Alta Pen vs Liquid Alta

Red alta on the hands and feet is part of the classical dance look. It traditionally comes as a liquid in a bottle, applied with a brush. An alta pen puts the same red in a pen. Here is how the two compare.

NYRA Alta Pen Dance Makeup

Alta Pen vs Liquid Alta

Apply early

Apply at least 20 minutes before the event.

Draw the outline, then fill

Use the thin tip for borders and designs and the thick tip to fill.

Rinse and tap

After it dries, rinse with water and tap with a tissue to avoid smudging.

Remove with coconut oil

To remove, use coconut oil for faster removal.

Liquid alta

Liquid alta comes in a bottle and is painted on with a brush or a cotton bud. It is the traditional way, but the bottle can spill, the brush needs a steady hand for fine lines, and you need a place to set things down while it dries.

Alta pen

An alta pen holds the colour inside, so there is no bottle and no brush. The NYRA Alta Pen has a thin and a thick tip — the thin tip for the borders and fine designs on the fingers and feet, the thick tip for filling. It is quick-drying, though the real drying time depends on your skin and the weather.

Which should you choose?

Choose the pen if you want clean lines quickly, apply alta backstage or on the move, or are new to drawing alta designs. Liquid alta suits dancers who are used to brushing it on and prefer the traditional method.