How Competitive Cheerleading Helped Me Make Up With Makeup

The idea of wearing makeup to the gym used to confuse me.

To spend an hour putting it on, only to exercise for 30 minutes, seemed counter-productive. However, I was a little biased as I never even wore makeup (other than the occasional concealer under my eyes), much less went to the gym, but when I joined cheerleading that all changed.

Not only was it normal to wear makeup for a cheerleading competition… it was expected. Forget half an hour of exercise; now I was putting on makeup for just a two and a half minute routine.

For those unfamiliar, All-Star cheerleading is getting more and more popular in Australia; high schools and universities are even starting up teams. However, the best depiction of the sport still remains in the 2000 hit movie Bring It On. Each routine features stunts, tumbles, jumps, a pyramid, and, of course, a dance section.

I’m sure everyone will remember the mass amounts of hairspray that went into that movie, and in that case, it was definitely accurate. Hair must be tied so high on your head that it bounces as you walk, whilst a “poof” on top must look like a wasp’s nest. As for the makeup; it’s a full face of foundation, blush, and blood red lip stick. Oh, and let’s not forget the smoky eyes. The amount of money I had to spend just to get what was considered the “essentials” was crazy to me.

I first started cheerleading in year 11 and I had absolutely no idea how to put on eye shadow. So, when it came to the first competition, the only makeup I could use was my old eye shadow set from Dolly magazine. The instructions came from YouTube tutorials. I was in trouble.

Now, it’s a different story. The makeup and hair, the sparkly uniforms; they’re all a part of a sport that I love. It’s a way of showing off all the hard work my team has put in and really celebrating it. So even though I hate the cost of makeup and the time and effort that it takes, (something I envy in those who do it every day) I have a certain appreciation for the skill. The end result when you get to show off not only yourself but all the hard work that has gone into a routine makes it all worth it.

What do you reckon? Is makeup a chore or totally worthwhile (for the right occasion)?

Sarah Bellis is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about the contributors program.