Becoming the Snow Queen

Do you come to work in a ballgown and crown? I do.

As a Princess Performer, I sing, dance, storytell, improv, and become just like your favorite storybook characters. It's basically like meeting princesses at Disneyland, but right in your own backyard. Bringing magic to kids at parties and events is such a special gift to be able to give.  

For the past two years, I've worked as a Princess Performer and have learned a lot of things along the way. I have learned how to roll with the punches (I mean, children are so unpredictable!), how to be “on” all the time giving out constant energy, and how to transform my physical self into the princesses we know and love.

I’m going to give a rundown of how I do the Snow Queen’s makeup from Disney’s Frozen. She is one of my favorite characters across the entire Disney franchise because I see parts of her in myself. Her trajectory from “conceal, don’t feel, don’t let them know,” to “you are the one you’ve been waiting for all of your life,” is a journey of freedom and self-acceptance that’s so beautiful.

Now, it’s time for makeup.

FACE

I begin by prepping my skin with skincare and SPF and then apply e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer, focusing on the center of my face. This offers a smooth canvas to work on.

For foundation, I use the Maybelline Super Stay Foundation. I put one pump of product on the back of my hand, dot it around my face with my finger, and blend with a face brush, making sure to go down the neck.

Next, I seal things in with a dusting of loose powder across the face. I use the Maybelline Shine Free Loose Powder to battle the heat and sweat. I'm typically outside in the sun in layers of costumes, so trying to keep the makeup matte is essential.

Then I do my eyebrows. I fill in sparse areas with the e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil and then lock them in place with the NYX Control Freak Clear Brow Gel. The Snow Queen's eyebrows are rounded with a slight arch, which happen to be close to my natural brow shape.

Time for contouring! The Snow Queen has a small face shape, and we can achieve that using shadows. I apply the Wet n Wild MegaGlo contour stick under my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, and on the jawline. Then, blend, blend, blend! I especially have to be careful with the jawline, because the last thing I want is an awkward streak left there.

Then comes blush. I apply a healthy amount to the apples of my cheeks and blend back towards the hairline. I also put a little on my nose so it looks like I've been outside in the cold of Arendelle. You can go a little overboard with the blush because remember, this is an animated character we're becoming. I typically use the Ben Nye cream blush.

Now my favorite part: highlight! I sweep the e.l.f Shimmer Highlighting Powder in Pearl Glow across the top of my cheekbones and on the tip of my nose. I feel like this step really elevates the look and adds light to the face.

Another thing to note is that sometimes I layer cream and powder products to intensify the colors on my face. If I want my contour, blush, or highlight to show up better, layering creams and powders can be a good way to make them pop (and stay on longer!).

EYES

Next, let's move on to the eyes, the focal point of every character. I use the L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in a beautiful pink called Glistening Garnet all across the eyelid, making sure to create a rounded and soft edge. I feel like the color has enough dimension that you don't need to add any other shades.

Then I carefully apply liquid eyeliner with just a slight wing. I don't want a cat-eye shape, but just a slight lift at the end of the eye. Stila Stay All Day Liner is a good one.

    

After curling my eyelashes, I apply a generous coat of the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara. It doesn't have to be perfect, though, because false eyelashes come next. I found a pack of falsies on Amazon that have worked well for me. I just have to trim them slightly, apply the glue across the band, wait about 20 seconds for the glue to get tacky, and then press them gently onto my lashline. I take the back of a thin makeup brush to push them down and get a better grip. Honestly, it still scares me a little to apply lashes because they sure can be finicky. But! It definitely gets better with practice and is so worth it.

For the lower lash line I apply Wet n Wild Megalast Retractable Eyeliner to the outer half the eye, making sure to leave the waterline clean. White eyeliner goes on the waterline to brighten the eyes and make them appear bigger and more cartoon-like. 

LIPS

For the Snow Queen's lips, I use a plum-pink color. I switch off and blend various products to get the right color. Also, there's no need to overdo your lips since her lips are quite small in the movies.

And the finishing touch is a wash of setting spray! Plus another check make sure that everything is blended and showing up how I want it to.

After the wig and costume are on, you should look like royalty and have SNOW much fun!