You’ve schedule your date and time, and you are so excited for your photoshoot. But how should you do your make-up? No need to fear! I am not the makeup queen, but I did ask a few professionals to weigh in on the matter. Here are 10 tips to ensure your make-up looks great in your photographs
1. A clean palette and natural light.
Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply your makeup in natural window light if at all possible. This may mean applying your makeup in a room other than our bathroom, but it’s best to have a good, even makeup application.
2. Primer, primer, primer.
A good primer is just as important as a good foundation. Use a primer before applying your base to give a smooth canvas by concealing large pores, uneven color and texture, and fine lines. A few suggestions include M.A.C. Prep and Prime, Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer, Benefit Porefessional, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Makeup For Ever’s HD Microperfecting Primer, Rimmel Fix Perfect Primer, or L’Oreal’s Studio Secrets Professional Secret No.1 Magic Perfecting Base.
3. The Firm Foundation (sorry, Church Hymn joke)
Set your foundation with a translucent matte powder, banishing any shine. Some suggestions are M.A.C Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder and Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Finisher.
4. Just Say No to mineral makeup
Mineral makeup is fantastic for everyday wear, but it tends to give a very distinct and undesirable glow or shine in photographs. Some suggestions are Revlon’s Colorstay Makeup, M.A.C. Studio Fix, and Make Up For Ever’s HD Invisible Cover Foundation. Rather than wiping your foundation on your skin with your hands, it is best to use a damp sponge or foundation brush- this helps avoid uneven coverage or streaking.
5. Also Say No to glitter
Yes, it is fun for special occasions, but unfortunately the glitter tends to look like white dust spots on the camera instead of shiny makeup. I know, I was sad about it too!
6. The Eyes Have It
I strongly recommend using matte or satin neutral shades to bring out your beautiful eyes. Trendy or dark colors can cause your eyes to look small, and they can cause your images to look dated. Just as a reminder, sorry, try to avoid shimmer or glitter. Remember to blend the color for the most flattering look.
7. Less is Less… and Less is More
When it comes to glamour sessions, we say the more the better. However, for your everyday portrait session, less is more- especially when it comes to eyeliner.
With eyeliner, be careful not to line the inner rim too heavily as this will create a small-looking eye. It is best to just line the lash line, creating a full-looking lash. With mascara, I recommend two coats of waterproof/sweatproof black mascara. Remember to wipe off any excess mascara on the tube before your application. Using a fresh tube of mascara is best because it won’t be dried out causing you to have clumpy lashes.
8. When choosing a blush color, choose a shade that resembles the flush you have after exercise or laughter. I know I sound like a broken record, but remember to stay away from glittery or shimmery shades for your portraits. Almost every woman I know is afraid of blush, but when applied correctly, it beautifully enhances your look. Apply the most vibrant part of your blush on the apples of your cheeks (where you smile) and blend upwards on your cheek bone. Blush needs to be applied a little heavier than normal for your portraits because the camera tends to wash out the color. After applying your blush, take a large fluffy brush with no product and blend once more for the most natural finish.
9. A natural-colored lip is the most flattering. Lip color trends change so quickly, and we don’t want you to have dated photographs. One of the best ways to keep natural-looking lips is to use a neutral colored lip pencil and line and fill in the lip… and then apply a blush colored gloss lightly over the lip with the most concentration in the center, blending out toward the corners of the mouth. Remember, less is more. If you prefer lipstick, choose a color that enhances your existing lip tone.
10. Don’t mess with mother nature too much.
The bottom line is to wear makeup that you would wear in your everyday life. If you change what you look like, you may end up with photographs you dislike simply because you don’t look like… you! Your family and friends may not like it for the same reason.
11. BONUS TIP
If all of that information is overwhelming (which is is for me!), we have a fabulous professional hair and makeup artist that we trust to make you look great in your photographs. If you would like to take the guesswork out of your makeup styling, let us know before you schedule the date so we can be sure to factor in your professional makeup application.
