A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Reveals Her Beauty Secrets for Game Day

Although the Dallas Cowboys won’t be contenders in the 2025 Super Bowl on Sunday, February 9, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are sure to win the award for the best glam of the event. Just ask Kelly Villares, who recently completed her rookie season with the DCC team, otherwise known as “America’s Sweethearts,” this past January.

Before the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans, Us Weekly had an exclusive conversation with 23-year-old Villares, who disclosed her game-day beauty routine — covering everything from her skincare secrets to long-lasting makeup tips, as well as how DCC teammates achieve that iconic bigger-is-better Texan hair, which has become their trademark.

Whether you’re attending the Super Bowl or hosting a watch party, you can replicate the look. Villares explains that being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is a full-time commitment that necessitates a comprehensive beauty regimen, which includes regular visits to the European Wax Center. With over 30 years in the industry and more than 1,000 locations nationwide, it’s a go-to waxing destination, even boasting an official partnership with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

“We take care of everything from our arms to eyebrows to legs and Brazilians,” she informed Us. Villares swears by the European Wax Center’s product range, particularly the Face and Body Exfoliating Gel. This non-abrasive formula is enriched with natural fruit enzymes like papaya, pineapple, and lemon-peel extract, efficiently removing dead skin cells without beads or harsh scrubs, making it gentle for facial use. When used regularly, it is also said to help unclog pores and lessen breakouts.

This magic-in-a-bottle is perfect for prepping both face and body before getting a spray tan, while also ensuring a silky smooth surface between waxes and preventing bumps from hair follicles. After a spray tan, Villares is meticulous about applying body moisturizer immediately after her shower, noting that it makes a “huge difference” in extending the life of the spray tan.

The real insider tip, according to Villares, is that DCC team members also utilize an at-home self-tanner for contouring their faces, highlighting cheekbones, and creating a more chiseled jawline. “It’s the best advice I received from the veterans,” she acknowledged. This self-tan method can also be applied to the midsection to help “fake” or rather, in the DCC’s case, amplify perfectly toned abs, which are a focal point on the field.

On game day, the glam routine for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders begins at 5 a.m., and the first step for Villares is grabbing an Esarora ice-roller from the freezer. The coolness helps to reduce swelling and puffiness, while the rolling technique aids in lymphatic drainage to eliminate excess fluid.

According to Villares, most cheerleaders don’t arrive at the stadium with freshly washed hair since it “doesn’t hold curls as effectively.” The same goes for teasing, but it’s essential to note that the DCCs haven’t just perfected big hair — they’ve developed a lesser-known trick for achieving truly gravity-defying volume.

“I really learned the art of teasing in the locker room,” Villares shared. “When I joined, the seasoned veterans were eager to demonstrate their techniques.” Instead of tackling a section of hair and aggressively back-combing it, they take “tiny pieces” and work layer by layer using Cricket’s Amped Up Teasing Brush, which she claims is a total game-changer for achieving maximum height without damaging the hair.

After teasing, she finishes with a generous spray of Living Proof’s Full Dry Volume and Texture hair spray. “The objective is to preserve your hair while minimizing the harsh effects of teasing,” Villares added. “We have a long season ahead!”

In line with extensive beauty routines, Villares also shared her top three makeup products that remain intact — even after performing an energetic “Thunderstruck” dance routine, and she speaks from experience.

After applying Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation, she uses the matching Airbrush Flawless Finishing Powder under her eyes and on her forehead to eliminate shine. “This is an essential item for halftime touch-ups, as we only have moments to refresh ourselves,” she noted.

She also utilizes this limited time to ensure her lips look flawless, applying Charlotte Tilbury’s lipstick (in Pillow Talk Fair) and Lip Cheat (in Pillow Talk Medium). She explains that applying a lighter shade of lipstick to the center of her lips followed by a slightly darker liner creates an illusion of fuller lips, a trick she learned.

Additionally, her go-to is a clear brow gel from EWC, which maintains her brow shape without making them stiff. “Some gels tend to be overly firm, making it hard to express emotions,” she clarified. “Since we are constantly smiling and making expressions throughout the game, it’s essential to have a flexible gel — and that’s the one my teammates and I adore.”

“Those are the three staples I always keep in my game bag.” Villares’ beauty essentials are a breeze compared to surviving the rigorous 10-week DCC training camp, so you can consider yourself ready for game day!