Even if you don't wear makeup for everyday wear, it is an important part of finishing your look for stage. I am often asked what products I use so I thought I would give you a look inside my makeup bag. Make up can be expensive so if you are unsure of your colors, have them matched at a department store. If you can't go to the store when your full competition day tan, ask for samples of dark colors. They should be more than happy to give them to you. I bought a bottle of MAC and asked for a sample of one shade darker and blended them together. When you find out what colors best suit you then spring for the whole bottle. My foundation products are MAC when is the choice of most Makeup Artists. Another great brand is Dermablend. It helps cover scars, acne, burns and tattoos. It is much thicker thus providing major coverage. Ask the counter for a sample kit. These brands can be found at most major department stores in mid to large size cities. They can also be ordered online.

A helpful tip:  If you like makeup from department stores, buy products during the gift season so you can get more great products to try out for free! I buy my self tanners during gift time so I also get more makeup to try. The small samples of lotion and mascara are great for fitting in small bags on a trip!

Step 1: MAC Studio Moisture Fix Lotion if my skin needs a moisturizer

Step 2: Liquid Foundation: MAC NC 45 Select SPF 15 - My normal color ranges from NC 30-35

MAC NC 50 (to blend if a darker color is needed)

Step 3: Powder Foundation: MAC NC 45 Studio Fix or MAC Translucent Loose Powder (My everyday wear is MAC NC 30-35 Studio Fix)

(lightly brush over your liquid)

This is what I use when I'm just out and about at the competition as well because it's lighter than the liquid, but I'd look freaky without it since my skin is so dark and my face is so white (I don't put tanner on my face)!

Step 4: False Eyelashes & Adhesive (full lashes or individual ones for the outside corners of your eyes)
Practice first, especially with individual lashes and give yourself plenty of time to get ready.

Step 5: Revlon Wet/Dry Black Eyeliner unless Eyelashes provide their own line

Other colorful eyeliners to match costume or swimsuit are included. I buy cheap ones because I won't use them all the time.

I also may use L'Oreal's Felt Tip Pen "Iline Instensifique" in Black; it doesn't smudge as much.

Step 6: Rimmel Soft Kohl White Eyeliner Pencil (for inside corners of eyes to brighten them)
or swipe a bit of white or pearl eye shadow in the inner corners of your eyes
 

Step 7: Lancôme Illusionist Maximum Curling Mascara

I also take a waterproof mascara with me just in case I do a photo shoot in the water

Step 8: Eyebrow Brush & Powder to fix any gaps

Step 9: MAC blush in "BlushBaby" (this is my everyday blush and I use a little on stage)

Covergirl Blush in "Deep Rose" (make sure it's bright enough to stand out on stage, but not so much you look like a clown)

Step 10: Lancôme Eye shadow (one of my freebies) in Platinum/Sunberry
I also have a cheap eye shadow color kit with 25-30 different shades for the unexpected needs.

Step 11: Revlon Lipstick in Raisin Rage (My typical everyday color is Coffee Bean with Neutrogena Moisture Shine in Glimmer on Top)

MAC Lipglass for intense shine

* Big Powder Brush, Blush Brush, Lipstick Brush, Eyebrow Brush

* Don't forget your hairspray and silicone laminate for shiny hair!

* Take Makeup Remover Cloths with you in case you need to refresh and start over between Prelims & Finals