Makeup Hacks

Horse makeup… who would have thought years ago??  The why, when and how we will cover in our journal posts, but for those that do make up their glamour ponies here are some pro tips…

• Practice at home.  Practice at home.  Practice at home.   Sounds simple and is often said, but for good reason.  One, your horse will get used to you dabbing, blending and blotting.  You will work out what looks good and what doesn’t.  You will discover what products give you the look you want.  Step back and take some photos to get a different perspective.
• LESS IS MORE.  Gone are the days of clown like, grease painted, beauty contest horses in the show ring.  Makeup should enhance natural features and not look like the horse fell into a paint pot on close inspection. 
• Coolgroom Towels & Baby Wipes. A must have in the tack box for quick clean ups both on the face and body for any makeup mishaps. 
• Makeup is usually applied to the very delicate areas around the eyes and muzzle on the face, and sometimes on legs, under the dock, or over the body.  It’s REALLY important to patch test anything you put on these sensitive areas – regardless of what the product or advertising says – so you know it’s safe to use on your horse.
• Sponges & Gloves – silicone makeup sponges are great for blending colour makeup, you want one that isn’t too absorbent or you’ll waste a lot of product getting gobbled up by it.  Use good fitting latex gloves, to keep hands and fingernails clean when applying makeup.  For the horse that dances around when putting makeup on using your fingers to apply can be easier than sponges.
• Shirts – take a cheap oversized, long sleeved button up shirt with you to every show.  We go for an XL MENS shirt in the bargain bin at department stores.   This will keep you clean, and is easy to get off, because your horse will be determined to deposit some makeup back on you so you can be matchy matchy.
• Be Prepared – leave plenty of time to apply makeup before classes and keep it appropriate to the level of the event and your horses education.  If your horse is fussy to bridle, or you have an expensive ribbon browband on, bridle up first then apply makeup. 
• The ‘Minimalist’ look.  When you don’t want over-done, just a clean skinned natural look, go for natural oils.  They are quickly absorbed into the skin and give that lovely dark, hydrated look.  If applying over hairy faces, rub these oils in through the hair well before ring time to give them a chance to absorb and darken up the skin.  HSE Moisture Plus is perfect for this as it absorbs very quickly and is all natural.  Baby Oil is safe to use, but has too large a molecule to be absorbed by the skin. It sits on top of the skin or hair and can quickly ‘bead up’ in warm weather or when your horse sweats leaving little droplets of oil on the end of fine hairs that need constant wiping. 
• The ‘Classic’ look.  Stepped up a couple of notches from natural, a ‘Classic’ makeup for show horses is on trend now, and used for both Showhorse & Hunters.  It’s a little glossier than minimalist and can include some subtle and well blended colour cover to balance out uneven hair shades.  Blending is key if using any colour product and if possible keep as close to natural colours as possible.
• The ‘Diva’ look.  As glamorous as it gets, this look is usually reserved for special occaisions, indoor & night time events, and top competition like HOYs.  Patent, glossy eyes and super black skin around the muzzle are the go, clear or coloured glossy points & chestnuts, perfectly smooth sanded hooves, and lots of tight trimming of hairs complete the look.