rockettes

Photo: Courtesy of the Rockettes

We asked four Radio City Rockettes, who have test-driven dozens of products and techniques (they do their own makeup), to kick a few secrets our way.
danielle

Photo: Courtesy of the Rockettes

Danielle Morgan
Favorite Prop: MAC Haute & Naughty Lash ($21; MACCosmetics.com) "It lets you apply either a thick coat, for the top lashes, or a thinner coat, for the bottom."

Trick of the Trade: "Take a less-is-more approach. Excess makeup can smear. Apply foundation with a damp sponge for a lighter layer."
kt wilson

Photo: Courtesy of the Rockettes

KT Wilson
Favorite Prop: Clinique Advanced Concealer ($17; Clinique.com) "It's creamy but dries to a matte finish and doesn't cake under my eyes."

Trick of the Trade: "After applying powder blush to the apples of your cheeks, run the brush over your forehead, chin, and the tip of your nose for a subtle all-over glow."
samantha

Photo: Courtesy of the Rockettes

Samantha Berger
Favorite Prop: NYC New York Color Liquid Eyeliner ($3; drugstores) "It makes a super-smooth line that opens up my eyes."

Trick of the Trade: "Always carry Q-tips. They're the best way to fix smudges and creases."
melissa

Photo: Courtesy of the Rockettes

Melissa Hillmer
Favorite Prop: Nars Blush in Deep Throat ($29; NarsCosmetics.com) "It's halfway between peach and pink, with just a touch of shimmer—subtle, but so flattering. I wear it every day, onstage and off."

Trick of the Trade: "To make your eyes look larger, extend the ends of your brows a bit with a pencil and blend a neutral, illuminating eyeshadow about half an inch past the outer edge of your lids."
lip sync

Photo: Courtesy of MAC, Sally Beauty

Lip Sync
No Rockette may step onstage without two beauty musts: a French twist (if she has long hair) and red lipstick. Most choose the same classic cherry:

a. MAC Lipstick in MAC Red ($15; MACCosmetics.com). To increase its longevity, they typically fill in their lips first with b. a MAC Lip Pencil in either Cherry or Brick ($15; MACCosmetics.com) and top the lipstick with c. a clear sealer (a favorite is Cosmetically Sealed Sealed with a Kiss, $5.50; SallyBeauty.com).
Published 11/15/2013