I’d like to take a moment to share with you a trick that I use for several years to turn free time minutes into makeup. Every performing dancer knows that makeup plays a very important roll in their overall look. Cosmetics make the features more visible from a distance, creates an enhanced illusion of beauty and perfection, and helps to define the character of the dancer as an entertainer.
Makeup is Essential for Performance
If you’ve ever taken a workshop with me, you’ve probably heard me talk about the “Five Layers” system that I use when discussing a belly dancer’s personal appearance. But, if you haven’t heard about it, let me quickly break it down.
5 Layers of Belly Dance Appearance
• The Body
• Makeup & Grooming
• Costume
• Jewelry & Accessories
• Props
For more information about the 5 layers and how to use this system when planning your performance appearance, check out our book “Becoming a Belly Dancer: From Student to Stage.”
At left, my co-author Poppy Maya models a modern style ensemble using all five layers. Her body, of course, performance makeup, classic 2-piece belly dance costume, jewelry and sleeves, and a veil prop.
Makeup Goes Bad
Like food and beverages, makeup can go bad. Today, nearly all makeup and cosmetics are marked with a use-by date or a good after opening mark. You will find this marked either on the packaging or on the container itself. Look for an icon similar to this jar with a number and an M that represents the months. The example here on the left indicates that a product should be used up within 12 months of opening.
It’s good to keep an eye on your makeup dates so you know when to replace a mascara (good for 3-6 mo after opening) or a foundation (6mo – 2 years depending on the formulation.) I like to take a sharpie and write the day I open a product on the outside of the packaging. That way, there is no guessing how old something is. It’s good to be vigilant with dates for a variety of reasons, but you don’t want to open your self to infections by using outdated makeup.
Makeup is Expensive
Unfortunately, when putting on a performance you might use as many as 20 or even 30 different products to create a dynamite stage-worthy look. The cost of makeup will add up over time. Even when buying more affordable drugstore brands, to have all the products you need, you will rack up a bill. If you like mid-quality, professional grade, or luxury brands, the cost of putting together a basic kit will add up!
Minutes for Makeup
While looking for sources and methods for saving money on the products I buy regularly, like makeup. A friend referred me to the MyPoints website. On this site, I discovered that I could spend some time every day or week to answer some surveys, to use their search tool, watch a few videos and other simple and easy tasks. Over time you accumulate points which you can turn into gift cards at a variety of stores and restaurants.
Here are just a few of the cards available to me on the day I wrote this blog post. Notice that I have the opportunity to either turn “my points” a Target gift card, where I regularly shop for beauty products and life essentials. Alternately, I could trade them in for an Ulta card which I could use for both drugstore level and premium makeup brands that I love. The cards available do change and the number of points it takes to trade in varies as well. But if you go to the MyPoints website, you can explore what’s available on any given
Practice Dance While Earning Makeup?
Once I reali
zed the potential of this site, I worked visiting the page into my daily ritual. I put my current practice music on to remind me of my ultimate goal – building and restocking my performance makeup kit. I use my music as my guide, putting on a 7-10 minute set, and then I simply “work” on my makeup-earning projects. Listening to my music becomes ingrained in my mind, helping me to hear and understand the nuances of the piece.
It’s not quick, but the time adds up
This is not a quick-fix for getting your kit together this week. But I do find that I make between $50 and $75 a year in gift cards that cover my makeup and beauty expenses each year. When you explore the MyPoints website, you can figure out what activities you enjoy most. I find that I make a lot of points doing research activities, while other friends who use the service take surveys or watch more videos.
Here in the US, we just celebrated our national Thanksgiving. If you decide to visit MyPoints to explore the possibilities, I want to say thank you for using this MyPoints affiliate link. Your support makes it possible for me to take the time to make helpful and informative content!
I wish you the best of luck earning some free makeup!
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
November 26, 2017