I started getting questions on makeup techniques for photos after I posted 7 Lessons I Learned from My Day Of Modeling. Everybody probably has a much hated picture of themselves hidden from other people’s eyes. So I decided to share a few makeup tips I learned on how to look your best on pictures. The makeup application rules for pictures taken outdoors and in the studio differ drastically.
When shooting outdoors in the natural light, you need to make your skin looks perfect. It’s important because any imperfection you have, like redness or dark spots for example, is going to be visible on picture.
First, even out your skin tone with foundation, and make sure it matches your skin color exactly. Then use concealer to hide dark circles under the eyes and any discolorations around the nose. Concealer should be one or two shades lighter than your skin. Set it all with powder.
After you perfected the skin, do your usual makeup but with lighter touch, i.e. use less amount of products to make it look as natural as possible. Natural makeup is the best choice for pictures taken outside. Also makeup artists usually use powder products for photo shoots, because creamy textures tend to appear greasy on photos. Your makeup should be matte, not shimmery and no gloss, please.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the color of your face has to match the rest of your body’s, unless you are wearing a turtleneck. If your face is darker, dust some powder or bronzer on the neck and decolletage. If it’s lighter, apply a little bronzer on the cheek bones, bridge of your nose, chin and forehead, where sun usually hits. Do just a little dusting so it looks believable.
When shooting in the studio it’s easy to look washed-out under the professional bright lights. To avoid this problem you need to accentuate all your facial features more by using brighter makeup, otherwise your face can look flat and colorless. Start with the same foundation and concealer application techniques as for shooting outdoors, just make the coverage a bit heavier. Your makeup should also be matte, so try not to use any illuminators or shimmery shadows here. If you’d like to experiment with face contouring technique, that would be the perfect place and time for it (look up for tips in my post Step-by-Step Contouring Technique).
Make your makeup more dramatic than you usually do by applying 2 or 3 coats of mascara, brighter blush and eye shadow, or darker eyeliner. The best blush colors for taking pictures are soft pinks and reds. Don’t forget to use only matte products, they tend to photograph better. And here’s your only chance to wear bright-colored lipstick with the heavy-done eyes.
Define your brows either with the pencil or a shadow, but don’t make them too dark, color close to your natural shade works best. Brush and set them in place with the brow gel or hair gel, they work equally well.
For both types of pictures try not to make eyes too dark or foundation too light. And don’t forget that things like shimmery shadows or powders, lip gloss and any kinds of highlighters don’t photograph well.
The last thing to remember while taking pictures – when you are posing all dolled up and beautiful, breath deeply and relax your hands and face. When your hands are relaxed, your pose looks natural. When your face is relaxed, your fine lines soften and become less prominent, if you have them at all.
