People come from near and far to marvel at the athleticism and charisma of the Radio City Rockettes during the holiday season. To get 84 pairs of legs kicking in perfect unison is a triumph. Finding hair and makeup products that will last throughout the 90-minute show of eight costume changes, hot lights and working up a sweat is a feat of its own as well. We were shocked to learn that every single Rockette does their own hair and makeup for every show, as if their eye-level battements weren't impressive enough on their own. We chatted with five Rockettes to learn which products they trust to last through up to four 90-minute performances each day. If these products can withstand Santa beards and costume changes, they’ll certainly stay on all night through your adventures.
1 / 10
Sephora Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick ($15)
Danelle Morgan says she loves this fail proof lip stain she’s been using for years. “From quick costume changes to, yes, Santa beards, this lip stain doesn’t budge,” says Morgan.
2 / 10
Mac Mineralize Blush ($33)
“A Rockette can’t hit the stage without a lip, a lash and a cheek,” says Morgan. She loves this blush in particular because while it gives great color, it’s also super light.
5 / 10
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Joy ($20)
Sarah Daniel says one of her favorite products in her makeup routine is this blush from Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty. “I apply with the provided applicator, then blend with a brush. I apply it to my cheekbones and a little to my temples, nose and eyelids after my eyeshadow,” says Daniel, noting that it stays on well.
6 / 10
Givenchy Le Rouge Interdit Holiday Red Lipstick ($42)
Rockettes need a long-lasting, highly pigmented shade of signature red lipstick. Daniel says she’s recently been loving this Givenchy lipstick, which is part of a makeup bundle collaboration the Rockettes did with QVC.
"This lipstick stays in place no matter what! It stays through all of our costume changes, including our quickest one, which is 78 seconds from ‘Parade of The Wooden Soldiers’ into ‘New York at Christmas,’” says Daniel. “It holds perfectly without smudging! I highly recommend this lipstick.”
7 / 10
L’Oréal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray($15)
“As Rockettes, we do our hair in a French twist for every show. This hair spray really holds my hair in place through all eight costume changes, which include different hats and headpieces,” says Melissa Hillmer. “But you can still brush through it at the end of the day or if you want to redo your twist before the next show.”
8 / 10
Kiss Lash GLUEliner($20)
Hillmer says this product makes applying eyelashes a breeze. “Forget messy glue—this pen draws a thin line, either in clear or black, then you can apply the lash directly to the lash line, and it lasts all day,” she says.
9 / 10
RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek Cream Blush($36)
“In our numbers ‘Parade of the Wooden Soldiers’ and ‘Ragdolls,’ we place red fabric dots on our cheeks, and I love this product because it lasts even after the double-sided tape is removed,” says Shelby Finnie. She also loves the “nice velvety texture.”
10 / 10
Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Matte Setting Spray ($24)
As you can imagine, “It can get pretty hot on stage at Radio City with the bright lights and our athletic choreography,” says Finnie, noting that they kick almost 200 times per show. She loves the mattifying effect of this setting spray because it helps keep her skin looking even and locks makeup in place.
