As dancers, we’re used to caking on stage makeup for performances. We are pro’s at glueing on fake eyelashes, we’ve mastered the contouring game, and applying the perfect red lip is a breeze.
But after the performance is over, don’t you want to go to bed with all of these pore-clogging glues, creams, and powders off your face?
If you’ve found yourself aggressively scrubbing your face and still ending up with stubborn, residual eyeliner, continue reading to learn about my favorite post-show skincare regimen and products to avoid breakouts, dryness, or redness.
(Disclaimer: These opinions are my own, and I am not a dermatologist; consult with a dermatologist if you have skin concerns or questions regarding skincare.)
4-Step Post-Performance Skincare Regimen
1.) Prep
First, I like to use a gentle oil or balm to dissolve and remove as much of the visible makeup as possible. I apply the product onto the skin using either a cotton round, cotton ball, or gentle cloth. The Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter from The Body Shop is my favorite because it is high quality, super affordable, and enriched with community trade Chamomile from England.
Rosehip oil is another simpler alternative that gently removes makeup and soothes the skin.
2.) Cleanse
After shows, my skin usually requires double cleansing.
Once most of the visible makeup is gone, I use a cleanser. The After Show Treatment Cleanser for Sensitive Skin by Jordan Samuel Skin is specifically designed to battle stubborn makeup. (The company was started by former professional dancer, Jordan Samuel Pacitti!) The luxuriously affordable gel-to-oil formula uses olive, jojoba, and grape seed oils combined with green tea, chamomile, and aloe to calm and hydrate the skin.
Another excellent cleansing option is the Milky Jelly Cleanser from Glossier. It has a subtle rose water scent, is very gentle on my skin, and does a good job removing buildup on my skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
3.) Toner
Immediately after cleansing, I follow up with a toner applied gently on a cotton round.
I like to use the Chinese Ginseng and Rice Clarifying Milky Toner from The Body Shop. Its formula is alcohol free, enriched with Chinese rice and ginseng extract, and made with Community Trade sesame seed oil from Nicaragua. It is also 100% vegan and leaves my skin feeling super smooth and plump. Be gentle when applying, and steer clear of harsh toners with alcohol.
4.) Moisturizer
Finally, I moisturize my skin using the Patchology Aquaflash Daily Gel Moisturizer. It’s hydrating without feeling sticky, and the refreshing and subtle scent is my all time favorite!
If my skin is feeling especially parched, I use Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream from Weleda, the lightweight version of the cult classic, Skin Food.
No matter which products you use or which steps you incorporate into your individual post-show routine, it’s essential to treat your skin with care.
Find what works best for you, and, no matter how tired you are after that 15th Nutcracker show, never go to sleep with your makeup on!
Do you have favorite skincare products for post-performance? Comment below!
