Hello Gang!
I’m one week into my 2017 belly dance makeup challenge! Everyday during the month of June, I’ll be putting on a new and different belly dance performance makeup look. In this post, I’m going to address four of the most common questions I’ve heard over the past week since I’ve begun this project. You can find the videos on YouTube, here.
Q: Why Are You Doing A 30 Day Vlogging Challenge?
A: When I was teaching formal, weekly classes, makeup tutorials, demos, and workshops were built into the yearly flow of my course material. My philosophy of “Five Layers of Belly Dance Appearance” is mapped out thoroughly in the book “Becoming a Belly Dancer: From Student to Stage,.” It states that layer #2 is Grooming, or hair and makeup. Since I rarely perform with my hair showing, I switch out “hair” for a headdress, which is really layer#4, accessories.
The only way to get good at applying makeup is to practice.
With this month long challenge, I get the two-fold benefit of making practice time for myself and having the opportunity to share my approach to putting on a performance face. I’m not a makeup artist, I’m just a dancer with a lot of experience and a bit of a makeup nerd.
Above: My primer selection for this month.
Q: How did you come up with the list of Challenges?
A: On a long car drive just after Monther’s day from Palm Springs to San Jose, I started thinking about this challenge. I had done it last year. I was thinking about how I would take it to the next level this year. Instead of being a “Pantser,” trying to come up with this looks on the fly, I decided to create scenarios that dancers might find them in when preparing for performances. I just went back in time, mentally flipping through memories of events and costumes I’ve worn, made, and seen, and began my list. Some are more obvious than others, but all the prompts originated in something I’ve seen or done in the past 30 years of my dance career. Click image to enlarge –>
Above: Concealer, foundation, and powders
Q: Who did you learn your makeup technique from?
A: This question could be an entire blog post! I’ve always sought out and enjoyed makeup classes. My first formal class was in college in my first fashion program. The required “Modelling” class included a lot of info on beauty makeup. I then went through a theater program, where I took classes on theatrical makeup techniques.
As a belly dancer, I’ve taken makeup workshops as often as possible with as many different dancers as I could find. Early on, I studied with Meleah, a professional model, makeup artist, and a killer belly dancer. More recently I’ve become an avid fan of Princess Farhana and Devilla. Who put together the FANTASTIC video workshop Bombshell: Dramatic Makeup for the Stage, Photos, & Glamorous Occasion. I also take lessons locally in my area from talented regional belly dancers and makeup artists such as Adriana. And of course, I took Sara Shrapnell’s makeup workshop in preparation for collaborating on Chapter 3 of “Becoming a Belly Dancer.” Over the yeas, of this makeup research, I’ve amassed a huge collection of tips, tricks, and product knowledge. I’m happy to share the knowledge I’ve collected over the years with my students near and far.
Above: Blush, contour, and highlight powders
Q: Are you going to make sewing videos?
A: YES! I’m working on overcoming many of the challenges of filming costuming. I’ve been making loads of video clips testing different fabrics, different shot angles, and lighting. What I’ve learned so far is that I need to invest in more lights, and plan some demo projects. I’m pleased to say that I have almost ironed out the technical details. After this month of makeup, watch for a series of basic sewing demos. My plan is to produce a bunch of really basic videos that can serve as a library to refer to in later more project-based videos. I’ll be creating demos that appear in my books – showcasing the materials and projects that I would choose to make the garments.
Thank you for joining me on my makeup adventure and for future sewing projects.
May your liner never run!
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
June 8, 2017
PS – Although I recommend you seek out products that work well for your particular complexion color and texture. Here is a list of the products that I’m using throughout these makeup challenges. Keep in mind that I’m 49, so I really enjoy using a pore filling primer to smooth out the texture of my skin. If you are younger and smoother, you may not require such extreme measures. Also, I have very dry skin, so that does impact my choices. If you have oilier skin, you may require different foundations and powders than I choose to use.
Makeup List – Part 1 – Complexion products
In Photo 1:
Loreal – Miracle Blur Primer
Benefit – That Gal Illuminating Primer
Benefit – What’s Up Cream Highlighter
Sephora – Primer – Discontinued (Dupe for the Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish)
In Photo 2:
Makeup Forever – HD Foundation stick – My color is “marble” or 117-Y225
Milani – 2-in-1 Foundation – My color is 01 – creamy Vanilla – (but I’ll be getting 00 next)
NYX – Stay Matte but not flat powder foundation – in “nude”
Loreal – True Match Powder – I’m in C2
BH Cosmetics – Concealer Wheel in Light
In Photo 3:
Elf – Illuminating Pallette & Contouring Pallette
NOTE – I’ve created my own custom palette using two two powders from each of the above palettes.
Rimmel – Kate Sculpting Face Kit – 01 Golden Sands
Makeup Revolution – Goddess Blush Palette
ng on my iPhone 6s+ which continues to serve me well. For my holiday gift last December, I requested both makeup and a microphone. I was pleased to score a Kat Vo
n D Metal/Matte eyeshadow palette, which is now out of production and is selling for 100+ dollars on eBay, as well as a Blue Snowball microphone with stand and a spit guard. Over the course of the next several weeks, I will be putting both of these new treasures to use!
Today I spent five hours working on a new project I’m very excited about, Amabella Magazine. This is a brand new, all digital, and absolutely free magazine! We are starting out on ground zero, but our editorial team is the same group I worked with to put together the definitive guide to belly dance development, 
