Whether it’s a maternity, family, or couple photoshoot, you don’t need to be a professional makeup artist to be photo-ready! It might seem counterintuitive, but doing makeup for a photo shoot isn’t the same as preparing for a social event.
You have to consider a camera’s strengths and weaknesses, as it won’t always capture exactly what the naked eye sees. What may look great in person might appear messy or awkward once you’re behind the lens.
For your photoshoot makeup, remember there are many tutorials on YouTube and blogs about makeup for photos. However, they might not suit your desired look, and you might feel like you don’t have enough time or money to invest in high-end products and makeup tutorials.
But don’t worry; your own photography makeup doesn’t have to be stressful. Just check out my tricks and tips for a flawless execution.
The Do’s and Dont’s for your own makeup for photo shoots
First, make some time for yourself. For instance, as a new mom, you tend to get completely wrapped up in your newborn, which is, of course, how it should be. However, these photos will be essential to you in the years to come, so it’s worth handing your precious bundle over to your partner before the shoot to style your hair while you still have that lovely pregnancy thickness and apply some makeup.
Don’t forget to look after your skin. I’d highly recommend incorporating a good quality cleanser, toner, and moisturizer into your routine, ideally in the morning and at night. Even if you’re not in a regular routine, using a high-quality product just before the shoot will ensure your skin looks good and your makeup sits better on it.
Proper lighting is crucial when doing your makeup. Applying makeup under heavy or insufficient lighting can alter the look of your face. Sit by a window, but be cautious that intense sunlight doesn’t hit your face directly. I do not recommend applying makeup in yellow or mood lighting; white light is the best.
Remember to use a primer and concealer before applying other makeup products to your skin. This will cover dark circles under your eyes and help your foundation last longer, ensuring your pores don’t show.
For photos, highlighter can make your face appear brighter and help set your makeup, preventing it from fading during a photo shoot. Using a large, fluffy makeup brush, dab a small amount of highlighter on the areas where you applied concealer.
Consider using makeup that provides a matte finish rather than a shiny, “sparkly” finish. Lighting can enhance shine and sparkle, making them more prominent if you’re not careful.
If your skin is dry and you typically avoid matte foundations, use a super hydrating moisturizer under your foundation to prevent it from appearing cakey or dull. If you don’t like matte, you can spray your entire face with a hydrating mineral-charged water at the very end.
Use a makeup brush to blend the makeup into your face. Use large, circular motions as you move the brush across your face. Go over your face with the makeup brush a few times to ensure the foundation looks blended and smooth.
Make sure to blend the foundation into your neck as well, so there’s no sharp contrast between your face and neck. Never stop blending foundation at your jawline.
If you’re doing an outdoor shoot, you don’t need as much foundation. Natural light can make makeup appear more obvious, and you may look overdone with too much foundation. Only apply foundation to areas where your skin is uneven and discoloured if you’ll be shooting outdoors.
The focus of your face should be your eyes. Make them pop. There are some amazing products out there, and you can achieve a natural or super glamorous look. Do what makes you feel confident, but don’t overdo it. To add definition and depth to your eyes, use a lighter shade for the inner corner of the eye, a medium shade for the rest of the eyelid, and a darker shade for the crease.
Also, make sure your eyebrows are waxed or plucked a few days before the shoot so they’re clean, defined, and not irritated. Your brows are like the roofline of your face, and if they look good, your face shape will look good too.
Similarly, with lashes, the extra darkness around your eyes, even if you haven’t had time for liner or eyeshadow, will help define your features in the photographs, especially if they are taken in relatively low light. If you do have time to add eyeliner, try making the liner thicker on the outside edge of your eyes (nearest to your ears) as this can help tired eyes look more awake by lifting the outside corner of the eye.
Lastly, but not least, apply lipstick. In photos, it’s important to have well-executed lips that are balanced, saturated, and symmetrical. Use a lip brush to press the colour into your mouth. It provides you with ultimate control and maximum coverage.
Nude is one of the most sought-after lipstick colours because there are so many to choose from, and it is a staple shade in modern beauty. You may also want to apply gloss to your lips, as it will make them appear fuller and plumper.
