Competitive Dance Essentials- buying guide (with links!)

Competition Dancer Essentials: Hair & Makeup

Hey friends! I'm super excited to finally be putting together my first edition of company dance essentials. This first post will include all of my favorite HAIR & MAKEUP essentials. I grew up dancing competitively, and did my own hair and makeup from the time I was 10 years old. Now, I'm a mother of three dancers as well as a studio director. I've tried SO many products and can now confidently recommend products that I cannot live without. 
Simply click each photo to find each item on Amazon and add them to your cart!

Hair Essentials

Tubby Todd Detangler:
This Tubby Todd detangling spray is a lifesaver!!! This is the item I start with, every single time. Especially on those mornings when your kiddos' hair has a mind of its own. A few spritzes help knots slip right out, making brushing painless (and tear-less) and soooo much quicker. It leaves the hair soft, manageable, and ready to style without weighing it down. I love using it before brushing hair into buns or ponytails because it gives you a smooth starting point and keeps everyone happy in the getting-ready process.

Hair Wax:
​A good hair wax is key for those slicked-back, performance-ready hairstyles. I use it to give the hair a manageable texture so it actually listens to you, helps you get everything into place without fighting it, and keeps all those tiny flyaways right where they’re supposed to be. It's the perfect starting point for those tight slicked back looks.  It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference in achieving that clean, uniform team look.

Wet Brush:
​The Wet Brush is my “don’t even start without it” tool. It works with the hair instead of against it- taming knots that would normally slow everything down (and cause major meltdowns). It’s gentle, dependable, and makes brushing feel like a quick, no-drama step instead of a full battle. Whether the hair is fresh out of the shower or completely dry, this brush helps me get everything smooth and ready to style in a fraction of the time. It’s a must have item for sure!
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Smoothing Combs:
A set of smoothing combs is a total game-changer for creating clean, professional dance hairstyles. I've seen people use toothbrushes for hair gel and wax, but I really have preferred having a dedicated brush with smoothing bristles. It's a total bonus that this pack comes with a parting comb as well. I couldn't create a clean part or smooth pony without them!  

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Clear elastics:
Okay, to be honest, I have a total love hate relationship with these elastics. They're super sturdy and will NOT surprise break on you during dance or performances- BUT they're so strong and grippy, that you have to really stretch them out before you put them in the hair. They take some finesse and there's a little bit of a learning curve- but I haven't found a clear elastic hair tie that ACTUALLY stays where you put it other than these ones. They're also difficult to remove- which is why I also recommend a pony pick (I'll link that below). All in all- these are not going anywhere. You've got to love a product that actually does its job!

Pony Pick: 
A pony pick is a total lifesaver for removing hair elastics quickly and safely. Instead of tugging and pulling, (which can cause tears and upset kiddos) this little tool slides under the band and cuts it without damaging the hair. I always keep one on hand during rehearsals and competitions, especially when we need to switch hairstyles fast. It makes taking out elastics clean and painless, and keeps everyone’s hair (and relationship with their children)  healthy in the process.

Bobby Pins:
Bobby pins are a dance team essential! I literally keep a stash in every bag, on every shelf, and even in my pocket!
This is the perfect pack of bobby pins for dance teachers. I love that I can easily grab a pin for any hair color and it's going to match seamlessly. There's also the choice for parents to just choose the color that they need. Let's be honest, are you even a dance parent, dancer or instructor if you don't have a bucket of bobby pins at your disposal at any given time? 

Solid FREEZE spray:
Got2b Glued is my “nothing is moving, not even in a hurricane” hairspray. It’s the only hairspray I’ve ever found that truly holds all day through competitions, long rehearsals, quick changes, sweaty numbers, you name it. When we need hair to stay rock-solid, this is the one I reach for every single time. It locks everything in place  and keeps every little flyaway exactly where it’s supposed to be. Once this is on, that hairstyle is staying put until you wash it out. Perfect for performance days when we need absolute reliability.

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Hair Gel:
I’ve finally found a gel that holds all day without drying into flakes! I love using it for dance hairstyles and even for my son’s everyday hair. It works especially well running through a ponytail before braiding, helping grab and control every strand. I pair it with GOT2B hairspray for a style that really stays put. It’s a slightly wet gel, which makes it easy to comb through and shape before it dries. It's definitely not a stand-alone product, but a great team player in your dance hair routine.

Caboodle:
A Caboodle is my go-to for keeping all hair and makeup supplies organized and in one place. As a 90s kid, there’s just something about opening one of these that feels nostalgic, and it’s super practical! Perfect for storing everything from brushes and hair ties to hairspray and makeup, it keeps your kit tidy and easy to grab when getting the team ready for rehearsals or performances.

Competition Dance Makeup Must Haves (& Studio B requirements)

Eyeshadow Palette: (team requirement)
This is the ELF Bite Sized eyeshadow palette in the color "cream and sugar"- and it's been the ROCK to creating my signature Studio B makeup look for all 6 years I've owned my studio. Let's talk about why I love it! 1. This palette super affordable. 2. The colors are PERFECT for creating a show stopping look for any performance location.
​3. They blend effortlessly, layer super well, and are overall a really great quality shadow. We use a great YouTube tutorial for this eyeshadow look- and year after year we keep coming back for this timeless essential.
​Check out my future posts for all of my favorite video tutorials using this palette.  

Lipstick:  (team requirement)
​The Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink  lip colors have been absolute game-changers for our performance makeup! I've been using them for all 6 seasons- and have loved every shade I've tried. As a mom, I love how easy they apply- the applicator tip allows me to line the lips to get a smooth line every time. They stay put through smiles, turns, quick changes, and even water breaks. This year, each company group gets its own shade to best compliment their costumes. Here’s what we're using:
Mini Co. – Shade 150 “Pathfinder”
Petite Co. – Shade 80 “Ruler”
Senior Co. – Shade 340 “Exhilarator”
These lipsticks don’t budge (seriously!) making them one of my favorite reliable products for competition days.

Foundation:
This is the Shine Cosmetics BB cream and I'm obsessed. I love that they're a Utah company and it doesn't irritate my super sensitive skin. This is the foundation that I wear day to day- and it's also my go-to foundation for my dancers on their performance day. I use a combination of the shades awaken for the base and empowered as a contour/bronzer. This BB cream is super smooth, buildable and lasts all day. I like that it's lightweight and breathable, and doesn't leave the skin feeling cakey or crusty. 

Concealer:
This is the elf hydrating camo concealer. I love this for under eyes and blemishes. This concealer has become one of my quiet heroes in the makeup kit. It blends so smoothly, gives amazing coverage, and keeps the dancers looking bright and fresh under those intense stage lights. I love that it’s hydrating! Nothing cakey or drying- just a nice, clean finish that holds up through long rehearsals and performance days. It’s affordable, dependable, and honestly just one of those products I reach for without even thinking about it.

Liquid Blush:
It's no surprise at this point that I love elf products. This has quickly become one of my favorites- even in my own personal makeup routine. I like to use this elf liquid camo blush underneath my powders- it goes on right after the foundation and concealer to give a smooth first layer of color. I've found that this really sets me up for success in building a dynamic face look that really shows on stage. The powder bronzer and blush go on super smooth over top of all of the liquid products to round out the full look. It's been a product I've skipped in the past, and regretted missing this crucial step. 

 Bronzer: 
This Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer is such a staple in our performance makeup kit. It gives the dancers that warm, healthy glow without ever looking muddy or overdone—just a soft, natural warmth that looks amazing under stage lights.
(I wear it in my normal day to day makeup as well). It blends effortlessly seriously, you barely have to try, smells like a beach day, and lasts through long rehearsal blocks and full competition days. It’s one of those products that makes every makeup look feel a little more polished and put together.

Eyeliner: 
This eyeliner pen is my go-to for getting those clean, sharp lines that read beautifully from the stage. It’s super easy to control (even for shaky hands)so creating a smooth wing or defining the lash line doesn’t feel intimidating. The color is bold, the tip stays precise, and it holds up through long rehearsal days, quick changes, and plenty of dancing. My favorite tip: have your dancer lay down with their head in your lap while you apply it. You get a much better angle for drawing on the line or wing, and it makes the whole process so much easier and more accurate.

Eyebrow pencil:
This Elf (no surprise) eyebrow pencil is a simple but essential tool in our makeup kit- especially for my dancer, who’s blonde with really light eyebrows. It fills in sparse areas quickly, blends effortlessly, and gives just enough definition so her expressions don’t get washed out under stage lights. My biggest tip: be careful not to go too dark with the color (it’s easy to overdo it) and we want the brows to look naturally polished, not harsh. The formula isn’t too waxy or too soft, making it perfect for creating a soft, stage-ready look. 

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Real Techniques Face brushes & Beauty Blender: 
I’m not exaggerating when I say that these brushes have been treated like my babies. I've loved them and can't do my dancer's face makeup without them. I love that the entire set comes with everything I need for competition makeup and it EVEN comes with a beauty blender (essential for the liquid makeup). The brushes are soft, easy to work with, and make blending foundation, bronzer, or powder feel way less like a wrestling match. The Beauty Blender is a lifesaver for liquid products which means no more “patchy streaks of panic.” I use this set religiously- and I feel super professional while doing it. 

Makeup bag: 
Okay, so I know earlier I recommend the caboodle- which I totally still do. But sometimes, I have a bunch of makeup overflow and love to be able to just throw everything in a bag. I have this bag in the large size and take it everywhere with me. It's soft, washable and way bigger inside than you'd expect. If you're needing an inexpensive bag to just throw all of your products into- this one is for you. 

Blush:
This Milani Baked Blush is one of my absolute favorites for performance days. It has a gorgeous range of shades that work beautifully on any skin tone, which makes it so easy to create a cohesive look across the whole team. The formula gives the prettiest natural flush with a soft glow, and it’s totally buildable- so if we need a little boost as the day goes on, I can add more without it ever looking heavy. It blends like a dream, lasts all day, and is always the perfect finishing touch to our Studio B makeup look.

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Mascara:
Our little's don't wear false lashes, so they need a really strong and buildable mascara- and this Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara is just the thing. I love that I can layer (quickly before my daughter gets grumpy with me) and it comes together so fast with a long and full eyelash look that stays all day.  Our older dancers wear false lashes, and this makes for a great base before gluing on strip or cluster lashes. 



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False lashes: 
False lashes are a total game-changer for stage makeup—they make the eyes pop, photograph beautifully, and give that polished, professional finish we want for performances. They’re required for both Petite and Senior Company, and they make such a difference in how expressive the dancers look under bright lights.
I always recommend choosing lashes that add volume without being too heavy, so they stay comfortable through long rehearsal days and full competition weekends. Once they’re on, the whole makeup look instantly levels up!

Eyeshadow brushes:
These Real Techniques brushes are some of my absolute favorites- I'm on my fourth season using these for my dancer, and they've held up amazingly. The bristles are soft but hold their shape perfectly, making blending, layering, and precise application so much easier. This pack comes with every size and shape brush you need for our team eyeshadow look, so you’re fully equipped to get that smooth, professional finish. They work beautifully with both powder and cream shadows, and having reliable brushes like these makes the whole process cleaner, quicker, and way less frustrating!

Setting Spray:
If you’ve ever had a dancer come off stage looking like their makeup ran a marathon, this spray is your new best friend. A few spritzes and voila- everything stays put! It’s lightweight, dries quickly, and keeps the look matte without feeling like a mask. I have super sensitive skin, and this has never left me feeling itchy or dry, which is a huge win. I don’t just use it for performances- it's my go to anytime I need my makeup to feel done and stay put.




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Makeup remover:
Finally- the last essential that some people tend to forget. Remember how I've been recommending products that last forever, even in hurricanes? Well, eventually those have to come off. Micellar water is the only product that I've found that removes that magical all day lipstick that we use. It's a clean product, easy to transport and use with a cotton pad, paper towel, wipe, washcloth, whatever- and works every single time. I especially love that my face doesn't feel dry after I've wiped everything away.