For 80 years, the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” starring the Radio City Rockettes has been a holiday tradition. This year, the precision dancers — known for their sparkly costumes and high kicks — are back in Atlanta for a run through Nov. 23.
Throughout the two-hour show, the 18 Rockettes manage to hustle through eight costume changes with hair and makeup intact. With an onstage look — which includes a signature red lip — that has to stand up under hot lights, these ladies know a thing or two about creating a holiday makeup look with staying power.
We caught up with three of the Rockettes backstage a few days before opening night to get their tips and tricks for holiday makeup you can rock like a Rockette.
Summer Renner
Hometown: Chapel Hill, N.C.
Favorite holiday look: A strong eye with eyeliner and mascara, a rosy pink cheek and red lipstick.
How she does it: "I use extra mascara and eyeliner on my lids. Sometimes I even put on small fake eyelashes or do a smoky eye if I am going to a special event to make my eyes really pop."
Must-have products: "MAC False Lashes Waterproof Mascara, $21. It creates a gorgeous lash that gives length, definition and volume and will last all night long at your holiday parties. I use MAC Lipstick in Russian Red, $15, particularly for performances, but sometimes for holiday events."
Tips and tricks: "I have very oily skin, so when I feel I need a touch-up or am getting oily, I use MAC Blot Powder (pressed), $25. It fits in the smallest of purses and is perfect for a fresh face look. I also use it at intermission during the 'Radio City Christmas Spectacular' to make my face look clean and fresh on stage, and it looks great from far away or up close.
“I also have problems making my lipstick last for a long time. I found that using lip liner to line the lip then filling in the entire lip with the liner works best for me. The liner stays on for a long time and looks great.”
Margaret McPherson
Hometown: Atlanta
Favorite holiday look: Clean, elegant and classy.
How she does it: "When I go to holiday parties, I like to have a more natural look while emphasizing my eyes. I also carry a clear lip gloss to complete and polish my look."
Must-have products: MAC False Lashes Waterproof Mascara and Maybelline Cover Stick Waterproof Concealer, $5, to cover unwanted blemishes and dark circles.
Tips and tricks: "Onstage, waterproof makeup is key to maintaining a fresh look. The same strategy works for a big night of holiday parties. Just touch up your lipstick and powder to keep a fresh, beautiful look throughout the night."
Amber Owens
Hometown: El Dorado Hills, Calif.
Favorite holiday look: "My holiday makeup varies depending on the event. For a party, I like to play up my lips and cheekbones. For church on Christmas Eve, I do a light eyeshadow and a neutral lip. I also like festive nails."
How she does it: "I love to use a light mineral foundation to even out my skin, a defined eye, long lashes and a true red on my lips … MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo is my favorite red. I adore MAC Eyeshadow because of the intensity of color."
Must-have products: "I'm a big fan of Essie and OPI nail colors, and I love red nails with a little metallic accent on the ring fingers. I also really enjoy a little shimmer powder on my shoulders for a cocktail party."
Tips and tricks: Keep skin exfoliated and moisturized. "I'm a big fan of Mary Kay cleansers and daily moisturizers to help create a clean canvas. After that, I use a translucent finishing powder to keep my makeup in place all evening." Also, you can create a neutral lip with just a bit of foundation and gloss on top.
