After hours of classes, tests, and packed hallways, cheerleaders prepare for game night in a different way. Curling irons heat up, makeup bags unzipped, and what starts as a routine quickly becomes a moment of focus and mental preparation.
Ranging from minimal to glamorous makeup, all cheerleaders have a different approach for their ideal “gameday” look. For example, some cheerleaders prefer to maintain a natural look by only applying mascara and blush. Meanwhile, others prefer to stand out through shiny highlighters, thick lashes, and bright pink blushes. Although makeup plays a role in representing team unity and professionalism, it goes beyond appearance and taps into confidence and purpose.
“I definitely feel like makeup is a part of the cheer uniform,” senior Isabella Fowler said. “We’re always taught that you’re beautiful yourself, but having makeup enhances your beauty when cheering, which is a big part of being a cheerleader.”
A cheerleader’s role is to engage the crowd and represent the school in a positive and energetic way. By wearing bold makeup or embracing a confident presence, cheerleaders can appear more approachable and make it easier for the crowd to connect with the cheers and energy they bring to the game.
While some cheerleaders believe makeup enhances their performance, others feel like it has little impact on how they cheer.
“If I were to cheer with makeup on, I would feel the exact same way as I would without makeup,” Fowler said. “It’s all about your confidence on gameday.”
Confidence plays a major role in cheerleading because it allows them to perform with stronger facials, smoother motions, and more energy.
During the offseason, many cheerleaders spend their time at All-Star cheer, which involves more stunts, tumbling, and dancing. Unlike high school cheer, which allows more flexibility in hairstyles and makeup, competitive cheer requires dramatic makeup, heavy blush and bronzer, and voluminous high ponytails for competitions.
“All-Star cheer is very different from high school cheer because it is way more competitive, and you practice 3-4 times a week,” Senior Ellie Nguyen said. “You also have very showy makeup, and you go on the stage to compete.”
Despite the differences between high school and competitive cheer, makeup remains a consistent part of preparation for many athletes.
“I could not live without a really good lip-gloss or mascara,” Nguyen said.
