  Lips protrude and catch all the rays, especially if you’re wearing lip gloss. Lip gloss or shiny lipstick can be just like wearing oil on your skin, creating certain sunburn.  Be sure to use a lip balm under lipstick with SPF protection, as lips are the first thing to burn.
• Remember that self-tanning lotions make you look tanned but don’t protect you from the sun.
• Always bring a cover-up or a T-shirt.  When you feel you have had enough, cover up exposed areas.  Watch for arms, hands and the back of the neck.
• Whether you shave or wax your legs and bikini area, remember never to do it the same day you are performing or out in the sun.  Sun exposure, salt water, and chlorine can irritate your skin.  Those nasty red bumps will appear, and that’s not pretty!  Don’t forget -that goes for under arms too.  Try Tend Skin (at drug stores) to heal and banish bumps fast.
• Performers should be extra careful to avoid tan lines.  These are hard to cover up and can ruin the look of a costume if exposed.

SPECIAL for DANCE INFORMA READERS! Contact Mode Dion and  mention Dance Informa for 20% off on summer favorites including: Blemish Control Oil–free Skincare, Oil-free Face Powder, Lipstick Sealer and Eye Liner Sealer.

Christine Dion has worked internationally as a makeup artist in fashion, print, television and stage. She has been in the beauty industry for over 30 years as an artist and educator. Check out her website modedion.com for more information or call 760.837.9433.

By Christine Dion of Mode Dion

It’s Recital Prep time!  Are you ready?  Preparation is the key to a confident and polished recital performance. You might have your costumes, music, lighting, and of course the right moves – but what about your makeup and hair?  Even the most seasoned performer should have a makeup and hair rehearsal.  Applying makeup together with fellow performers will help insure everyone is on the same page, in the right look, uniform and polished.

To help you out this season we have a few easy to follow stage makeup step by step application videos with stage beauty expert Christine Dion from Mode Dion. To learn more go to modedion.com.

A polished face is a must.
Here’s how to apply Foundation, Concealer and Powder like a pro:

Eyebrows frame your eyes and create balance.
Here are the steps to perfect brows:

Stage eye steps made easy:

False lashes are the Eye Openers:

Create lips that show off your smile and cheeks that are perfectly flushed
and contoured to perfection:

Era and Theme Makeup for Recitals

Recital make-up is important as it complements the costume and sets the mood of the dance piece.  Those little extras capture the era and style of the number.  Whether the dance is 1950’s Grease, a ballet classic, or futuristic pop, it’s the make-up and hair that finishes the look and creates the fantasy.

Here are a few make-up color rules to keep for the next time you create a fantasy face. Remember the theme of the look. Make-up changes every era just like fashion.

The make-up era looks that set the style in their day:

• In the1920’s black shadow across the lid and deep burgundy rosebud lips were the choice of every flapper girl.
• In the 1940’s liquid liner sweeping up only on the top lid, with rounded rich red lips were popular.
• In the 1950’s blue shadow and pink lipstick were the colors of the moment.
• The 1960’s saw heavy lined eyes, white shadow all over the lid and gray shadow through the crease.  The lips were washed out in light beige to keep the eyes the focus.
• In the 1970’s blue shadow was back in, but with frost for the lid and white shadow highlighted under the brow. The face was brightened with pink cheeks and pale pink glossy lips.
• In the 1980’s, the era of excess, we saw three colors of bright shadow, heavy brows, and bright lipstick.  Think Cindy Lauper.

When creating a fantasy, the era may not play a role at all. Instead you might want to play on the imagination of the audience.  Create magic by defining the character of the piece.

Fantasy character looks and the colors that make them come alive:

• The ShowGirl.  Feathers in the hair, big lashes and glitter everywhere. The brighter the colors the better.
• The Spanish Flamingo Dancer.  Heavy black eye liner sweeping up at the corners, red lips, and a split curl along the side of the cheek.
• The Cat.  Whether you choose a lion, a leopard, or a tiger, the drama is purr-fect for a feline fantasy. Use face pencils or greasepaint in black, brown, orange, yellow, white, and red/brown.
• Fairy Princess.  A favorite for classical pieces, this look is soft and sweet.  Use lots of glitter and sparkling shimmers, placed only on the key light catching spots.
• Man look.  This look includes a suit and tie with hair parted and slicked back, but the face is feminine.  Lips are red or defined with lots of gloss, cheekbones are contoured and eyes are shaded in browns with thick black lashes.
• Make-up to accent costumes.  Add rhinestones and glitter to the face in complimenting colors to draw attention to unique costume detail.  Other accents can include:
  Glitter, sparkling powders.  These light catching products can turn any look into a magical fairy princess or a futuristic intergalactic arrival.
  Wigs- Try a wig or hair piece.

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The Mini Stage Kit contains the perfect stage makeup to create a polished and professional performance face. Rich high quality pigment, the 5 color eyeshadow pallet doubles as cake eye liners too, with a professional eye liner brush for flawless lining application. Two versatile defining eye shadow shades allow for multiple looks. Stage Red cheek color flushes cheeks to perfection and compliments the Stage Red long lasing lip color and liner for enhancing and shaping lips.
Phone 760.837.9433 to order

Christine Dion has worked internationally as a makeup artist in fashion, print, television and stage. She has been in the beauty industry for over 30 years as an artist and educator. Check out her website modedion.com for more information.

Top photo: © Jorgosphotos | Dreamstime.com

Published by Dance Informa digital dance magazine – dance news, dance auditions & dance events for the professional dancer, dance teacher and dance students.

By Christine Dion of Mode Dion

Even with plenty of practice and an on time arrival back stage, disasters can strike! Be prepared with this handy Check List Of Dance Bag Must Haves.  If it ends up that you yourself never needs these items, rest assured that you will save the day for someone else!

Must have necessities for the performer’s dance bag:

• Eye make-up remover pads: Non-oily are best. For fast make-up changes, use gentle downward strokes to remove false lashes and all. Never rub side to side when removing eye make-up, you’ll work the make-up right into your eyes.
• Scissors (small): Use this handy tool for trimming false lashes, clothing tags and threads.
• Tweezers: Eye make-up looks its best when the brows are well groomed, so keep up on stray hairs. Also use tweezers to perfectly place rhinestones or help with false lashes.
• Eyelash curler: A must for perfectly curled lashes. Always curl lashes before you put on mascara or false lashes, never after. False lashes that have lost their curl can be brought back to life by gently curling them with an eyelash curler.
• Cosmetic pencil sharpener: Lip and white eye pencils must have a perfect point.
• Cotton squares: Wet cotton squares with warm water and a little face wash to do a fast clean up without even needing a towel.
• Q-tips: are great to spot clean quickly, remove mascara smudges or eye shadow flecks.

Other important necessities: band-aids, safety pins, feminine products, aspirin, Tums, breath mints, deodorant, extra pair of tights, paper and pen, hair brush and hair spray, bobby pins, scotch tape, first aid tape (for roaming glitter), socks, foot powder, nail clipper/file, nail polish remover, shoe polish.

Basics for the performer’s makeup box:

• Skincare products like facial moisturizer and makeup removing wipes are both great for putting your stage face on and taking your stage face off.
• Foundation, concealer and loose face powder in oil-free formulas.
• Brow grooming pencil or cake color.
• EYES: eye shadow colors in neutral tones like matte black, matte brown, matte peach or red/brown and matte cream highlighter to go with every look and costume change. Good pigments are very important and shadows can be used as wet/dry liners too.  White Pencil (a must have eye opener), false lashes, lash glue, mascara.
• LIPS:  A red/brown lip liner to define and enhance lips.  Stage red lipstick and a lighter shimmer golden color as a lip highlighter.
• CHEEKS: Flushing shade/stage red cheek color and contouring shade/natural contour.
• Shimmer opaque loose powder for highlighting cheekbones, eyes, shoulders etc. Any place you would like to add a little more light-reflecting glimmer.See all these stage products and more at modedion.com under ‘shopping’

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In depth and thorough, filled with beautiful photos and step by steps, this book covers everything from ways to achieve beautiful skin, health and nutrition, at home spa treatments and healing tired muscles to every makeup application need. Learn how to enhance and correct features as well as how to choose your most flattering colors for every day. What look is best for an audition, polished looks for outdoor performances and sports like cheer to pageantry, photography, large and small stage looks and even theme makeup are all covered along with the correct tools to make it all look professional.

MODE DION’s High Performance Beauty DVD
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“The Junior” specifically for Juniors, and those who help them with their make-up, to achieve a flawless performance face! Easy, fast and comforting, Christine guides the viewer through techniques that are designed just for children who are at times uneasy with the experience of makeup application.

“Senior” (teen/adult) Step by step application of stage make-up for performers who need to look their best under stage lights. Easy to follow application techniques along with enlightening dos & don’ts, using neutral colors that compliment every costume change. Covers achieving perfect brows (the frame), beautiful open eyes, flawless skin, defined features and adding show appeal for the most polished performance face.

Phone 760.837.9433 to order

Christine Dion has worked internationally as a makeup artist in fashion, print, television and stage.  She has been in the beauty industry for over 30 years as an artist and educator.  Check out her website modedion.com for more information.

From Christine Dion of Mode Dion

Start the year off fresh. Now is the time to review your makeup tools, clean out makeup cases and wash makeup brushes. Begin by clearing out old products. It is not always easy to know when the end has come, so here is a time line of expiration dates on your favorite cosmetic must haves:

Facial Foundation and Moisturizers- Up to 2 years. Most last only about a year. When it starts to separate, change consistency or smell funny then it’s time to toss it. You can extend the life of these even longer by dipping a clean Q-tip into the product for application instead of your finger.

Concealer/Cover up- Lasts a year or two longer than foundation.

Face Powder- Loose powder can last up to 3 years or more if it doesn’t begin to smell bad. It’s loose dry formulation prevents bacteria build up. Compact Powder can harden and change color from your skin oils getting onto the surface.  Bacteria can also form. Refresh compact powder by using a toothbrush to scratch the bad surface layer off. This can help it last up to to 3 years.

Cheek Color/Blush- Like a compact powder, bacteria can build up and powder can harden from facial oils. Treat with the toothbrush technique and keep for 2-3 years.

Mascara- 3-4 months after opening, mascara begins to have bacteria build up that can cause infection and eye irritation.

Eye Shadows- Keep the top layer clean and these should last up to 3-4 years. Look for color changes, bad smells, and itchy eyes to point the way to the trash.

Eye and Lip Liners -these can last a long time if you keep them well sharpened. For lip and eye pencils look for moldy build up and a change in texture to signal if they’ve gone bad. Liquid liners last about 1-2 years because of a higher risk of bacteria build up. To keep these fresh longer use a separate clean brush for application instead of the one that goes back into the container.

Lipstick- After 2 years color and texture changes and bacteria starts to build up. A chemical smell is another sign that it’s time to toss it.

Face Masks -(creamy)- 6 months to 1 year.

Nail Polish- 2 years, give or take. Adding a little nail polish remover can help thin out old polishes that have become thick, but bubbles can form when polishes are old, so it’s best to buy smaller polishes and throw them out after 2 years.

Fragrance- Perfumes aren’t really a beauty tool, but are an important part of beauty. So keep your fragrances out of light in a dry, cool place. Most people keep their perfumes in the bathroom, which is the worst place of all! Fragrance should last from 3-6 years if taken care of correctly. If you notice an off odor, then toss them.

How to care for your products and keep them fresh
Store your products in a cool, dark place like the fridge (cold inhibits bacteria) or a box. Keep them out of sunlight and warm humid places like the bathroom. Shake liquids up every once in a while. If pigments separate and don’t shake back together, then it’s time to throw them out. Avoid touching products with your fingers -use sponges, brushes and Q-tips whenever you can. Keep lids closed tightly and never share products.

Remember to keep make-up brushes clean. With daily use, wash brushes a few times a month or weekly if you’re prone to breakouts.

How to wash your make-up brushes:

1. Fill the bowl with warm water.

2. Add one squirt of dish-washing liquid.

3. Swish brushes into water and gently work soap through hairs.

4. Empty water and fill bowl again with fresh warm water.

5. Repeat until water is clear and brushes are clean from soap.

6. Pat onto dry towel and lay flat on dry towel until dry. Tip: Never dry brushes standing up. The moisture can drip into the base where the hairs are glued and start rotting. Soon the hairs will come loose and fall out. Never pull on brush hairs.  Always pat them dry.

Christine Dion has worked internationally as a makeup artist in fashion, print, television and stage.  She has been in the beauty industry for over 30 years as an artist and educator.  Check out her website modedion.com for more information.

Top photo:  © Tomasz Tulik | Dreamstime.com
Second photo: © Vitalii Netiaga | Dreamstime.com

By Christine Dion of Mode Dion

Tis the season for Christmas Holiday shows. Of course the most popular of all, the Nutcracker, will be presented by studios across the country. In many cases the ballet will be performed on a large stage and may require a little more facial enhancement than a typical small stage performance.

The Nutcracker features many characters. Here are some makeup tips and ideas for the varied roles. A simple eye makeup change is all that’s needed to add drama and help enhance the look.

Sugar Plum Fairies and the Land Of Snow

Where traditional ballet makeup is required keep in mind that the brows need a little more enhancement and extending.  Eyeliner will need to be extended a bit further at the ends. Don’t meet the lower and upper lines at the sides. I like to use a brown cake/shadow liner below lower lashes and a black cake/shadow liner at the end of upper lashes to create a softer look. A Mode Dion Pro Pallet eye shadow compact has all the colors you need. Keep eyes wide with white pencil in between.  Add a little white shimmer like Mode Dion’s Shimmer Pot to the center of lid, brow arch and inner eye corner to open eyes even more. False lashes will be a must to create big elegant eyes (see photo).  Adding a bit of magical glimmer to the cheekbones and eyes can really create more enchantment.  Use glitter in opal/white like Mode Dion’s Crystalina and secure it with spirit gum like Mode Dion’s Diva Glue. 

Arabian Dancer

Arabian dancers can quickly get the look just by extending the black cake/shadow liner towards the inner eye corner, creating a cat eye appearance. White pencil will help define the look by applying a little at the inner eye corner and between the two lines out at the end of the eye corners. Extend the liner a little there too as this will lengthen eyes creating a more exotic effect. Rhinestones placed along the upper brow line can create more drama.  Place little dots with your eyeliner to get the design and spacing right, then adhere them with eyelash glue.  If the costume is sparkly enhance that with matching glitter secured with Mode Dion’s Diva Glue.

Chinese Dancer

A Chinese Dancer only requires a very red lipstick applied just at the middle of the upper and lower lip to create a tiny rosebud mouth and lengthened eyeliner extended out at the sides of the eyes upwards. Meet the upper and lower eyeliners at the sides to close and angle eyes for an Asian look. If lids are naturally full they can easily be reduced to a more Asian almond eyed look by using black shadow across the lid. Very red cheeks just on the apples will make the face look rounder.

Dolls and Toys

The Doll/Toy look is an easy twist from a standard stage makeup look. Add more red cheek color to the rounds of the cheek.  Remove lip color from the sides of the mouth and create a more rounded lip look for a baby doll lip. Highlight the center of the upper and lower lip so the lips look even more pulled forward. Draw lines below lower lashes to look like painted on lashes and in between use white pencil to help them look more pronounced from a distance. Apply shimmer highlighter, like Mode Dion Shimmer Pot (opaque shimmer), to cheekbones, chin, forehead and down the center of nose to make skin look light and reflective like plastic. 

Clara and Children 

Clara and other children in the party scene should have a softer more natural looking makeup.  Skin should appear flawless by applying a matte oil-free foundation and powder.  Brows should be well defined and shaped along with lips and cheeks slightly flushed. Mode Dion’s Stage Red cheek color and  Rhubarb lipstick add just enough color to look natural and show up on stage. 

Men and Boys

Men and boys should be sure to wear foundation, concealer to cover dark circles under eyes and powder to set.  A cheek contour shade under cheekbones and along sides of nose will help further define features.  Shade sides of mouth with a natural lip pencil and apply a lipstick close to the same shade as lips.  Define brows, line eyes with brown liner lightly and apply black mascara.

For more step by step instructions and all the stage makeup needed to get these looks see modedion.com. For podcast tips see Christine Dion’s youTube channel “Mode Dion Makeup University”.

Mode Dion is a Cosmetic and Training Company deeply devoted to providing affordable, top quality cosmetics and education for the special needs of performers. From Dance, Show Choir, Cheer, Drill, Twirl, Ice Skating, Pageantry, Modeling and Acting, these talented performers need the right look, the right make-up and the skill to pull it all together for the most polished professional presentation.

Top photo: The Atlanta Ballet presents Nutcracker. Photo by C. McCullers, Courtesy of Atlanta Ballet