Here’s a little “Belly Dancer Life Lesson,” always wear more makeup than you think you need in performance! I must admit, I use photo editing software to touch up my skin before I put images on the web. Generally, I reduce dark circles, clean up blemishes and whiten my teeth. However, I’m keenly aware that I cannot go “to far” in the photo editing process or my still photos won’t match the video performances.
In order to look my absolute best in a performance video, I use makeup, much MORE makeup than I ordinarily use. My goal is to create the illusion of an airbrushed look. My philosophy is to address the problem areas that I focus on when I am performing “Digital Botox” using Photoshop. So for myself, I use use makeup to conceal dark circles and blemishes, and wear costumes that draw the eye and accentuate my better features.
To create the best, most flawless look possible for my over 40 skin (with really dark circles under my eyes,) I use a multi-step process that begins with moisturizer and ends with powder. The products and order that I apply them are included in the image below. I encourage you to be fearless and unafraid to experiment with products and application techniques. In my experience, I’ve found it’s far more important to practice and develop excellent makeup application skills than to spend a fortune on expensive products. As you can see below, my array of beauty products includes both high-end and drugstore cosmetic brands.
Ultimately, if you perfect your base makeup, you will be able to apply any color cosmetics you desire to highlight your costume of the moment. In the long run, your photographers will appreciate having to do less work in the digital darkroom and you will have the benefit of a more unified appearance across various media.
So give it a try! And good luck!
~ Davina
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