Fan Makeup in England
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 England: Colors, Fans, and Passion for Sports
The Colors of England
England is a country located in the southern part of Great Britain and is part of the United Kingdom. It is a nation rich in history with iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and prestigious institutions like Oxford University. London, the capital, is a global metropolis influential in finance, culture, and politics.
The flag of England is the St. George's Cross. It consists of a red cross on a white background. This cross is an ancient symbol associated with England's patron saint, St. George, who is often depicted slaying a dragon to save a princess, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Red represents courage and sacrifice, while white symbolizes peace and purity.
Sports in England
England is a country passionate about sports, with several major disciplines playing a central role in national culture.
Football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in England. The country is the birthplace of modern football and hosts the Premier League, one of the most followed championships worldwide. The England national team won the World Cup in 1966, a landmark moment in English sports history.
Cricket is another iconic sport in England, with a long tradition dating back to the 16th century. The England national team is one of the oldest and plays eagerly anticipated Test match series, such as The Ashes against Australia.
Rugby is also very popular, with two main variations: rugby union and rugby league. Rugby union is the more widely played and is particularly followed during the Six Nations Championship, where England competes against other major European nations.
England is home to the Wimbledon tournament, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and takes place every summer in London, attracting the best players worldwide.
Horse racing, particularly events like Royal Ascot and the Grand National, are major events in England. These races are associated with a rich tradition and attract significant media attention.
Passionate Fans, Colors, and Pride
Supporters of the England team, often called the "Three Lions," are known for their passion, fervor, and unwavering dedication to their national team, whether in football, rugby, or cricket. These fans play a central role in the atmosphere of sporting competitions, bringing a unique and vibrant energy to the stadiums.
English football fans are among the most passionate in the world. During national team matches, they gather in large numbers, often wearing white jerseys emblazoned with the St. George's Cross, England's symbol. They sing iconic songs like "God Save the Queen" or "Football’s Coming Home," an anthem that became famous during Euro 1996. When traveling, these fans often journey long distances to support their team, sometimes even to the other side of the world.
Rugby fans in England are also very fervent, but the atmosphere is slightly different, more family-friendly and festive. They fill stadiums like Twickenham with their songs, such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," which has become the unofficial anthem of English rugby fans. The spirit of camaraderie is strong, both in victory and defeat, and respect for tradition is important.
Cricket fans, often called the "Barmy Army," are famous for their dedication and humor. Whether at Test matches or international competitions, they are known for creating a relaxed but noisy atmosphere, with chants and colorful costumes. Their unwavering support is especially visible during overseas tours, where they follow the national team across all continents.
All English fans, regardless of the sport, share a deep loyalty to their teams and a distinctive sense of humor, often self-deprecating. They are proud of their history and traditions and often gather around a pint of beer in pubs before and after matches. Despite their reputation for sometimes excessive fervor, they are mostly peaceful and respectful, even if passion occasionally overflows.
In short, English supporters are an essential element of the country's sporting culture, embodying collective spirit and national pride at every match.
Major Events
England hosts numerous major international sporting events each year. Here is a list of the most important competitions and sporting events held in England:
Wimbledon (Tennis): Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. It takes place every summer in London on grass and attracts the best players worldwide. wimbledon.com
The FA Cup Final (Football): The FA Cup final is one of the most prestigious events in English football. It is played every year at Wembley and is the oldest cup competition in the world. The Emirates FA Cup - Competitions | The Football Association
The Ashes (Cricket): A Test match series between England and Australia, The Ashes is one of the most famous rivalries in cricket, held alternately in each country. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) - The Official Website of the ECB
British Grand Prix (Formula 1): The British Grand Prix is a Formula 1 race held at Silverstone. It is one of the oldest events on the F1 calendar, known for its electric atmosphere. silverstone.co.uk
London Marathon (Athletics): The London Marathon is one of the most famous races in the world, attracting professional and amateur runners from around the globe to run through London’s iconic streets. virginmoneylondonmarathon.com
Royal Ascot (Horse Racing): Royal Ascot is one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events, known for its traditions, elegance, and the presence of the British royal family. ascot.co.uk/royal-ascot
The Boat Race (Rowing): The Boat Race is an annual rowing competition between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, held on the River Thames in London. It is a historic event closely followed in England. theboatrace.org
Six Nations Championship (Rugby Union): The Six Nations Championship is an annual rugby union competition that pits the national teams of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales against each other. Matches in England are held at Twickenham. sixnationsrugby.com
The Open Championship (Golf): Also known as the British Open, The Open is the oldest major golf tournament in the world. It is played on various courses in England and Scotland, attracting the best golfers. theopen.com
Epsom Derby (Horse Racing): The Epsom Derby is one of the most famous horse races in the world, often considered the premier event in British flat racing. The Derby Festival at Epsom | The Jockey Club
Passionate Fans
Manchester United (Football): Founded in 1878, Manchester United is one of the most successful football clubs in the world, with 20 English league titles and 3 Champions League victories. The club's nickname is "The Red Devils." Manchester United's supporters are known as "The Red Army" and are globally recognized for their passion and loyalty, regularly filling Old Trafford, the "Theatre of Dreams." manutd.com
Liverpool FC (Football): Founded in 1892, Liverpool FC has won 19 English league titles and 6 Champions League trophies. Their nickname is "The Reds." The club is also famous for its anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone." Liverpool supporters are called "The Kopites," in reference to the Kop stand at Anfield. They are among the most dedicated in England, creating an electric atmosphere during home matches. liverpoolfc.com
Arsenal FC (Football): Founded in 1886, Arsenal is one of England’s oldest and most respected clubs. The club is nicknamed "The Gunners" in reference to its origins linked to a munitions factory. Arsenal has won 13 league titles. Arsenal fans, known as "The Gooners," are famous for their unwavering support, with the Emirates Stadium as their fortress. arsenal.com
Manchester City (Football): Founded in 1880, Manchester City has become a dominant force in English football in the 21st century. The club is nicknamed "The Citizens" or simply "City." They have won 9 league titles, many of them in the last decade. Manchester City fans, often called "The Sky Blues," are known for their resilience, having supported the club through its highs and lows, with the Etihad Stadium as their home. mancity.com
Chelsea FC (Football): Founded in 1905, Chelsea FC is a London club that has experienced remarkable success, especially since the 2000s, with 6 English league titles and 2 Champions League victories. The club is nicknamed "The Blues." Chelsea fans, known as "The Pensioners" or "The Blue Army," are famous for their vocal support at Stamford Bridge and their passion for the club. chelseafc.com
Leicester City (Football): Founded in 1884, Leicester City pulled off one of the greatest surprises in football by winning the Premier League in 2016. The club is nicknamed "The Foxes." Leicester supporters, known as "The Blue Army," are renowned for their community spirit and fervent support, especially after their historic Premier League victory. lcfc.com
Tottenham Hotspur (Football): Founded in 1882, Tottenham is a historic London club nicknamed "Spurs." Although they have not won a Premier League title, they boast a rich history of national and European cup successes. Tottenham fans, called "The Lilywhites" or "The Yid Army," are known for their loyalty and unconditional support, with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as their new home. tottenhamhotspur.com
Harlequins (Rugby Union): Founded in 1866, Harlequins is a rugby union club based in London, known for its flamboyant style of play. The club is nicknamed "Quins." Harlequins fans are known to be among the most loyal and passionate in England, with Twickenham Stoop as their stronghold. quins.co.uk
Saracens (Rugby Union): Founded in 1876, Saracens have been one of the most dominant rugby clubs in England in recent years, with several Premiership and Champions Cup titles. The club is often called "Sarries." Saracens fans are known as "The Wolfpack" due to the strong group mentality promoted by the club. They gather en masse at Allianz Park to support their team. saracens.com
Leicester Tigers (Rugby Union): Founded in 1880, Leicester Tigers is one of England’s most successful rugby clubs, with numerous Premiership titles and two European titles. The club is nicknamed "Tigers." Leicester Tigers fans, often called "The Tigers Family," are known for their loyalty and fervent support, regularly filling Welford Road Stadium. leicestertigers.com
Yorkshire County Cricket Club (Cricket): Founded in 1863, Yorkshire is the most successful cricket club in England, with an impressive record of County Championship titles. The club is nicknamed "The White Rose" in reference to the emblem of Yorkshire. Yorkshire fans are very passionate and proud of their team, often called "The White Rose Army." Headingley Stadium is their stronghold. yorkshireccc.com
Lancashire County Cricket Club (Cricket): Founded in 1864, Lancashire is another historic English cricket club, with several County Championship titles. They are known as "The Red Rose" in reference to the emblem of Lancashire. Lancashire fans, called "The Red Rose Army," are known for their rivalry with Yorkshire and their passion for cricket, with Emirates Old Trafford as their ground. lancashirecricket.co.uk
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 England
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