Burlesque Beauty Tips
How a Burlesque Dancer Keeps Her Makeup Looking Sexy All Night
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Nobody knows the importance of budge-proof makeup quite like a burlesque dancer.
Calamity Chang is an in-demand performer and producer in New York City, and is known for her bold fetish acts. Her show, which is at the Prohibition-style bar Employees Only, is inspired by 1920s Shanghai, China. Through years of touring, she's learned a thing or two about dolling herself up and putting on a show, so we asked Chang how she gets her makeup (and her pasties) to stay put through her sexy dancing all night.
How She Preps For the Stage
"I like to always start with a clean, lightly moisturised face. Then I apply MAC Prep+Prime Natural Radiance ($42) for the base, and I use MAC Studio Face and Body Foundation ($30)."
The 1 Product That Keeps Her Makeup Dance-Proof
"When I'm done with my makeup, I use NYX Matte Finish Spray ($8).
The setting spray helps my makeup stay sweat-proof, but there are nights when it's just so hot and you're kind of at the mercy of the weather. I think the key is to avoid wiping your forehead or face with your hands. I gently dab with a napkin instead."
How She Brings the Drama
"I first prep my body by moisturising and shaving, but I can't moisturise my boobs because then the pastie tape won't stick! When I do my face makeup, I start with my brows and eye makeup, then my face makeup, and lastly my lips. My hair is usually already in curls from the morning so I style my hair last. When I get to the venue, my last step is to put red glitter on my lips."
Her Golden Beauty Rule
"I always wash off my stage makeup at night and moisturise. Stage makeup is heavier and often more pigmented than regular makeup. I learned early on from World Famous Bob that one night of sleeping with your stage makeup on ages your skin three days.
If I am extremely lazy when I get home, I will at least use a makeup wipe to clean my face. I am also an avid overnight mask user. I love Perfectly Posh's Apricot Overnight Mask ($22) — it really makes a difference in how your skin looks."
The 1 Item She Can't Live Without
How She Amps Up the Glam
"My burlesque makeup is a pumped-up version of myself compared to my every day look. I wear really big Iikonn Eyelashes ($27), which, full disclosure, I'm a brand ambassador for. I also wear glitter on my lips, eyes, and cheekbones. Sometimes I will add a velour beauty mark on my face or little Swarvoski gems on the inside corners of my eyes. There's more sparkle and fantasy for burlesque than at my day job."
How She Finds Her Confidence
"In the media, there is this idea that burlesque helps you become more confident and improves your body image. I don't think that is entirely true. What burlesque did for me was more cultural. Burlesque has helped me to accept and embrace my Chinese background.
When I was growing up in Texas, it was not the most multicultural place and didn't celebrate diversity as much as it does now. Burlesque helped me realise that what makes me different is what makes me stand out. I think once that clicked for me, my confidence grew.
NYC has a lot to do with my growth as a woman also. Being in this city where there are so many immigrants and people of all backgrounds helped me not feel like the oddball."
