The Backstage Beauty Secrets of a Radio City Rockette

Marissa DeSantis

December 26, 2017

Performing around 100 shows of the annual Christmas Spectacular per season, Radio City Rockette Corey Whalen can practically do her stage makeup in her sleep. “I give myself about 20 minutes to do my makeup, and then I keep it on—even if we have a four-show day,” she says. With a full look that includes light contouring, liquid eyeliner, false eyelashes and a red lip as precise as the Rockettes’ famous kick line, that’s no small feat.

Glowing Skin:

Whalen largely relies on MAC Cosmetics, but you can work in multitasking drugstore options to your base makeup, too. “We have a few staples that we all tend to stick to, but as far as individual products, we can use whatever works best for us,” says Whalen.

Photo by Nathan Sayers

1)
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Contour, $12.99 2) MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, $27 3) L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Makeup, $9.99 4) Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer, $20

Defined Eyes:

When it comes to eyeliner, Whalen prefers a liquid formula with a pen-like applicator. “It’s a bit stiffer, so I have more control,” Whalen explains. She applies a thin, slightly winged line along the top lash line only.

Photo by Nathan Sayers

1)
Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette, $34 2) Kiss Blooming Lash Set, $4.99 3) Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper, $20 4) L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Carbon Black Waterproof Mascara, $7.99

Rockette-Red Lip:

“This is the signature part of our look,” Whalen says of the true-red hue all 36 Rockettes sport onstage. After prepping her lips with a balm, Whalen lines and fills them completely with a pencil to help hold the lipstick in place. For that bold color, the dancers use either the MAC Red or Russian Red lipstick. “I also use a thin layer of a lip sealant called Sealed With A Kiss to keep my lipstick from smudging,” she adds.

Photo by Nathan Sayers