Fan makeup is a phenomenon that goes beyond simple traditions of supporting favorite teams. It has become a 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.
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 for a sports team. On match days, stadiums turn into true palettes of colors, with 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 stick.
More than just a trend or a 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 support a cause. The preparation ritual before the match strengthens the sense of belonging and collective fervor. Fans display their colors with passion in moments of emotion, joy, and sharing.
Turkey is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller part in the Balkans in Southeast Europe. It is bordered by eight countries and surrounded by three major seas: the Aegean Sea to the west, the Black Sea to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The capital of Turkey is Ankara, while its largest city and economic center is Istanbul.
Turkey has a rich history dating back to antiquity, being the cradle of many important civilizations such as the Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Lydians, and later the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Today, Turkey is a parliamentary republic founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who led the country towards rapid modernization and significant political, economic, and social reforms.
The Turkish flag consists of two colors: red and white. The background of the flag is entirely red, symbolizing the blood shed by Turkish soldiers for the country's independence and sovereignty. In the center of the flag is a white crescent and star, traditional symbols of Islam. The crescent and star are also associated with the Ottoman Empire and are deeply rooted in Turkey's cultural and religious identity.
Turkey is a country where sports play an important role in culture and daily life.
Football is by far the most popular sport in Turkey. The country has a rich football tradition with several renowned clubs like Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş, which dominate the Turkish Süper Lig. Matches between these teams, especially the Istanbul derbies, are followed with intense passion by supporters. The Turkish national team has also had notable successes, including a third place at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Basketball is another very popular sport in Turkey. The Turkish Basketball League (Basketbol Süper Ligi) is considered one of the most competitive in Europe. Clubs like Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahçe have won European titles and attract world-class players. The national men's team has also achieved notable performances, including a second place at the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
Wrestling is a traditional and highly respected sport in Turkey with a long history dating back to the Ottoman era. The most famous type of wrestling is oil wrestling (Yağlı Güreş), practiced for centuries and culminating in the famous annual Kırkpınar tournament, which is the oldest wrestling tournament in the world.
Volleyball is also popular, especially women's volleyball. Turkish clubs like VakıfBank, Eczacıbaşı, and Fenerbahçe are among the best in Europe and have won numerous continental titles. The national women's team has also experienced success on the international stage.
Athletics is also practiced in Turkey, with several athletes succeeding on the international stage. Turkey has produced Olympic champions and world medalists in various disciplines, notably in race walking and long jump.
Supporters in Turkey are known for their intense passion and unwavering dedication to their teams. Sporting support in Turkey is more than just a leisure activity; it is an integral part of cultural and social identity.
Turkish football supporters are among the most fervent in the world. The most popular clubs such as Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş have highly dedicated fan bases, known for their unconditional support and electric atmosphere during matches. The Istanbul derbies in particular are major events where supporters create impressive visual displays with tifos, chants, and fireworks.
Galatasaray supporters, known as "UltrAslan", are famous for their spectacular choreographies and powerful chants. The Türk Telekom Arena is often nicknamed "Hell" by opponents due to the intimidating atmosphere created by the fans.
Fenerbahçe fans, called "Genç Fenerbahçeliler" (Young Fenerbahçe Supporters), are also very passionate. The Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium is known to be one of the loudest in Turkey, with fans singing and cheering their team relentlessly.
Beşiktaş supporters, known as "Çarşı", are famous for their rebellious spirit and unwavering support. The Vodafone Park stadium is a gathering place where fans create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Basketball fans in Turkey are also very passionate. Matches of major teams like Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahçe attract large crowds, and supporters play a crucial role in creating an electrifying atmosphere in the arenas. Fenerbahçe basketball fans in particular are known for their ability to create an intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams.
Wrestling tournaments, especially oil wrestling, attract many local supporters. Spectators at these events are often very enthusiastic and support the wrestlers with great fervor. The Kırkpınar tournament is a major event that brings together thousands of wrestling fans every year.
Volleyball supporters in Turkey, especially for women's teams, are very engaged. Matches of clubs like VakıfBank and Eczacıbaşı are well attended, and fans support their teams with chants, flags, and great energy.
Turkey hosts many major international sporting events each year. Here is a list of the most important competitions and sporting events that take place in Turkey:
Süper Lig (Football): The national football championship of Turkey bringing together the best teams in the country in a highly followed annual competition.
Basketbol Süper Ligi (Basketball): The main basketball league in Turkey known for its high level of competition and its successful teams on the European stage.
Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (Basketball): Although this is a European competition, several Turkish teams like Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahçe participate and attract great attention in Turkey.
Sultanlar Ligi (Women's Volleyball): The national women's volleyball championship in Turkey, recognized for the quality of its teams and its high level of competition.
Efeler Ligi (Men's Volleyball): The main men's volleyball league in Turkey, bringing together the best teams in the country.
Kırkpınar (Wrestling): The oldest and most prestigious oil wrestling tournament in the world held annually in Edirne.
Istanbul Marathon (Athletics): An international marathon crossing two continents, Europe and Asia, via the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul.
Tour of Turkey (Cycling): A professional road cycling race that is part of the UCI Europe Tour, traversing various picturesque regions of Turkey.
Galatasaray SK (Football): Founded in 1905, Galatasaray is one of the oldest and most titled clubs in Turkey with numerous championship titles and a UEFA Cup victory in 2000. Its nickname is "Cim Bom". Galatasaray supporters are known as UltrAslan, famous for their passion and spectacular tifos.
Fenerbahçe SK (Football): Founded in 1907, Fenerbahçe is one of the most popular and successful clubs in Turkey. The club is nicknamed "Sarı Kanaryalar" (Yellow Canaries). Fenerbahçe fans, called Genç Fenerbahçeliler, are known for their loud and loyal support.
Beşiktaş JK (Football): Founded in 1903, Beşiktaş is another historic club in Turkey with numerous championship titles. Its nickname is "Kara Kartallar" (Black Eagles). Beşiktaş supporters are known as Çarşı, reputed for their rebellious spirit and unwavering passion.
Anadolu Efes (Basketball): Founded in 1976, Anadolu Efes is one of the most titled basketball clubs in Turkey with several national championships and EuroLeague successes. Anadolu Efes fans are passionate and create a dynamic atmosphere during matches.
Fenerbahçe Beko (Basketball): The basketball section of Fenerbahçe was founded in 1913 and has become one of the most powerful basketball clubs in Europe, winning numerous national titles and a EuroLeague. Fenerbahçe Beko supporters, like the football team supporters, are very dedicated and loud.
Galatasaray HDI Sigorta (Women's Volleyball): The women's volleyball section of Galatasaray is one of the most competitive in Turkey with several national successes. Galatasaray volleyball fans share the same passion as football fans, creating an energetic atmosphere.
Fenerbahçe Opet (Women's Volleyball): The women's volleyball section of Fenerbahçe was founded in 1928 and is one of the best teams in Turkey and Europe. Fenerbahçe Opet supporters are also very engaged and loud.
VakıfBank SK (Women's Volleyball): Founded in 1986, VakıfBank is one of the most successful women's volleyball clubs with numerous European titles. VakıfBank supporters are passionate and strongly support their team.
Eczacıbaşı VitrA (Women's Volleyball): Founded in 1966, Eczacıbaşı is another giant of women's volleyball in Turkey with many national and international titles. Eczacıbaşı fans are known for their energetic and constant support.
Beşiktaş HDI Sigorta (Men's Volleyball): The men's volleyball section of Beşiktaş is an important part of the club, regularly participating in national competitions. Beşiktaş HDI Sigorta supporters share the same fervor as those of football and basketball.
With the rise in popularity of sporting events and international competitions, the fan makeup market has experienced exponential growth. The market has adapted to this global trend with an offer of individual makeup sticks for artistic makeup, Fanbrush® that facilitate 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% annual sales increase over the past five years. This boom is particularly fueled by the popularity of social media where fans proudly share their looks, driving the virality of the trend.
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, reinforcing the engagement and visibility of these products.
Innovations in this field are plentiful. Fanbrush® is the benchmark in fan makeup innovation. It is the world's first multiline makeup stick launched in 2006 in Europe. The product is now available for all clubs worldwide.
In terms of makeup, products are also formulated to withstand sweat, weather, and even offer sun protection. Companies diversify by offering a wide range of products suitable for all skin types and preferences, from classics to glitter and fluorescent effects.
Collaborations with sports teams and famous athletes also allow 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 stores.
The business of merchandising, including sports fan makeup, is more than just 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 gaining in popularity, promising a bright future for this unique industry.
Fanbrush® has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006. It is the world's first multiline makeup stick. This innovation was designed for quick and easy fan makeup at the last minute in a stadium, in groups, or at home.
The range includes over 1000 references from 2 to 6 colors for flags in lines, crosses, checks, etc.
Fanbrush® is fully customizable for all clubs or sponsors, national or local teams. For example, Fanbrush is present at European sports competitions 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
Whether in the form of supporter makeup, powder thrown in fun races, or body painting in Rainbow parades, color is now an integral part of sporting, festive, or protest events around the world. Our success story began with the launch of Fanbrush® in Europe in 2006.
Fanbrush® is the world's first multiline makeup stick. 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 limitless 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