Thread: Makeup for your Abs

I found this on YouTube when I was looking at the clips on the Willowy Dancers thread. It looks easy enough to do and I think belly dancers would like this:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pVmmsuuc5U&feature=fvw]YouTube - Makeup Tutorial: How to Fake Abs[/ame]

If only it covered up stretch marks and puckery ab skin from having babies and weight loss!

***SIGH*** That would be great!

Why fake abs when you've got them? No belly dancer of even a little experience has "no abs".

It's actually great to play up your existing abs - I never leave for a gig without doing a little light body contour makeup! Not that it fakes abs, per se, but it makes you look like you've done a couple of crunches pre-gig, minus the effort ..g.:

The one thing I'd add to this tutorial is that I like to "curve" myself out by bringing the contour just under the curve of the lower tummy - gives skinny mini me the look of the classic "belly dancer's belly".

A little of the same technique around the cleavage and the triceps also looks nice!

Maybe I should make my own video tutorial

Originally Posted by zumarrad

Why fake abs when you've got them? No belly dancer of even a little experience has "no abs".

It's all bout enhancing what you've got and trying to look as amazing as possible. No different from the false eyelashes, hair pieces, etc.

Originally Posted by dunyah

It's all bout enhancing what you've got and trying to look as amazing as possible. No different from the false eyelashes, hair pieces, etc.

I'm with you, Dunyah. I don't always wear false eyelashes or hairpieces, but I wouldn't go to a gig without mascara and lipstick, even though I actually have eyelashes and lips.

I think if I tried to do this it would just look like dirt smudged onto my fat. Like contouring the face, I believe you have to be enhancing a natural hollow rather than trying to add one that doesn't exist.

If I get back to the point of having a natural hollow, I would consider enhancing it with a little darker coloring.

Originally Posted by dunyah

It's all bout enhancing what you've got and trying to look as amazing as possible. No different from the false eyelashes, hair pieces, etc.

Precisely. Plus, in dark venues, onstage, and in front of the camera, it's nice to add dimension to your natural features so they pop in any visibility conditions.

I used to think false eyelashes were a waste of time until I saw how amazing they look in photos! Now, I don't go on gigs without 'em.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I'm with you, Dunyah. I don't always wear false eyelashes or hairpieces, but I wouldn't go to a gig without mascara and lipstick, even though I actually have eyelashes and lips.

I think if I tried to do this it would just look like dirt smudged onto my fat. Like contouring the face, I believe you have to be enhancing a natural hollow rather than trying to add one that doesn't exist.

If I get back to the point of having a natural hollow, I would consider enhancing it with a little darker coloring.

..l;, I was thinking that. I don't think contouring makeup on my gut would hide the layer of fat.

However the principle is fine, some good spray salons will fake tan you some abs, they can also do it to enhance your calves and thighs.

I don't like this :(

Hey, if you got them, you got them. If you don't, it's OK! Belly dancing is one of the few places in this world where a woman who isn't perfect in the eyes of the media can be appreciated - flaws and all. It's called "belly" dancing for a reason. *laughs*

Originally Posted by TribalFused

I don't like this :(

Hey, if you got them, you got them. If you don't, it's OK! Belly dancing is one of the few places in this world where a woman who isn't perfect in the eyes of the media can be appreciated - flaws and all. It's called "belly" dancing for a reason. *laughs*

Body make up isn't for everyone and nobody says you have to use it. It's just something that is there for those who want it, like hair falls or padded bras. You can definitely be appreciated for your good dancing without looking like a model or a movie star. For sure!

Good dancing, and good dance energy, trumps merely looking good in a costume, in the eyes of the knowledgeable watcher.

Originally Posted by dunyah

Body make up isn't for everyone and nobody says you have to use it. It's just something that is there for those who want it, like hair falls or padded bras. You can definitely be appreciated for your good dancing without looking like a model or a movie star. For sure!

Good dancing, and good dance energy, trumps merely looking good in a costume, in the eyes of the knowledgeable watcher.

I, of course, do nothing like this. Nope. I never pad my bra. Ever. *ahem* ..l;,

I know some people would use body make-up for an enhanced performance. It just tweaks me, personally. I stated in the previous post that I feel belly dancing is one of the few places left where a woman is accepted and not forced into a media created image. On the other hand, I know many professional dancers have to keep an image because that's what the client wants.

Hmmm, doesn't seem any different to me than using makeup on the face to highlight cheekbones, even out skin tone or color and line the lips. Interesting, at the end she mentioned "doing the cleavage"...does she have tricks for that too?!
Nikki

To add "depth" to your cleavage you can brush on some blush in the area between your breasts.. the dark colour will visually make them "stick out" more :) I don't think it works if you really are like an A cup, though, I tried in highschool :-D

Same with the abs - it works fine if you got at least some (the same effect as from tanning - have you ever noticed your abs stick out way more in summer? that is not only because you might be working out more but also because the areas "sticking out" get tanned slightly more, and that adds depth to your abs..)

oh with the cleavage: you do it vertically, in the "gap". I think the abs you'd do horizontally.

Hey Satin - you should do the video tutorial! I'd be interested in seein your technique for cleavage and triceps especially.

Cool! Once I figure out how to use the video function on my camera and stabilize the darned thing, I'll show you guys my personal favorite tips and tricks.

Again, you can't necessarily fake a six-pack or a C-cup, but it's great for emphasizing what you do have

I think this type of body make up might be especially useful for photo shoots.

Awesome for photo shoots, because it helps make the 2D image appear three dimensional.

I did a little contouring for one of my last shoots and my photographer asked me if I've been working out more - just sitting at home eating bonbons and getting better at body makeup LOL

For chest "enhancement", brush powder bronzer in the middle of your cleavage and brush highlights on top on the "boobs"

I just put up some professional makeup brushes for sale for this very purpose! ;0)

Check 'em out here...

Oooooh, cool, I was wondering what the ideal type of brush would be for this!