1. It Starts with a Hard-Working Base
Stage makeup, and any makeup meant to withstand heat and sweat, is built like a house: it needs a solid foundation. For Underwood, this process begins long before any color is applied. The key is a multi-step preparation of the skin. While her longtime
makeup artist, Melissa Schleicher, has a full range of products, the principle is universal: start with a good primer. A smoothing or mattifying primer creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup, preventing natural oils from breaking down the foundation. It also gives the foundation something to grip onto. For foundation itself, the choice is critical. Look for long-wear, oil-free liquid formulas. These are engineered to set and stay put without feeling overly heavy. Application matters, too. Applying foundation with a damp beauty sponge in thin, buildable layers allows for coverage that looks natural but has serious staying power. It’s about building up durability, not just caking on a single thick layer.
2. The Power of Powder and Setting Spray
If primer is the foundation, setting powder and spray are the structural reinforcements. This is a non-negotiable step for achieving the Underwood level of makeup endurance. The technique known as “baking” is often employed for television and stage. After applying concealer under the eyes and in the T-zone, a thick layer of loose translucent powder is pressed on top and left to sit for several minutes. The heat from your skin helps the makeup and powder meld together, creating an incredibly smooth, locked-in finish. Once the excess is dusted away, the makeup beneath is practically bulletproof. But the final lock-in comes from a setting spray. This isn't just a fancy water; modern setting sprays contain polymers that form a flexible, invisible film over your makeup. A generous misting at the very end of your routine will seal everything in place, protecting it from sweat, humidity, and friction.
3. Eyes That Mesmerize—and Don't Budge
Underwood is known for her signature smoky eye, a look that could easily devolve into a raccoon-like mess during a high-energy show. The prevention strategy is all about layering and waterproof formulas. First, an eyeshadow primer is essential. It prevents creasing and makes colors more vibrant. For her dramatic look, multiple shades are blended meticulously, but the real secret is in the liners and mascara. Using a waterproof gel or liquid liner for sharp definition on the upper lash line is key. For the smoky effect on the lower lash line, artists often use a waterproof kohl pencil and immediately smudge it before it sets. Once it sets, it’s not moving. To complete the look, multiple coats of a waterproof, volumizing mascara are applied. For extra security, some artists even use a mascara sealant or a clear brow gel over the top of regular mascara to make it waterproof on the fly.
4. Achieving a Strategic, Lasting Glow
One of the most impressive parts of Underwood's concert look is the glow. She looks radiant and dewy, not oily or sweaty. This is a carefully engineered illusion. The trick is to avoid shimmery products in areas that will naturally get shiny, like the center of the forehead or around the nose. The glow is placed strategically on the high points of the face: the top of the cheekbones, the brow bone, and maybe a touch on the bridge of the nose. The formula is also crucial. Instead of purely powder highlighters that can look chalky or wear away, many pros favor cream-to-powder formulas. These apply with the blendability of a cream but set to a durable powder finish. Another pro tip is to apply a liquid or cream highlighter underneath your foundation for a subtle, “lit-from-within” glow that looks more natural and stays put even as you sweat.
5. Lips That Last Through Every Lyric
A concert involves singing, drinking water, and lots of movement—all of which are enemies of lipstick. For a look that lasts through a two-hour set, preparation is everything. The lips must be smooth and hydrated, so starting with a gentle exfoliation and a light balm (blotted off before color) is step one. Next comes a lip liner. Instead of just outlining, the entire lip is filled in with the liner. This acts as a primer for the lipstick, providing a waxy base for the color to adhere to. It also ensures that as the lipstick inevitably wears, it does so evenly without leaving a stark outline. Finally, a long-wear liquid lipstick is the hero product. Applied in a thin, even coat and allowed to dry completely, these formulas are designed to be transfer-proof and smudge-proof for hours. For Underwood's preferred nude-pink look, this creates a polished finish that doesn't require constant touch-ups.
