Fan Makeup in Belgium
Fan Makeup
Fan makeup is a phenomenon that transcends the simple traditions of supporting favorite teams. It has become a truly lucrative business, part of a global industry worth billions of dollars. This enthusiasm for colors, patterns, and spectacular effects reflects not only the passion of supporters but also a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs and brands.
An Ancient Tradition Modernized
This is tribal makeup that dates back centuries, where ancient peoples painted their faces for war rites or celebrations. Today, this tradition has evolved to become an act of support and solidarity for a sports team. On match days, stadiums turn into real palettes of colors, each fan proudly displaying the colors of their favorite team.
A product has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006, Fanbrush®, the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
A Social and Cultural Phenomenon
More than just a fashion or a simple commercial aspect, sports fan makeup is a major social and cultural phenomenon worldwide. It allows supporters to identify and show their belonging to a sports community or support for a cause. The preparation ritual before the match reinforces the sense of belonging and collective fervor. Fans display their colors with passion during moments of emotion, joy, and sharing.
In Belgium Colors, Fans, and Sports Passion
The Colors of Belgium
Belgium is a country located in Western Europe, famous for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and linguistic diversity. It shares its borders with France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
The Belgian flag is tricolored with three vertical bands. From left to right, the colors are black, yellow, and red. These colors are highly symbolic: black represents the country's mineral wealth, yellow evokes agricultural resources, and red symbolizes the blood shed for independence. This tricolor flag is a proud national symbol for Belgians and is often displayed during national festivities and sports events.
Sport in Belgium
In Belgium, several sports hold significant importance in the culture and daily activities of the people.
Football is by far the most popular sport in Belgium. The country has a long tradition in this sport and has several internationally renowned clubs such as RSC Anderlecht, Club Brugge KV, and Standard de Liège. The Belgian national team, nicknamed the Red Devils, is also very well-followed and has achieved considerable success in recent years.
Belgium is also a land of cycling with a particular passion for spring classics like the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Many Belgian riders are famous worldwide for their performances in prestigious races.
Although less publicized than football, tennis is also popular in Belgium, notably thanks to renowned players like Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, who dominated women's tennis for several years.
Belgium has seen a rise in field hockey in recent years with the men's national team winning the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
While not as popular as football, basketball has a loyal fan base in Belgium with competitive clubs in national leagues and a national team that has participated in several European championships.
Fans Passion, Colors, and Pride
Fans in Belgium play a crucial role in the social and cultural fabric of the country, especially in the sports context. They are known for their intense passion and fervor during sports events, particularly during football matches. They often fill stadiums with chants, flags, and banners to support their favorite teams.
Each club in Belgium has its own fans with a distinct identity. For example, the supporters of RSC Anderlecht in Brussels have a long history and a strong identity, just like those of Club Brugge KV in Bruges or Standard de Liège in Liège.
Belgians support not only their local teams but also the national team with particular passion, as evidenced by the massive gatherings during major competitions like the World Cup or the European Championship.
Though passionate, Belgian supporters are generally known for their fair play and respect towards opposing teams and foreign supporters. Violent incidents are rare, and Belgian supporters often aim to create a festive and friendly atmosphere during matches.
Outside the stadiums, Belgian supporters often engage in community and charitable activities related to their clubs, thereby strengthening the links between sport and society.
Major Sports Events in Belgium
Belgium hosts numerous major international sports events annually. Here is a list of the most important sports competitions and events held in the country:
Belgian Cup (Football): The Belgian Cup is a national football competition where Belgian clubs from all divisions compete for the title. It offers a chance for smaller clubs to compete with the big names in Belgian football.
Jupiler Pro League (Football): The Jupiler Pro League is the top professional football league in Belgium. It includes the best clubs in the country that compete throughout the season for the national championship title.
Tour of Belgium (Cycling): The Tour of Belgium is a stage race that takes place annually across different regions of Belgium. It attracts top international riders and is an important event in the European cycling calendar.
Belgian Grand Prix (Formula 1): The Belgian Grand Prix is held at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, known for its fast corners and technical challenges. It is one of the highlights of the Formula 1 World Championship.
Memorial Van Damme (Athletics): The Memorial Van Damme is a world-renowned athletics meeting held at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. It is part of the prestigious IAAF Diamond League series, attracting top international athletes.
Brussels Marathon (Athletics): The Brussels Marathon is an annual event that attracts runners from around the world to race through the historic streets of Brussels. It also includes shorter races and is known for its festive atmosphere.
Belgian Basketball Cup (Basketball): The Belgian Basketball Cup, also known as the Belgian Cup Trophy, is an annual competition where the best basketball clubs in the country compete for the title.
Passionate Fans
Club Brugge KV (Football): Nicknamed "Blauw-Zwart" (Blue and Black), Club Brugge is one of the most titled clubs in Belgium with many national championships and cups to its credit. The supporters, known as "Bruges' Noisy Neighbours," are renowned for their passion and loyalty.
RSC Anderlecht (Football): Known as "Les Mauves et Blancs" (Purple and White), Anderlecht is the most titled club in Belgium with numerous championship and cup successes. The supporters, called the "Mauves Army," are among the most fervent in the country.
Standard de Liège (Football): Nicknamed "Les Rouches" (The Reds), Standard de Liège has a rich history with several Belgian championship titles and cup victories. The supporters, known as "Ultras Inferno," are famous for their dedication and fervor.
KAA Gent (Football): "The Buffalos" is the nickname of KAA Gent, a club with a rich history including championship titles and cup successes. The supporters, called "Buffalo's Army," are known for their lively atmosphere and unwavering support.
Royal Antwerp FC (Football): Known as "The Great Old," Antwerp is one of the oldest clubs in Belgium with several titles and a dedicated fan base, the "Antwerp Ultras."
Spirou Charleroi (Basketball): Spirou Charleroi is one of the most titled basketball clubs in Belgium with numerous Belgian championships to its credit. The supporters, known as the "Spirou Fans," are renowned for their energetic support.
Racing Genk (Football): Nicknamed "The Smurfs," Racing Genk has won several Belgian championship titles and cups. The supporters, called "Ultras Genk," are known for their fervor and passion.
Union Saint-Gilloise (Football): "The Unionists" is the nickname of this historic club that has experienced a renaissance in recent years. The supporters, known as "Union Bhoys," are famous for their loyalty and unwavering support.
Club Brugge Basket (Basketball): Nicknamed "Blauw-Zwart" like the football team, Club Brugge Basket is an important club in the Belgian basketball landscape. The supporters shared with the football club bring an intense atmosphere to the matches.
HC Herakles (Field Hockey): The field hockey club HC Herakles is one of the oldest and most respected in Belgium. The supporters, the "Heraklions," are known for their warm and enthusiastic support.
Fan Merchandise
Sports Makeup: Exponential Growth
With the rising popularity of sports events and international competitions, the fan makeup market has experienced exponential growth. The market offer has adapted to this global market, with a range of individual makeup pencils for artistic makeup, Fanbrush® making last-minute makeup easy, sticker makeup kits, and even personalized makeup operations on match days.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to a recent market study, the sports makeup sector has seen a 15% annual sales increase over the past five years. This growth is fueled by the popularity of social media, where fans proudly share their looks and thus encourage the trend's virality.
The Role of Social Media and Influencers
Influencers play a crucial role in popularizing fan makeup. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, thousands of tutorials and transformation videos are shared, generating millions of views. These content creators inspire their followers to express their passion for sports through creative and bold looks.
Brands often collaborate with these influencers to promote their products, reaching a broader and more diverse audience. Dedicated hashtags like #FanFacePaint, #FanMakeup, or #GameDayFace have become viral trends, boosting engagement and product visibility.
Innovations and Product Offerings
Innovations in this field are numerous. Notably, Fanbrush®, the reference in fan makeup innovation. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil, launched in 2006 in Europe. The product is now available for all clubs worldwide.
In terms of makeup, the products are also formulated to resist sweat, weather conditions, and even offer sun protection. Companies diversify by offering varied ranges suitable for all skin types and preferences, from classics to glitter and fluorescent effects.
Collaborations with sports teams and famous athletes also create limited editions and special collections that sell out quickly. For example, some football teams collaborate with brands to create makeup kits in official colors, often sold in club shops.
The fan sports makeup merchandising business is much more than a niche. It is a dynamic, expanding sector that combines passion, creativity, and innovation. As sports events continue to attract millions of spectators worldwide, fan makeup is only gaining popularity, promising a bright future for this unique industry.
Fanbrush® IN BELGIUM
Fanbrush® has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
This innovation was designed for easy and quick fan makeup at the last minute in a stadium, in a group, or at home.
The range includes +1000 references from 2 to 6 colors for flags in lines, crosses, checkerboards, etc.
Fanbrush® is fully customizable for all clubs or sponsors of national or local teams. For example, Fanbrush is present at European sports competitions with major sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Lidl, adidas, Heineken, etc.
Whatever type of supporter you are, we have your Fanbrush®.
Learn more: www.fanbrush.com
Fanbrush® alongside fans since 2006
Whether in the form of supporter makeup, powder thrown in fun runs, or body paint in Rainbow parades, color is now an integral part of sports, festive, or protest events worldwide. Our success story began with the launch of Fanbrush® in Europe in 2006.
Fanbrush® is the world's first multiline makeup pencil. A product made in France, protected by trademarks and patents.
Our product is now distributed in over 21 countries: Europe, USA, India, Australia, Japan. We can export to any other country. With +1000 references and limitless combination possibilities, we can create any new reference on demand.
To discover our products or contact us