We’ve found the exact beauty buys the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders rely on for game day

Their favourite glow hack is under £10...


by Cigdem Tanrioglu |
Updated on

Hands up if you’ve binged America’s Sweethearts and are reconsidering your current career for a life as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Yep, you’re not alone as DCC fever has taken over heat HQ. While we love the dance routines, the one thing that truly gets us hooked is actually the squad’s impeccable make-up looks.

They’re all kinda putting us to shame as we’re on our sofas in our PJs – what on earth would Kelli say?

So while we’ve been limbering up to do the Thunderstruck routine, we’ve also been racking our brains trying to figure out how on earth the DCC girls look flawless as they strut their stuff in a Texan stadium. Especially when we’re struggling to make our make-up last during a day in the office.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: (L-R) Reece, Victoria, and Kelcey of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders attend Netflix Summer Break on May 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Netflix)

Luckily, our obsession has taken us down a rabbit hole, in which we’ve discovered some of the must-have products which are behind the team’s stunning looks. So while we can’t help you manage those high kicks and jump splits, we can help you get the DCC look.

From Victoria’s insanely long lashes to Reece’s golden glow, we’ve rounded up the ultimate beauty buys that the DCC girls swear by.

Victoria Kalina

©Getty

While we loved watching the routines, our heart was truly stolen by 24-year-old Victoria. The pro-dancer has us hooked as she opened up about her DCC experience. And while we wanted to give her a huge hug, we also wanted to find out how she creates such a radiant, rosy look.
Thankfully, the queen of kindness has shared the love by posting several make-up tutorials on social media, which we will be following down to a T.

Victoria’s mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex MascaraLook Fantastic

If there is one thing we couldn’t keep our eyes off, it was Victoria’s ridiculously long lashes, which is all down to this iconic mascara. Formulated with film-forming polymers, this cult classic mascara offers a long-lasting definition and packs a serious volume punch too. The hourglass-shaped wand helps to coat each and every lash which results in lashes that almost look fake. Best of all, the results are completely clump-free - no wonder Victoria says it is her all-time fave.
In her past tutorials, Victoria has explained that she wears this mascara alone for training sessions, but will combine it with false lashes for game days.

Pros

  • Vegan formula
  • Adds curl
  • Adds volume
  • Features film-forming polymers for a long-lasting effect

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • May smudge if you’re prone to touching your eyes

Victoria’s foundation

Clinique Even Better™ Glow Light Reflecting Makeup SPF 15Boots
Price: $31.95 (WAS £35)

www.boots.com

When it comes to her flawless complexion, Victoria absolutely swears by this classic Clinique foundation. Available in over 20 shades (Victoria uses Chamois FYI), it provides a sheer-to-medium coverage along with some sun protection. The long-lasting formula is packed with subtle luminising pigments and gives a seriously glowy finish.

Pros

  • Contains SPF15
  • Contains glow-boosting vitamin C
  • Buildable formula for light-medium coverage

Cons

  • There isn’t a huge shade offering for darker skin tones

Victoria’s eyeliner

Too Faced Better Than Sex Easy Glide Waterproof Liquid EyelinerSephora

Along with her insanely long lashes, Victoria makes her peepers pop with a little help from this cult-classic eyeliner. Victoria confesses that she isn’t a make-up pro, but luckily Too Faced’s liquid liner features an ‘Easy Glide’ formula which effortlessly coats eyelids in just one swipe.
Best of all, it will last all day. We’re talking 24-hour, waterproof coverage that will last through a beach party, a day in the office or even an afternoon doing the Thunderstruck routine in a stadium.

Pros

  • Smudge-proof
  • Long-lasting formula
  • Dual-fibre brush for a smooth finish
  • Vegan formula

Cons

  • The brush can feel a little tough for the first few uses

Victoria’s concealer

Maybelline Fit Me! ConcealerLook Fantastic

Believe it or not, even though DCC girls are prone to blemishes. Luckily Victoria has spilt the tea on how she masks dark circles under her eyes. Featuring an ultra-creamy formula that doesn’t dry out, this full-coverage concealer is ideal for covering pimples as well as eye bags – even heat’s Style Content Editor swears by this bargain buy. The best bit? It costs less than a tenner and is available in just about every shade under the sun.

Pros

  • Lightweight formula
  • Creamy consistency is easy to blend
  • Available in a wide shade of colours

Cons

  • Doesn’t feature any skin-boosting ingredients

Victoria’s lipstick

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick 233 Pink RoseSuperdrug

It’s no surprise that Victoria loves all things pink, and her lipstick is no different. The America’s Sweethearts star loves to use this bargain buy on game days, and we can see why. Not only does this creamy lipstick provides some high-impact colour with just one swipe, but it also features honey nectar and shea butter to nourish lips throughout the day. BRB while we add it straight to our cart.

Pros

  • Features honey nectar and shea butter to nourish lips
  • Available in 30 shades
  • Satin finish

Cons

  • May not be as long-lasting as other lipsticks

Victoria’s blush

Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale PinkSephora
Price: $18.20 (WAS £26)

www.sephora.co.uk

If you’re suffering from blush blindness then you’re not alone. But it's okay, as Victoria is on the same page as she explains that her favourite part of her make-up routine is applying blusher. She can't get enough of this cult blusher, which she applies to the apples of her cheeks to create a glowing, rosy look. Be warned: a little goes a long way as this little pot of pinkness is seriously pigmented – but that’s nothing that our fave make-up brushes can’t handle.

Pros

  • Highly pigmented formula
  • Easy to apply power texture
  • Provides a silky finish

Cons

  • Powder formula may not be suitable for all skin types

Kelcey Wetterberg

©Getty

We were left in awe as DCC alumni Kelsey explained how she worked all day as a nurse, before ditching her scrubs for a pair of hotpants and cowboy boots.

While we have no idea how she manages to work for so long, we now have an idea of how she stays looking great thanks to the show’s MUA Madeline Cope, who enlightened us on how she did the dancer’s make-up. Now all we need is some of Kelsey’s energy to get us through to 5 pm.

Kelsey’s glow drops

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow EnhancerAmazon
Price: B0CPT5TB7K
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=002d478c1432f3bdaef1230696c79c6d&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=WERGFEcNF0xGQ0QcFkEHEBUcClhGR1xTTV4KWV5NQ0MfXklbRV0CXRlDUxRaEUkRBBRQVlpDUxRaFlpQTlFcX0YNW1kVDlRQWkcLHgUIDhJIWUZeXA%3D%3D&x=v1&prdId=10968945228&barcode=AAMEVAQCClcAAQMHUQM%3D
Alternative retailers
Walmart$33.00View offer

If there is one thing that we have been truly obsessed with when binging America’s Sweethearts it has got to be Kelsey’s insanely glowy skin. While we don’t know what product the former cheerleader used on a day-to-day basis, the show’s MUA Madeline Cope confirmed that Kelsey is wearing this glow-enchaining staple in the actual documentary.
Packed with glycerin, this bargain buy will keep skin feeling hydrated for a full 24 hours while providing a golden glow that makes you look like you’ve been on holiday. Sounds like perfection to us.

Pros

  • Under £10
  • Lightweight liquid formula
  • Features glycerin and shea butter for hydration
  • A little goes a long way

Cons

  • May create too much shine for those with oily skin

Kelsey’s highlighter and bronzer

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume IICult Beauty

The show’s MUA Madeline Cope is a huge fan of this illuminating palette and used it on Queen Kelsey whilst working on the show. Yes, we know it is a spenny one, but trust us when we say it is worth every single penny. Containing 3 stunning, golden shades, it can be used to define and highlight which is ideal for creating an effortless, sunkissed look.

Pros

  • Contains everything you need to define and highlight complexions
  • Ultra-lightweight powder consistency
  • Easy-to-use
  • Blendable formula

Cons

  • High price point but worth the investment

Kelsey’s lip liner

MAC Lip Pencil in SoarASOS
Price: $20

If you were watching the show and wondering what lip combo Kelsey was wearing (who wasn’t?) then you’re in luck as Madeline has told us everything we needed to know. The make-up wizard used the iconic Mac lipliner in shade soar along with a coat of YSL Loveshine Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm to create the cheerleader’s pretty pink pout. We’re obsessed.

Pros

  • Easy-to-apply creamy consistency
  • Universally flattering shade perfect for creating a natural looking lip

Cons

  • High price point compared to other lip liners - but it is worth the investment

Kelsey’s mascara

Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High MascaraAmazon
Price: $18.00

Aside from their insane dancing skills, we love the fact that the DCC girls are humble enough to use drugstore products. Don’t believe us? Well, take a peek at the bargain mascara that MUA Madeline Cope uses on Kelsey. Yep, it is the absolutely iconic Maybelline New York Lash Sensation mascara. Coming in at less than £10, this viral buy offers a flake-free, clump-free finish and is ideal for adding length and volume to lashes.

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Adds length and volume
  • Flake-free formula
  • Available in 7 shades
  • Can be removed with water

Cons

  • Not waterproof

Reece Weaver

©Getty

Rookie candidate Reece instantly went up in our rankings when she showed off her Strictly-style salsa skills during the DCC auditions. But it wasn’t just her dancing skills that we were loving, as the dainty dancer was constantly flaunting some flawless make-up.
While Reece has been pretty private about her routine, the show’s MUA Madeline has blessed us with a little tutorial which included some seriously glow-enhancing products. We’re obsessed.

Reece’s setting spray

ONE/SIZE Mini On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting SpraySephora

If you’re anything like us, you were probably wondering how the DCC girl’s make-up stays looking so flawless after doing the Thunderstruck routine. Thankfully the show’s MUA Madeline Cope isn’t one to gatekeep as she revealed on social media that she finished off Reece’s look with this viral setting spray. Not only will this magic mist lock your make-up in place, but the green tea and witch hazel formula will also help to tighten pores and absorb oil whilst creating a camera-ready matte finish. And with nearly 1K 5-star reviews, it seems that Reece isn’t the only one enjoying this must-have setting spray.

Pros

  • Sets make up for up to 16 hours
  • Features green tea to tighten pores
  • Features witch hazel to create a blurred, matte finish

Cons

  • May not be suitable for those with dry skin

Reece’s lipstick

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips in KKWAsos
Price: $28

There is no way we couldn’t mention the classic lipstick worn by the DCC’s smilest member. It turns out that Madeline likes to use the same MAC lipliner as seen on Kelsey, but she switches to a lush Charlotte Tilbury lippy for Reece.
Dedicated to the queen of nude lippy herself, the shade Kim K.W lipstick features an ultra-creamy consistency and is perfect for adding a wash of natural-looking colour to lips. And if that wasn’t enough, it is packed with antioxidants to help nourish lips whilst providing some extra UV damage.

Pros

  • Creamy, blendable formula
  • Packed with antioxidants
  • Moisturising, satin-like finish

Cons

  • May be slightly too pale for darker skin tones

Reece's body cream

Loving Tan Bronze Shimmer Luminous CreamLook Fantastic

Hands up if you’ve been wondering how the cheerleaders keep up their tans when donning their blue and white uniforms. Thankfully Madeline Cope gave the secret away during a tutorial on social media.
It is all about this Aussie bronzing body cream which can be applied on limbs to deepen your natural skin tone, or even over fake tan to further enhance that golden glow. It works by letting a blend of shimmery micronised pigments work with hydrating aloe vera and brightening coffee and pomegranate extracts to create a glow that will make you look like you’ve been basking in the sun for weeks. Simply pop some on a brush and swipe it onto your limbs for the ultimate DCC-worthy bod.

Pros

  • Available in 3 shades to suit all skin tones
  • Washes off with water
  • Enhances natural skin tones without any fake tan
  • Hydrating formula

Cons

  • High price point, but trust us when we say it will last for months

Reece’s eyeshadow

Makeup By Mario Master Mattes PaletteSephora

We’ve got a confession to make. We’ve been obsessing with the DCC squad’s make-up, and during our research we realised this palette has been used by most of the dancers – and honestly, it is easy to see why.
Featuring 12 gorgeous nude shades varying from cream to dark brown, it contains everything you need to create endless nude eye looks. Not only is every shade incredibly pigmented, but they’re all bendable and buildable too, making it easier than ever to create a DCC-worthy look, even if you’re a make-up novice.

Pros

  • Contains every shade you could need for a nude eye look
  • Highly pigmented colour
  • Buildable coverage
  • Matte, lightweight formula

Cons

  • It is expensive, but it will save you from buying multiple eyeshadows.

Sophia Laufer

©Getty

While we loved the routines, America’s Sweethearts also gave us some seriously hard-to-watch moments. One of those moments had to be when Sophy reported an assault on the pitch – and honestly, we rate the dancer so much for it.
But aside from sticking up for herself, and women around the world, Sophy has also won us over with her recent GRWM videos – because if there is anything we love more than a brave queen, it is a brave queen who doesn’t gatekeep.

Sophy’s primer

e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid FilterAmazon
Price: $14.00
Alternative retailers
Target$14.00View offer
JCPenney$14.00View offer
Walmart$14.00View offer
Ulta$14.00View offer

We love a good bargain, and it turns out dancer Sophy does too as she took to TikTok to explain that she uses this glow-boosting buy instead of a primer.
Created as a multi-purpose complexion booster, this make-up and skincare hybrid can be worn alone, over or under make-up or even used as a highlighter. It works by infusing skin-loving ingredients like moisturising squalane and hyaluronic acid to nourish skin while illuminating pigments smooth your skin tone and add radiance – no wonder the viral product sold out upon its initial release.

Pros

  • Contains squalane and hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin
  • Available in 14 shades which all adapt to suit skin tones
  • A multi-purpose product which is great value for money

Cons

  • Can feel a little greasy for those with oily or combination skin

Sophy’s powder foundation

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus FoundationLook Fantastic

When it comes to game day, Sophy swears by this pore-refining powder as she called it her “holy grail on game days” during a TikTok tutorial. The dancer wears shade NW35 but it comes in 52 other shades, meaning there is something for everyone. Sophy goes on to explain that she loves this powder foundation as it instantly blurs pores and creates a mattifying effect which is essential when sweating on the football pitch. And she isn’t the only one loving this iconic powder, as one fan commented on the fact that it “deletes pores” while admitting that she also swears by the investment product.

Pros

  • Provides 12 hours of coverage
  • Buildable formula with a medium coverage
  • Blurs pores and imperfections
  • Has a mattifying finish which is great for oily or combination skin

Cons

  • May feel too heavy for those with dry skin
  • The powder applicator can feel grotty after a few uses

Sophy’s false eyelashes

If you want to make your peepers pop DCC-stye then you have got to grab yourself some Ardell falsies. Sophie likes to use the classic Demi Wispies, which are known for their natural, fluttery finish but the other dancers are opting for a whole range of lashes from the brand. Each pack comes with an easy-to-use lash glue, so you can reuse the lightweight lash strips. Well if they're good enough for the DCC girls, then they’re good enough for us.

Pros

  • Provide a full, fluttery finish
  • Features lashes of varying lengths for a natural look
  • Includes easy-to-use lash adhesive

Cons

  • Can be tricky to apply if you’re not used to wearing lash strips

Cigdem Tanrioglu is heat’s Style Content Editor. As heat’s resistant mid-size expert, she’s usually found scouring the high street for the best feel-good buys _or practising her high kicks and jump split_s on the dancefloor.

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