Hey Dance Moms đź’–
As we move through the competition season and try new things along the way, I’ve found a handful of go-to items that truly make competition days smoother. From getting ready in the morning to quick changes backstage, having a few reliable essentials really does make a difference.
So we’ve gathered some of our favorite dance competition day essentials all in one place to help you feel a little more prepared and a little more confident heading into your next competition.
👉 You can check them out here: ShopMy – Dance Mom Central
Also—this is always evolving! If you have favorite products or must-haves that aren’t on the list, I would love for you to share them so we can help other dance moms too.
👇 Drop your favorites in the comments and I may add them to the list!
Makeup That Actually Lasts All Day
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that not all makeup fits everyone or holds up the same.
Over time, we’ve found a few go-to products that work really well for our dancer—shades that match her skin tone and formulas that actually last through long competition days.
It’s taken some trial and error, but sticking with what works has made getting ready so much easier.
We usually look for:
- A full coverage foundation that stays put
- A good setting spray to lock everything in
- Eye makeup that shows up under stage lights
- A classic red lipstick that matches her tone and holds up all day
👉 You can find our current favorites here: Makeup Recommendations
Hair & Quick Fix Must-Haves
You know those moments… a bun starts falling out, flyaways everywhere, or you have 2 minutes before going on stage.
Having a few essentials within reach can save you time.
We always keep:
- Extra bobby pins (always more than you think you need!)
- Hair ties
- Strong hold hairspray or gel
- A small brush or comb
Nothing fancy—just the things that actually come in handy.
👉 You can find Hair Essentials here: Hair Essentials
Dance Bag Essentials You Don’t Want to Forget
This is the stuff that doesn’t seem important… until you don’t have it.
A few things we never leave behind:
- Safety pins/Sewing kit (costume fixes happen!)
- Makeup wipes
- Deodorant
- Snacks and water
- Band-aids or blister care
It’s the little things that make the day go a lot smoother.
👉 You can find Competition Day Essentials here: Comp Day Essentials
Comfort Items (That Make a Big Difference)
Competition days are long. Having a few comfort items can really help keep everyone in a good mood.
Some favorites:
- A cozy sweatshirt or blanket
- Slides or comfy shoes between dances
- Headphones or a playlist to stay focused
- A small good-luck item or routine
Not “must-haves”… but definitely nice to have.
Final Thoughts
Every dance family figures out what works best for them, but having a solid set of go-to essentials makes competition days feel a lot more manageable.
If you’re looking to simplify things a bit, you can browse everything we use and love here:
👉 https://shopmy.us/dancemomcentral
And don’t forget—if you have favorites we should add, drop them in the comments. I love hearing what works for other dance moms 💕
Some of these links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share things we truly use and love.