In Odissi or any other classical dance form, a particular way of doing makeup is very crucial. Artist presents one's dance on stage mostly at a certain distance from audience. Makeup helps small expressions reach audience. With makeup we enhance our eyes so that they look big and beautiful. We enhance our lips and jawline, so that their movements that are part of expression, are well defined and well seen. We contour and highlight our face so that our smile and sadness reach easily and connect with the audience. 

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Heavy makeup is essential for stage performance. For workshops or classes, one can go with light makeup, just an eyeliner, kajal, small bindi and lipstick. For practice, it is ok to have very light or no makeup.

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Cosmetics / things required for Odissi makeup:

1. Contour or darker shade foundation

2. Highlighter

3. Blush

4. Eyebrow pencil

5. Eye shadows

6. Kajal

7. Eyeliner

8. Bindi

9. Dark maroon or dark red Lipstick

10. Makeup Brushes

11. White color

12. Aalta for palm and toes