Fan Makeup in the NETHERLANDS
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 the Netherlands: colors, fans, and passion for sports
The colors of the Netherlands
The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is a country located in Western Europe, bordered by the North Sea, Belgium, and Germany. The country is famous for its flat landscapes, canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling paths. Amsterdam, the capital, is renowned for its artistic heritage, canals, and museums, including the famous Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Rotterdam, another major city, is an important international port.
The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral parliament. The official language is Dutch, and the currency used is the euro (EUR). The country is recognized for its commitment to human rights, individual freedom, and technological innovation.
The flag of the Netherlands consists of three horizontal bands of red, white, and blue from top to bottom. Initially, the flag had an orange band in homage to the House of Orange-Nassau. In the 17th century, the orange band was changed to red for visibility at sea and color stability. Today, the red represents bravery and strength. The white band symbolizes peace and honesty and is also associated with the freedom and purity of the Dutch people's intentions. The blue band represents vigilance, truth, loyalty, perseverance, and justice. It is also a reference to the sea, which is a central element of Dutch life.
This tricolor flag is one of the oldest in the world, having been used for the first time in the 17th century. The colors and their arrangement have not changed since their official adoption in 1937.
Sports in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is passionate about sports, and several major disciplines dominate the country's sports scene.
Football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in the Netherlands. The national league, the Eredivisie, attracts many spectators, and clubs like Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord Rotterdam are well known in Europe. The national team, the Oranje, has a rich history in international competition, having won the European Championship in 1988 and reached several World Cup finals.
Speed skating is another extremely popular sport, especially in winter. The Netherlands often dominates international speed skating competitions, including the Winter Olympics. Ice rinks like Thialf in Heerenveen are famous and attract skaters from around the world.
The Netherlands is known for its cycling culture. The country has a vast network of cycling paths, and the bicycle is a daily means of transport for many Dutch people. Competitively, Dutch cyclists excel in disciplines like road cycling and track cycling. Riders like Joop Zoetemelk and Marianne Vos have made their mark on international cycling.
Field hockey is also very popular in the Netherlands, both at the amateur and professional levels. The Dutch national team is one of the best in the world for both men and women, with numerous World Championship titles and Olympic medals to their name.
Sailing is a well-appreciated sport, especially due to the numerous bodies of water and the country's maritime tradition. Sailing competitions attract a large number of participants and spectators, and the Dutch excel in various categories, including Olympic regattas.
Tennis is also practiced and followed with enthusiasm. Tournaments like the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam attract top players and many fans. Dutch players like Richard Krajicek, who won Wimbledon in 1996, have marked the history of tennis.
Fans: passion, colors, and pride
Sports supporters in the Netherlands are known for their passion, enthusiasm, and loyalty. In general, Dutch supporters are known for their sportsmanship and friendliness. They create a festive atmosphere at sporting events, often combining fervent support for their team with community celebrations. Dutch supporters are also recognized for their respect towards opponents and officials, although intense rivalries exist, particularly in football.
Major international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or the Olympic Games see Dutch supporters gather in large numbers, whether in stadiums or in front of giant screens in public places. These events are often occasions for collective celebrations with fan zones and festivals where supporters come together to watch the matches and share their passion for sports.
Football is the most popular sport, and Dutch supporters, known for their fervor, are often very engaged. Eredivisie clubs like Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord Rotterdam have strong and dedicated fan bases. Fans regularly attend matches dressed in their team's colors, often with chants, flags, and banners. The ultras, the most fervent supporter groups, play an important role in animating the stadiums with their tifos (spectacular choreographies) and coordinated chants.
Speed skating also attracts passionate crowds, especially during major events like the World Championships or the Olympic Games. Ice rinks like Thialf in Heerenveen are often filled with supporters dressed in orange, the national color, loudly cheering for their favorite athletes. The Dutch follow these competitions with great attention, and the medals won are celebrated with enthusiasm.
The cycling culture is deeply rooted in the Netherlands, and both road and track cycling races attract large audiences. Dutch supporters are known for their energetic support during Tour de France stages or world cycling championships. Local races and major national cycling events also attract many spectators, often lining the routes to cheer on the riders.
Field hockey matches, especially those of the national team, also attract many supporters. The stadiums are often full of fans wearing orange clothes, singing and loudly supporting their team. Field hockey is a sport where community spirit is very strong, with families and friends attending matches together to support local and national teams.
Significant events
The Netherlands hosts numerous major international sporting events each year. Here is a list of the most important sports competitions and events held in the Netherlands:
Amsterdam Marathon (Athletics): One of the most famous marathons in Europe, attracting thousands of runners from around the world with a scenic route through Amsterdam.
Eredivisie (Football): The national football championship of the Netherlands, featuring the best teams in the country like Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord, passionately followed by millions of supporters.
ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament (Tennis): An ATP 500 tennis tournament held in Rotterdam, attracting some of the world's best tennis players.
Amstel Gold Race (Cycling): The largest one-day cycling race in the Netherlands, part of the UCI World Tour, known for its hilly course in Limburg.
Rotterdam Marathon (Athletics): Another prestigious marathon in the Netherlands, known for its fast course and enthusiastic atmosphere.
Hockey World League (Field Hockey): An international field hockey tournament featuring the best national teams in the world, often hosted in various Dutch cities.
World Port Tournament (Baseball): An international baseball tournament held in Rotterdam, featuring teams from around the world.
Grand Prix of MotoGP in Assen (MotoGP): A MotoGP race held at the TT Circuit in Assen, known as the "Cathedral of Speed."
European Athletics Championships (Athletics): A continental athletics championship hosting athletes from all over Europe, often organized in Amsterdam.
Zandvoort Circuit (Formula 1): The Dutch Grand Prix of Formula 1 is held at the Zandvoort circuit, attracting motorsport fans from around the world.
Passionate fans
Ajax Amsterdam (Football): Founded in 1900, Ajax is one of the most titled clubs in the Netherlands, with numerous Eredivisie titles and several Champions League victories. Nicknamed "de Godenzonen" (The Sons of Gods). The supporters are known as "Ajaxieden," and the most fervent supporter group is called "F-Side."
PSV Eindhoven (Football): Founded in 1913, PSV is another major club in the Netherlands, with many national titles and a European Cup victory in 1988. Nicknamed "Boeren" (The Farmers). The supporters are called "Boeren," and their most notable group is "Lighttown Madness."
Feyenoord Rotterdam (Football): Founded in 1908, Feyenoord has a rich history with many national titles and a European Cup victory in 1970. Nicknamed "De club van het volk" (The People's Club). The supporters, known as "Het Legioen," are renowned for their loyalty and passion.
SC Heerenveen (Speed Skating): Known for its famous ice rink Thialf, SC Heerenveen is a major center for speed skating in the Netherlands. Speed skating supporters come from all over the country, often dressed in orange during international competitions.
Team Jumbo-Visma (Cycling): Founded in 1984, it is one of the strongest cycling teams in the world, participating in major international competitions like the Tour de France. Dutch cycling fans closely follow the team's exploits, especially during the grand tours.
HC Bloemendaal (Field Hockey): Founded in 1895, HC Bloemendaal is one of the most prestigious field hockey clubs with many national and European titles. Supporters are passionate and gather in large numbers for important matches, creating an electric atmosphere.
DOOR Neptunus (Baseball): Founded in 1900, DOOR Neptunus is the most titled baseball club in the Netherlands, with many national championships and European titles. Baseball fans closely follow the team, and home games are well attended.
Orange Lions (Basketball): The Dutch national basketball team, known as the "Orange Lions," participates in European and international competitions. Basketball fans follow national and international competitions with growing interest.
Oranje Zwart (Field Hockey): Merged with EMHC to form HC Oranje-Rood, this club is a pillar of Dutch field hockey with a rich history of national and European successes. Supporters are known for their enthusiasm and loud support during important matches.
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 the Netherlands
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