tech week skincare survival guide: 3 must haves for performers

“No sleep. Bus. Club. Another club. No fear.” Sound familiar? Of course it does — Mother Monster herself set the tone, and honestly, it’s the perfect vibe check for tech week.

For performers, that’s basically the definition of tech week. Long hours in the theatre, layers of stage makeup, little to no rest, and the stress of getting the show ready for opening. Your body is running on adrenaline—but your skin is often the first to show the strain.

That’s where a backstage survival kit comes in. Here are three skincare essentials that will keep your complexion calm, hydrated, and healthy, even when the hours are anything but glamorous.

1. Hypochlorous Acid Spray

Your backstage essential. This multitasking mist calms irritation, fights bacteria, and helps prevent breakouts—exactly what you need when you’re sweating under stage lights or wearing makeup for 12-plus hours straight.

Pro tip: Keep one in your bag and another at your station so you can refresh your skin between rehearsals and notes.

2. Barrier-Supporting Moisturizer

When your schedule is relentless, your skin barrier takes the hit. A moisturizer packed with ceramides and peptides locks in hydration, strengthens your barrier, and keeps skin smooth under layers of foundation and powder.

Think of it like your skin’s understudy—it steps in when the spotlight gets harsh.

3. SPF Stick or Powder

Yes, even during tech. Quick coffee runs, dinner breaks, or a mid-afternoon walk to clear your head still mean UV exposure. An SPF stick or powder is the easiest way to reapply—no mirror, no mess, no excuses.

Slip it in your pocket so your skin stays protected in those quick out-the-door moments.

The Final Bow

Tech week might take your sleep, but it doesn’t have to take your glow. With these three essentials, your skin can make it to opening night just as strong as your performance.