Showgirl Secrets
Hair & Makeup by Glitter Ginger. Photo by Radiant Inc.
By Glitter Ginger
Surviving in 100 degree weather is one thing. Looking flawless under stage lights after enduring the heat is another. For twenty years, Glitter Ginger has somehow managed both. We dug through the performer's beauty bag to uncover the affordable products, tried-and-true tricks and backstage hacks that keep her skin clear, wings sharp and matte lipstick exactly where it belongs.
BRANDS
The biggest lie in the beauty industry is that price equals quality. "I’ve had expensive stuff on my face," Glitter Ginger (GG) says. "I don’t see the difference."
Her entire look—skincare, foundations, liners, the works—is sourced from affordable brands that are cruelty-free and accessible everywhere.
She pulled out a Caboodle with drawers full of her two favorite makeup lines: NYX and Wet-n-Wild.
"At some point in the mid-2000s, they realized, 'oh, all these kids that used to wear us in the 90s are looking for makeup now,' and so they stepped up their game and the quality is a lot better.”
And for skincare, we’ve got the triple threat: Aquaphor, Cetaphil and Witch Hazel (any brand).
With those products in your toolkit, GG breaks down how to go from bare-faced to full glam.
The foundation of any great makeup look—especially in the desert summer—isn't the foundation at all. It's the preparation and care you show your skin. If you’re waking up with makeup on your pillow, you are risking infections and clogged pores. Period.
“You'd be surprised how many people sleep in their makeup: you have to wash your face," GG insists.
Clean skin is the foundation of any great makeup look, now you’re ready to prime. GG wants you to forget the expensive illuminating primers and blurring correctors.
"Especially where we live, moisturization is key. I put Aquaphor on my face...at the top and bottom of every day."
How you layer it depends on what comes next. The classic nighttime technique, known as "slugging," involves coating your face with a thick layer before bed to seal in moisture and wake up with bouncy skin. Ginger swears by a toned-down version of the trend, incorporating it into her daily routine instead.
Or if you are applying makeup shortly after a morning shower, just apply a thinner layer of Aquaphor. If you have time, she recommends letting it sit for at least four hours. The result is a perfectly moisturized, slightly tacky face, which is actually better for makeup.
"I think what I'm doing with the Aquaphor kind of acts as what a primer does most of the time."
Once your canvas is ready, it's time to start painting. While there's a whole world of makeup theory to explore, we're skipping the masterclass and focusing on practical advice. These are the tips, tricks, and backstage beauty secrets Glitter Ginger has collected over the years as a seasoned entertainer.
Master Your Eyelash Strips
"A lot of people have trouble with eyelash application, especially lash strips instead of the individuals," GG says.
The biggest problem isn't the skill—it's the product fit. Lash strips are essentially one-size-fits-all, but eyes are not. The fix?
CUT IT: "You have to cut it to fit your eye." This prevents the ends from popping up throughout the day.
BEND IT: While the glue is getting tacky on the strip, bend it into a curve. Lash strips often sit flat in their case for months. Forcing that curve helps them "pop on" and stay secured to your lash line.
FRANKENSTEIN: Don't be afraid to mix it up. For everyday wear, GG will take a full lash and cut it in half, then Frankenstein the pieces for a more tailored, tapered look.
Achieving the Perfect Wing (No Tools)
Glitter Ginger’s expertise is evident in her flawless "wing liner." When asked about tools or tricks for a perfect wing, she surprised us: "Your eye is your tool."
She free hands her cat eye in three steps, exclusively using a highly pigmented liquid liner (her favorite is Wet-n-Wild because it goes on smoothly and allows for specific tapering.)
Lip Routines That Stay Put
Summer heat means constant hydration. How do you keep your color on your lips and not your water bottle? The strategy:
BASE AGAIN: She starts her morning with a thick application of Chapstick or Aquaphor over her lips before she starts her makeup.
THE MATTE CHOICE: This is the game-changer. GG exclusively uses matte lipsticks or lip liners because they don’t move. "The glossy stuff or anything too creamy... I spend all day reapplying it,” she says.
OFF THE TEETH: She uses the classic solution for getting color off her teeth: simply stick a finger into your mouth and pull it out. POP! Excess lipstick should be on your finger instead of your teeth now.
The matte texture ensures that once the initial set is right, the color won't shift later.
Beyond makeup, surviving a Vegas summer requires strategic, simple actions.
First of all, make sure your foundation has sunscreen in it. Many do. If not, you’ll need an everyday sunscreen that plays nicely well with your skin and makeup.
When you’re wearing sunglasses:
While some beauty influencers tout setting powder on the bridge of your nose, GG feels there is no hack for preventing sunglasses marks, because your glasses take makeup off with them.
Her solution:
If possible, avoid sunglasses altogether by wearing them on your head, especially if your makeup is freshly applied.
Keep a small sponge in your bag that has a little bit of product already on it. Throughout the day, you can just press and dab that spot to repair it. The same trick works for under-eye creases—she fixes them with a little touch-up rather than loading on more concealer (which can actually make it worse).
Make your accessories functional.
GG is rarely seen without her neck covered, often with a simple bandana or, like today, a red scarf.
This isn’t just a stylistic choice. Our necks are hit by the sun first and often shows the earliest signs of aging. The extra layer of fabric offers crucial protection that many people overlook. Plus, if it gets windy, the scarf can be draped over your head for a functional 1940s-inspired look.
When It’s REALLY HOT there’s one more trick GG shared...use at your own risk!
Setting spray or RCMA powder is the standard, but for all-day outdoor events where you know you will be sweating, there is one last, "kind of gross" trick, she says.
"This is not good for the skin... but I learned it from drag queens. You put some hairspray on your face." Get far away from your face and apply a light mist.
By focusing on hydration, choosing matte products for durability, and having a few clever "fixes" ready to go, you can maintain your summer glow without sacrificing your budget—or your look.
