American or Asian-Style Makeup for Concerts?

Which do you prefer for concert settings?

Western Makeup

• In General
• Fierce, sexy aesthetic
• Emphasis on shaping the face
• Uses more brushes   
• Matte finish with sharp lines
• In a Concert Setting 
• Regarded as professional
• May be too conspicuous if overdone
• Conveys expertise and initiative
• Lip colors and wind instruments can be a problem.

Asian Makeup

• In General
• Cute, innocent aesthetic
• Emphasis on softness
• Uses more fingers and powders 
• Dewy finish with soft lines
• In a Concert Setting
• Doesn't stand out too much
• Might be too "cute" for some
• Conveys humility and approachability
• Lip glosses stick to wind instruments.

I hope this is a helpful guide so that you can decide what kind of makeup makes you feel the most fluteiful during concerts. 

What to Wear for a Blind Audition

1. You don't need to wear concert attire. The key words here is "blind". Your audience will not see you. However, it is recommended that you wear something at least a step up from jeans and a T shirt. At least show up fully clothed.
2. Wear something that gets you into performance mode. If you need the full concert getup in order to perform well, please wear just that.
3. Dress for your instrument. Don't wear anything that adds unnecessary complications to your playing. For example, a flutist should not wear something that is excessively restricting in the shoulder area due to the nature of the instrument.
4. Wear outerwear if it is cold. You can--and should--be comfortable for a blind audition.
5. Your outfit should make you feel confident. You need all the confidence you can during blind auditions.

And now, some selfies from my latest blind audition:

Outfit

Blouse: Forever 21

Jacket: Old Navy

Scarf: Target (Missoni Target collection)

Necklace: It was a gift, but here's a link to the closest thing.

Makeup

Foundation: Maybelline Dream Wonder (Shade: Natural Beige)

Eyeshadow and Contour: Maybelline Autumn Coppers palette 

Blush: Maybelline Bouncy Blush (Shade: Fresh Pink)

Mascara: Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara (Shade: Black)

Lip: Benetint 

How to Wear Jewelry for Concerts

First off, make sure you are allowed to do so in your ensemble(s). If so, here are guidelines for jewelry in a concert setting.

Make sure that it is not an impedance to your playing. I do not recommend wearing rings or bracelets as a flutist, but go ahead if you find that they are not problematic for you personally.

If you are a guest soloist, go for it with a statement piece like a large necklace. However, it is best to keep things elegant. Go for golds and silvers rather than colorful pieces if you are in concert clothes and, if you are wearing something special that is not traditionally concertable, wear something that coordinates with your outfit. Do not wear anything so heavy or restricting that it impedes your playing.

If you are an ensemble soloist, set yourself apart with a little more jewelry than you would normally wear at a concert. Pearl and metallic jewelry tend to go well with concert attire. As a rule, a long necklace should be thin with simple embellishments. Try not to be too ostentatious, but allow yourself to stand out a little if you want the audience to know who the soloist is.

If you are an ensemble member, either wear just earrings, a very plain necklace, or no jewelry at all. As a rule of thumb, do not try to stand out more than any soloists. If you wear a small piece that carries a great deal of personal significance, you can tuck it under your clothes so that only you know about it.