Recently, I was booked on a commercial makeup job for a live music performance in Liverpool, Lana Del Rey at Anfield stadium June 28, 2025. I was booked, along with Shereen, to do glam for Lana Del Rey’s amazing dancers. Can it get any more glam than that? When I booked the job, I knew that it would be a fast-paced backstage environment, which I find to be super exciting! Here is how I prepped, what I packed, and what it was like working backstage at a major music artist’s concert…
Performance Makeup Requires a High Performance Kit
On-stage performance makeup has to tick lots of boxes. It must be sweat proof, long wearing, and look good from a distance, but also HD friendly as there are cameras on the talent and they will be on those MASSIVE screens! The products used must look good under the stage lighting as well, so applying highly pigmented products that won’t wash out under the lights is super important. I also like to keep my kit compact, as we may not always have lots of space to work. I also brought my LED light panels and some hair kit essentials just in case they were needed.
“Performance makeup isn’t just about looking glam – it’s got to survive dancing, sweating, lighting and wardrobe changes, and quick touch-ups. I spent time refining my kit to be small-but-mighty, with tried-and-tested products that deliver under pressure.”
What it Was Like On the Day
It was so exciting arriving at Anfield Stadium in the afternoon of the concert. There were hundreds of Lana Del Rey fans on the concourse, soaking up the sunshine and atmosphere. We met our contact and were taken through the inner workings of the stadium, down and around warren like tunnels until we were finally in the backstage area. We were positioned in the room where LFC hold their post-match interviews, which was so cool.
Shereen and I set up on the long tables provided and got our lighting adjusted. Because we needed to work quickly (we had 30 minutes per person), it was important to have our key products set out in easy reach, as well as palettes, makeup sponges, lashes, and brushes. I sprayed my Glamorama Makeup Neroli Facial Spray around the room to create an uplifting and fresh scent that would make the talent feel at ease. Shereen provided some tunes to get the vibes vibing. We created a little haven of glam!
Everyone we worked with was so lovely, and absolutely STUNNING! They were all American, so it was nice for me to be surrounded by familiar accents. We really loved chatting and connecting with the dancers and hearing about their experiences. It was so much fun!
“The energy backstage was electric – as you’d expect for a sold-out Lana Del Rey show. I had a short window with each dancer, so efficiency and calm energy were key. I always bring my own lights and set up in a way that lets me grab what I need instantly.”
We got to stay and watch the show, which was really beautiful! It was really amazing being with all of the fans and feeling the energy of the evening. Sadly, we had to leave before the end because we needed to pack up our kits and get a taxi home. We felt like a couple of Cinderella’s at midnight!
Kit Breakdown – Essential Products
What does a pro makeup artists use backstage for bullet-proof performance makeup? Here are my ride-or-die products:
- Skin prep is so important, so I only use the best, Glamorama Vegan Skincare (I gave the crew and dancers samples to take away because they loved it so much!)
- Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive is the perfect primer for super oily or sweaty faces to keep makeup in place and looking perfect. For dryer skins, I use elf Power Grip Primer because it doesn’t over mattify the skin.
- Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Pro is THE ONE for skin that looks like perfect skin, and it is waterproof and sweat proof. It looks good in any light, on film and video. My #1 always and forever.
- Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is my favourite long wearing blush which will not budge.
- Zoeva Velvet Love Pencils are waterproof and won’t smudge or fade, no matter what!
- Ben Nye Neutral Set loose powder sets everything perfectly.
- Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders give filtered fresh skin that radiates on the screen and under the lights, without looking like high shimmer or glitter.
- Glamorama Makeup Lip Glosses (coming soon! Watch this space!) give shine, colour, and hydrate. They are not sticky, and the high pigment formula LASTS!!!!
Of course, I ONLY use cruelty-free and vegan friendly products. Glam looks better when it is done with kinder products!
What I Loved About This Job
The brief for this job was soft, glowing glam. The dancers wanted to look radiant and fresh. I loved this because I feel like that is the style I excel at! I was definitely the best fit for this crew. We kept the colours to a neutral shade range, and allowed each dancer to guide us on how they wanted to look.
No matter what the booking is for, I always focus on the person in my chair. I want them to leave me feeling super-confident and ready for whatever the occasion is. I use my skills and products to emphasize their best features, enhance their beauty, and make them shine like the superstars they are. I truly love what I do! And I think that when you love what you do, it shows in your work.
“Whether it’s a wedding morning or a sold-out concert, my goal is the same – make people feel amazing in their skin, using cruelty-free glam that lasts and enhances their features. It’s all about confidence and connection.”
A Dream Come True – Every Day!
Being a freelance makeup artist is my absolute dream job. Every booking is so different, whether it is a commercial job, a photo shoot, fashion show, or wedding makeup prep. I thrive on the energy each job brings! And I love creating a calm energy oasis in the midst of all of the chaos that can happen for a big event. Working backstage is an absolute dream!
“From bridal prep to backstage chaos, I love every moment of making people feel their best. If you’re a creative team, brand, or production looking for a calm, capable MUA who brings glam and good vibes – I’d love to hear from you.”
Enquire here: hello@glamoramamakeup.com
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