The Bodybuilder’s DIY Makeup Guide

1. Skin & Aesthetic Prep for Show Day Glam

Aesthetic Treatments Timeline

If you're planning aesthetic treatments like Botox, fillers, waxing, or facials before your comp, here's when to do them to avoid issues like swelling, bruising or product reaction.

For Botox, aim to have it done 2–3 weeks before show day. This gives enough time for the results to fully settle and for any minor bruising or swelling to fade. Dermal fillers should be done 3–4 weeks before your comp to allow the product to integrate and for any puffiness or movement to settle naturally. Facial or body waxing should be scheduled 5–7 days before your tan, especially on areas like the face or bikini line, to allow the skin to calm and reduce the risk of tan grabbing unevenly. Dermaplaning—if you plan to remove peach fuzz—should also be done 5–7 days before to give your skin enough time to settle and avoid sensitivity under makeup or tan. Lash lifts are best done 1–2 weeks before stage so your lashes have time to relax slightly and avoid irritation from adhesives or tint. Brow lamination should be done 5–7 days before the event to allow any dryness or flaking to pass. Finally, if you’re planning any peels or deep facials, aim for 7–10 days prior so your skin barrier has time to fully recover before makeup and tanning products go on.

Skin Prep by Skin Type

Oily/Combo Skin

Gentle foaming cleanser

Oil-free toner or micellar water

Lightweight gel moisturiser (look for niacinamide)

Mattifying primer or blotting before makeup

Dry/Sensitive Skin

Cream or balm cleanser

Calming toner or hydrating mist

Rich moisturiser (urea, ceramides)

Eye cream before concealer

Hydrating mask the night before

Acne-Prone Skin

Non-stripping, fragrance-free cleanser

Lightweight lotion or gel moisturiser

Spot treat only areas away from makeup zones

Smoothing primer to minimise bumps

Why You Should Not Tan Your Face

Tanning your face with comp tan can lead to breakouts, dryness, and texture issues

The product often contains alcohol or dyes that don’t suit facial skin

It interferes with makeup grip and causes patchy, unnatural tones

Pro Tip: Always leave your face clean. Match foundation to your chest for a seamless blend.

Ingredients to Avoid Pre-Show

SPF (flashback in stage photos)

Fragrance (can react with tan or cause irritation)

Acids/actives (AHAs, BHAs, retinoids)

Oils or butters (can cause patchy tan or makeup slip)

Colour Theory for Tan-Compatible Glam

Tanned skin shifts warm/red/olive—not your usual foundation match

Avoid pink or cool undertones

Go for yellow, golden, or peach tones in blush, bronzer, and lips

Stick to matte or satin finishes for photography

Step-by-Step Makeup Application for Stage

1. Skin Prep

Cleanse, tone, moisturise + eye cream

2. Prime based on skin type

Wait 10–15 minutes to allow everything to settle

Base

Apply tan-matching foundation in light layers

Use a brush or sponge and blend into ears, neck, and hairline

Dry between layers with a portable fan

2. Concealer & Contour

Conceal where needed (not everywhere)

Apply cream contour to shape cheekbones, jaw, nose

Blend gently in dabbing motions

Powder

Set under eyes with loose powder using a puff

Press powder into oily zones to lock makeup in

Apply bronzer over contour zones to add warmth

Brows & Eyes

Match brows to tan (no grey tones)

Stick to matte warm-toned shadows

Prime lids to prevent creasing

Use lashes that lift and open the eyes

Lips

Use peachy brown liner + matte lip pigment

Avoid slippery gloss that moves or smudges

Finish & Lock In

Spray with setting spray

Fan dry for 60 seconds

Press puff over T-zone for final touch

What to Pack (Editable Checklist)

Makeup Essentials

[ ] Foundation (matched to chest)

[ ] Concealer

[ ] Cream contour

[ ] Blush (cream or powder)

[ ] Bronzer

[ ] Setting powder

Eye Kit

[ ] Eyeshadow primer

[ ] Matte neutral eyeshadow palette

[ ] Eyeliner

[ ] Mascara (waterproof)

[ ] Strip lashes + lash glue

[ ] Brow product

Lips

[ ] Lip liner (nude/peach/brown)

[ ] Cream lipstick or pigment

[ ] Clear balm

Tools

[ ] Foundation brush or sponge

[ ] Powder puff

[ ] Blush/bronzer brush

[ ] Eyeshadow brushes

[ ] Portable fan

Disposables

[ ] Q-tips

[ ] Tissues

[ ] Micellar pads

[ ] Mascara spoolies

[ ] Lip wands

Emergency Kit

[ ] Mini concealer pot

[ ] Lash glue

[ ] Powder puff

[ ] Blotting paper

[ ] Compact mirror

[ ] Tweezers

[ ] Eye drops/hayfever balm

1. Show Day Timeline

Night Before:

Don’t use any new products

Moisturise well

Double check your packed kit

Morning Of:

Start glam at least 2.5 hours before stage

Use natural lighting if possible

Take breaks between each major step (base, eyes, lips)

Backstage:

Bring mini fix kit

Use blotting papers, puff, or q-tips

Touch up lashes and smile lines as needed

After the Show:

Double cleanse

Use calming skincare (niacinamide, urea, aloe)

Hydrate and rest your skin

1. Where to Shop (Add Affiliate Links)

Top Tools & Makeup Palettes:

MAC Studio Fix Foundation Palette

RCMA VK Palette

Made by Mitchell Blursh Creams

Fix Kit Heroes:

DUO Lash Glue (Clear/Dark)

Tinkle Face Razors

Blotting Papers

Skin Prep Essentials:

CeraVe Moisturising Cream

Urea 10% Face Cream

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume

1. Bonus & CTA

This is your complete backstage system. Use this guide before every show. Stick to it. Make it your ritual.

Bonus: First 100 athletes to download via my Beacons link get:

My personal backstage checklist

A budget finds list (all under £10)