Tips for Doing Makeup for Photographs

 

This is Mallory, isn't she lovely?  You can see the rest of her pictures here.

Doing makeup for photographs is a little different than every day makeup.  Some things look great in person but don't translate well in pictures.  Here are a few makeup tips to help you look your best when you are photographed:

1.  Use matte colors - Although shimmer can look great when applied properly, if you are a little unsure about what to do, it's always safe to go with matte colors.  Matte makeup won't reflect light, making it easy to apply and easy to photograph. 

2.  Fill in your brows - Even if you don't fill in your brows on a daily basis, fill them in for your pictures.  Your eyes and face will look so much more complete if your brows are looking polished.  This especially goes for blondes.  Blonde eyebrows will disappear in photographs.

3.  Makeup will photograph 2 shades lighter - In the picture above, Mallory's lip stick color was a seriously BRIGHT orange, but you would never guess it by look at the picture.  Makeup doesn't translate as vibrant in photographs.  I recommend doing your blush, eyes and lip color a little more vibrant than you normally would. 

4.  Use powder - Even if your makeup is applied perfectly, if you look shiny in your pictures it can ruin your whole look.  Once your makeup is complete, use a finishing or setting powder to make everything more matte.  I recommend even taking some powder with you (or oil blotting sheets), especially if it's a warm day. 

5.  Wear false lashes - I have never had a bride who didn't like wearing false lashes, even if they were hesitant about them at first.  95% of the people in my portfolio are wearing false lashes, and they make all the difference!  Once again, Mallory's false lashes were sooo long, but in the pictures they look perfectly proportionate.  If you want something more natural, buy the individual lashes and just put a few on the outer corners.

6.  Apply your makeup in natural light - When you put on your makeup, sit by a window or in a room with a lot of natural light.  This will give you the best idea of what your makeup really looks like, and how it will look in the pictures.  

7.  Wax - makeup does not adhere well to peach fuzz.  Whatever you normally wax on your face, wax it before your pictures.  I suggest waxing at least 48 hours before your pictures to give enough time for any redness and swelling to go down.

8. Wear lip gloss- I, myself, never wear lip gloss.  I am a chapstick girl through and through.  But when it comes to photos, lip gloss is a must.  I consider my lips on the smaller side, so wearing lip gloss really helps them look full and plump in pictures.

9.  Wear black mascara - Some people think black is too harsh for their skin tone, but I promise that when it comes to pictures, black looks good on everyone.  Wearing black mascara will bring out your eyes a lot more than brown will.