Fan Makeup in ICELAND
Fan Makeup
Fan makeup for sports enthusiasts is a phenomenon that transcends the simple traditions of supporting favorite teams. It has become a truly lucrative business, embedded in a global industry worth billions of dollars. This craze for colors, patterns, and spectacular effects reflects not only the passion of the fans but also a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs and brands.
An ancient tradition modernized
It is a tribal makeup that dates back centuries, where ancient peoples painted their faces for war rites or celebrations. Today, this tradition has evolved into an act of support and solidarity towards a sports team. On match days, stadiums transform into true palettes of colors, each fan proudly wearing the colors of their favorite team.
A product has been revolutionizing fan makeup since 2006, Fanbrush®, the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
A social and cultural phenomenon
More than a fashion or a simple commercial aspect, fan makeup is a major social and cultural phenomenon worldwide. It allows supporters to identify and show their belonging to a sports community or in support of a cause. The ritual of preparation before the game strengthens the sense of belonging and collective fervor. Fans display their colors with passion during moments of emotion, joy, and sharing.
In Iceland: colors, fans, and passion for sports
The colors of Iceland
Iceland is an island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, near the Arctic Circle. It is a Nordic country known for its spectacular landscapes, including active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. The capital and largest city of Iceland is Reykjavik, which is also the world's northernmost capital.
Iceland is renowned for its culture rich in Viking myths and legends, as well as its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. The country has a diversified economy with key sectors such as tourism, fishing, and renewable energy, notably geothermal energy.
The flag of Iceland is composed of three colors: blue, white, and red. Blue represents the sea that surrounds the island, white symbolizes the glaciers and snow that cover much of the country, and red refers to the lava of active volcanoes. This flag, officially adopted in 1944 during Iceland's independence from Denmark, reflects both the island's natural elements and its unique volcanic heritage.
Sports in Iceland
Iceland, although a small country in terms of population, is passionate about sports and excels in several disciplines.
Football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in Iceland. The men's national team achieved a resounding success by qualifying for the first time in its history for Euro 2016, where it reached the quarterfinals, and for the FIFA World Cup in 2018. Icelandic football clubs also participate in European competitions, and the national championship, the Pepsi-deildin, is followed with great interest.
Handball is another extremely popular sport in Iceland. The men's national team is among the best in the world and won a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and a bronze medal at the European Championship in 2010. Many Icelandic players play in top European leagues.
Due to its climate and geography, winter sports hold an important place in Iceland. Skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating are widely practiced, notably on glaciers and in local ski resorts like Bláfjöll. The national ski and snowboard team regularly participates in international competitions.
Athletics is also popular in Iceland, with several athletes excelling in disciplines such as hammer throw, javelin, and long-distance running. Icelanders actively participate in European and world competitions, and the country regularly organizes local events to promote athletics.
Equestrian sports, particularly Icelandic horse competitions, are very popular in Iceland. The Icelandic horse is a unique breed famous for its specific gaits like the tölt. Equestrian competitions and horse gatherings are important social events in Iceland.
Fans' passion, colors, and pride
Icelandic supporters are known for their passion, dedication, and originality.
Icelandic supporters are deeply passionate about sports and show unwavering support for their teams, whether in football, handball, or other sports. Their commitment is particularly visible during the national football team's matches, where they gather in large numbers, both at home and abroad.
One of the most famous and distinctive aspects of Icelandic supporters is the "Viking Clap" (or "Viking Thunder Clap"). This support chant, which became iconic during Euro 2016, consists of synchronized clapping and chanting at regular intervals, creating an impressive and intimidating atmosphere for opponents. The "Viking Clap" is now a symbol of Icelandic unity and pride.
In Iceland, supporting sports teams is often a community affair. Matches are social events where families, friends, and neighbors gather to cheer on their teams together.
Icelandic supporters are also known for their creativity. They often use costumes, makeup, and accessories to stand out and show their support in a unique and colorful way. Icelandic flags, faces painted in blue, white, and red, and Viking costumes are common in the stands.
Icelandic supporters are generally respectful and demonstrate a strong sense of fair play. They are known for their positive behavior even when traveling to support their team. Their respect for opponents and other supporters is often praised by international observers.
Supporting sports teams has a significant influence on Icelandic culture. The achievements of national teams, particularly in football and handball, are a source of national pride and inspire younger generations to engage in sports. Sporting successes are often celebrated as historical moments, strengthening national identity and cohesion.
Significant events
Iceland hosts numerous major international sporting events each year. Here is a list of the most important sports competitions and events held in Iceland:
Besta Deildin (Football): This is the first division of the Icelandic football championship. It consists of 12 teams that compete from May to September for the national championship title.
Úrvalsdeild Karla en Handbolti (Handball): The Úrvalsdeild Karla is the first division of the men's handball championship in Iceland. It brings together the best teams in the country and takes place from October to April.
Reykjavik Marathon (Running): The Reykjavik Marathon is one of the most popular sporting events in Iceland, attracting runners of all levels from around the world. It takes place every year in August on the picturesque streets of Reykjavik.
Reykjavik International Games (Multi-sports): This multi-sport event is held annually in January, bringing together international athletes in various disciplines such as judo, badminton, and athletics.
Iceland Airwaves Run (Running): In connection with the famous Iceland Airwaves music festival, this 5 km race allows participants to discover Reykjavik in a unique way, combining sports and culture.
Landsmót Hestamanna (Equestrian sports): The Landsmót Hestamanna is the national championship of Icelandic horses, held every two years. It celebrates Icelandic equestrian culture with tölt competitions and other specific gaits of Icelandic horses.
Passionate fans
Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur (KR Reykjavik) (Football): Founded in 1899, KR Reykjavik is the oldest football club in Iceland. The club has won numerous national titles and is known by the nickname "KR." KR supporters call themselves the "KR-ingar."
Valur Reykjavik (Football and Handball): Founded in 1911, Valur is a multisport club with highly successful football and handball sections. Valur fans are dedicated and gather under the nickname "Valmenn."
FH Hafnarfjörður (Football and Handball): Founded in 1929, FH is one of the most successful football and handball clubs in the country. Supporters are called "FHingar" and are known for their energetic support.
Breiðablik Kópavogur (Football): Founded in 1950, Breiðablik is one of the leading football clubs in Iceland, especially known for its excellent youth development program. The club and its supporters are nicknamed "Blikar."
ÍA Akranes (Football): Founded in 1946, ÍA Akranes is famous for its rich history and numerous Icelandic championship titles. The club and its supporters are nicknamed "Skagamenn."
Stjarnan Garðabær (Football and Handball): Founded in 1960, Stjarnan is a multisport club that has found success in both football and handball. Stjarnan fans are known as "Stjörnumenn" and actively support their teams.
Fram Reykjavik (Handball and Football): Founded in 1908, Fram is one of the most historic multisport clubs in Iceland with numerous successes in football and handball. Fram supporters are called "Framherjar" and are famous for their dedication.
Haukar Hafnarfjörður (Handball): Founded in 1931, Haukar is one of the most titled handball clubs in Iceland. Supporters are called "Haukarnir" and are known for their enthusiasm and unconditional support.
Fan merchandise
Event makeup: exponential growth
With the rising popularity of sporting events and international competitions, the fan makeup market has experienced exponential growth. The market has adapted to this global trend with a range of individual makeup pencils for artistic makeup, Fanbrush® that facilitates last-minute makeup, 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% increase in annual sales over the past five years. This growth is mainly fueled by the popularity of social media, where fans proudly share their looks and 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, enhancing the engagement and visibility of these products.
Innovations and product offerings
Innovations in this field are plentiful. Fanbrush® is 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.
Regarding makeup, products are also formulated to withstand sweat, weather conditions, and even offer sun protection. Companies are diversifying by offering a wide range of products suitable for all skin types and preferences, from classic to glitter and fluorescent effects.
Collaborations with sports teams and famous athletes also allow for the creation of 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 merchandise business, including sports fan makeup, is much more than a niche. It is a dynamic and expanding sector that combines passion, creativity, and innovation. As sporting events continue to attract millions of spectators worldwide, fan makeup is only growing in popularity, promising a bright future for this unique industry.
Fanbrush® in Iceland
Fanbrush® has been revolutionizing fan makeup since 2006. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil. This innovation was designed for simple and quick fan makeup at the last minute in a stadium, in a group, or at home.
The range includes over 1000 references from 2 to 6 colors for flags in lines, crosses, checkerboards, etc.
Fanbrush® is fully customizable for all clubs or sponsors, national or local teams. For example, Fanbrush is present at European sporting events with major sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Lidl, Adidas, Heineken...
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 sporting, festive, or protest events worldwide. Our success story began with the 2006 launch of Fanbrush® in Europe.
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 over 1000 references and unlimited combination possibilities, we can create any new reference on demand.
To discover our products or contact us, visit our website: https://www.fanbrush.com
Fanbrush®is a registered trademark, exclusive property of © IMALIS