So you've gotten your photoshoot outfit put together, but haven't given much thought to your makeup. Let's talk about it!
Photoshoot makeup should be treated a little differently than your standard day-to-day routine. Makeup generally just doesn't show up as well on camera as it does in real life- which is why you may see photos of yourself that look vastly different than what you see in the mirror.
Below we are going to cover 8 tips for photo makeup that will show you off at your best.
Skip the SPF… just this once.
SPF works by deflecting sunlight. As you can imagine, it can deflect a camera flash in the same way, causing something called "flashback"- an unsightly white cast all over the areas where the SPF was applied. Plan to avoid any makeup products that contain SPF ingredients. These could be foundations, concealers, even primers and powders. Luckily, SPF products are labeled as such, so you shouldn't have a hard time finding an alternative.
Speaking of…
Another product to avoid is the dreaded HD setting powder. That's right, the same powder that makes your skin look silky can also cause major flashback. These powders contain silica, an ingredient known for causing white patches on the skin in photos. Yikes.
Instead, opt for any loose or pressed powder that doesn't feature an HD label.
Primers
Primers have a plethora of uses- some control shine, some fill in pores, and others have a tacky finish to help "grip" your makeup and ensure it doesn't slide off your face. We recommend researching and finding one that best meets your own skin (and shoot)'s needs.
Setting Sprays
Investing in a quality setting spray is never a bad idea. These increase the lifespan of your makeup and work to prevent fading, creasing, and break down. A setting spray can also minimize transfer, which is useful for poses where anything is touching the face.
Go Waterproof
Waterproof makeup contains ingredients that have better adhesive qualities. If your photoshoot is scheduled for summer time or a rainy day especially, you'll want makeup that will stick around through sweat and your cool water sessions.
Natural light, always
Now that you have the right products, apply your makeup in natural light (preferably in front of a window) to ensure that you can see every inch of your face well. Artificial light can cast shadows and skew colors, making it difficult to see exactly what you're doing.
Having natural light is essential to match shades correctly, and make sure everything is blended perfectly, which is very important for photography.
Practice, practice, practice
Once you have decided on the look you'll wear for photos, practice it and wear it for a few hours, preferably in the same conditions as you anticipate your photos to be in. Be on the lookout for any creasing, makeup breakdown, disappearing blush, runny mascara, and adjust your products accordingly.
More is More
As stated before, the camera has a tendency to "remove" makeup, so apply your products just a bit heavier and more pigmented than you normally would. Extra bronzer, contour and blush may look a little crazy in real life, but can make a wonderful difference in photos.
Bring it!
It is always encouraged to bring your makeup bag along with you for touch-ups! Plan on bringing a compact mirror, your lipstick, a small brush to blend any creasing, and if you're wearing them, extra lash glue and an applicator in case of lifting lashes.
To recap…
We hope these tips help you feel a little more confident in your photoshoot makeup. To sum it all up:
• Avoid products containing SPF
• Avoid HD setting powder
• Invest in a quality primer and setting spray
• Waterproof is best for warm days or water sessions
• Apply in natural light
• Practice your look and wear it for a while
• More is more and heavier makeup is better
• Bring your bag for touchups
...And you're ready to shoot!
If there's anything else you'd like us to cover in a blog post, go ahead and send us a message on our socials!
