We watched, we loved, we watched again. Just me? OK then. Regardless of whether you've binged it multiple times, or briefly caught snapshots of the trailer, you can't have failed to notice the impact that Netflix' series Cheer, the show that follows the training of reigning Daytona champions Navarro College Cheer Squad, as they prepare for another performance at the annual competition, has had.
Even celebs like Kendall Jenner (who took to The Ellen Show to show her appreciation and be taught a routine by the squad, and Jonathan Van Ness have made their love for the show vocal. It's obvious too that these picture perfect routines come complete with a certain aesthetic, so it stands to reason there's a fair few beauty lessons that we can glean from the team. Not convinced? Read on why don't you!
1. The Lashes
During the first seconds of Episode 5 'Full Out' Morgan turns to Monica...
Morgan: 'Do you have an mascara on you by any chance?'
Monica: 'No, why?'
Morgan: 'I forgot to put it on my bottom lashes and I feel naked!'
Monica: 'You look beautiful.'
Morgan: 'It's been a rough morning.'
Monica: 'I can't tell'.
Here we have, in its truest form, the power of makeup for the Navarro College Cheer Squad. Through the rivulets of sweat, the tears, the many injuries, they stand on that stage at Daytona, primped and preened, and looking for all the world like they're ready to rule it. A few beauty rituals come into play when it comes to achieving that 'for the win' look, lashes being one of them. They have to be dark, they have to be long, and they have to be full. We're talking ALL the volume.
2. The Lips
Most colours seem to go but you gotta have a good slick of lipstick or gloss on there. This is NOT the time for a nude lip. Whilst Morgan and Ally go for bright red on the big day, it's clear that the renowned Gaby Butler is keen on a glossy slick of dark pink. Red chimes in perfectly with the Dennis The Menace colour scheme Navarro College have adopted for their team, but it seems as long as you're adding a loud pop of colour and emphasising that cupid's bow, you're good to go.
3. The Pouf
Ohhhh the pouf! This baby deserves an entire episode's worth of air time. Pre 'Show Off' performance the cameras zoom in on the hair prep, and we get to see what it's all about. The pouf is a section of hair at the top, front and centre of each female cheerleader's head, that's gathered together, backcombed to within an inch of its life until it's standing a good few inches off the scalp, then fixed in place with a heavy mist of hairspray and a big ass bow. Got the picture?
Not all are fans of the pouf. Lexie wails 'Oh my god the pouf! I'm not even going to attempt that. Jade's going to do it for me. I am not capable of doing that, it would look like I got mauled by a squirrel if I tried to do my own pouf!'.
You've got to have big hair, big curls, big bow.
Cheerleader Austin sets up shop sorting the girls' hair out. 'I used to do my little sister's hair, my whole family were cheerleaders, so I would always do her hair, and it was rough at first, it was really rough. But I learned. I used to watch YouTube videos all the time when I was bored, and then I figured out the process, and now I do it the same every time. Luckily it's paid off because everyone wants me to do their hair. It's a Navarro girl look. You've got to have big hair, big curls, big bow, pretty uniform. It adds to the full effect of the beauty of the ladies that we have here'. Naw. Austin.
Morgan (we love Morgan) adds an extra dose of sweetness to the hair ritual with her a makeshift mantra. 'So the higher the hair, the closer to God, because if your hair's really really big, you're closer to heaven.'
4. The Bow
Bow's are back. Officially. A good five minutes of one episode is taken up by Monica comparing two versions pre Daytona and deciding which one to go for. No pouf is complete without them and the colour combination has to be just right.
Accessorize Hair Bow
1 of 1Accessorize London Fabric Bow Bulldog Hair Clip, £5
When it come to day-to-day wear, make sure they're easy to put on. We see Morgan all too often struggling with her bow, putting it in and taking it out seems to be a super tricky business!! We love this crocodile clip version from Accessorize.Accessorize London Fabric Bow Bulldog Hair Clip, £5.
5. The Sweat Solution
Ever wondered how the Navarro College Cheer Squad keep their skin matte on mat? (Oh yep, that pun happened).
Watch Gabi Butler's routine closely and you'll notice she adds a generous sweep of loose powder to finish of her makeup. That's sure to keep her meticulously applied look in place and shine-free. Done.
Not keen on powder? Shop our top matte foundation picks instead.
Shop: Top Matte Foundation Picks
Best Foundations For Oily Skin, Be Shine Free
1 of 13Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation
When you don't want to mess around finishing things off with powder once you've applied your foundation, you could use Rimmel London Stay Matte foundation instead. It stays put and provides a soft and powdery texture after application.
2 of 13Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil-Free Foundation
This smooth solution lives up to its name. Silk Creme oil-free foundation from Laura Mercier certainly gives you that silky feeling, without the sensation you get from an excessively oily foundation.
3 of 13Clarins Pore Perfecting Mattifying Foundation
It's the light texture of this liquid foundation that makes it stand out above and beyond other options you've already tried. It provides a natural and even coverage and is full of natural ingredients.
4 of 13L.A. Girl Pro Matte Foundation
This foundation is so light, it hardly feels like you're wearing anything and it makes your skin feel SO soft. It's a creamy consistency but dries almost suede-like, combatting those oily areas. We found that it's best applied with a brush, patted with a damp beauty blender and topped with the L.A. Girl PRO. Face Powder for all-day coverage.
5 of 13Lumene Matt Control Oil Free Foundation
Going out-out? This full-coverage foundation combines mattifying agents and powdery pigments to ensure that your skin remains shine-free, even after dancing.
6 of 13Bare Minerals Blemish Remedy Foundation
This is another option for women who are struggling with spots as a result of their oily skin. With tea tree oil and other natural ingredients, this foundation provides a clean fix that'll keep your skin clear and cover your face well too.
7 of 13Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation
This is certainly a pricey option, but you often get what you pay for and this is one such example of that truthful cliche. It's a matte solution for people who hate matte, offering a faultless finish you're sure to be happy with.
8 of 13Revlon Colorstay Foundation for Combination Oily Skin
If you're looking for a medium coverage, this foundation will tick all the boxes. After you've applied the first base, let this dry and add another layer if you'd like to increase it.
9 of 13Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation
As the name suggests, this is the foundation you should turn to if your oily skin combined with other foundations is causing you to break out in spots. It reduces blemishes and redness while doing everything you want from your foundation.
10 of 13Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Compact
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Compact foundation is ideal for anyone looking for a subtle foundation that nonetheless provides a matte finish. It's light, easy to apply and a pleasure to use. When has Armani ever let us down?
11 of 13L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
If you've been having problems with your foundation slipping and sliding because of oily skin, L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte foundation is the solution. It stays in place, no matter what, meaning you won't have to worry about mid-day maintenance.
12 of 13Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder
Finally, we have the Smashbox HALO Hydrating powder. It stays out of your fine lines and boasts a range of natural benefits that'll keep your skin looking young and covered for many days to come.
13 of 13W7 Legend Lasting Wear Foundation
Only thing missing is a pump, make sure you share the bottle before pouring it onto the back of your hand. It's a great Estee Lauder dupe, however, you'll need to combine it with a powder, but for under £5 we couldn't leave this off the list!
READ MORE: How Netflix's Cheer Gets The Dark Side Of Cheerleading Right
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