10 Makeup Tips for Photography
Mastering Your Photo Shoot Makeup: Expert Tips for a Radiant Portrait
Portraits can be intimidating if you aren't proficient in makeup. There are some easy pitfalls to avoid when applying makeup for a photo shoot. We went to a local professional who has worked in weddings and portraits for 8 years. Here are her top suggestions to ensure your makeup enhances your natural beauty and truly pops in your portraits:
Don't Overdo the Highlight: While a little shimmer can be lovely in everyday life, remember that the photographer's lights are designed to create beautiful highlights naturally. Adding too much of your own can make your skin appear oily or overly shiny under the bright studio lights, rather than glowing.
Find Your Perfect Match: This is crucial! Your foundation should seamlessly blend with your skin tone. Many people test foundation on the back of their hand, but beware – the skin tone there often differs significantly from your face. Under professional, balanced lighting, any mismatch will be glaringly obvious. For the most harmonious look, always match your foundation to your jawline or neck.
Matte is Your Friend (Especially Over 30): For women over 30, it's generally best to steer clear of makeup with a lot of shimmer. Matte finishes tend to be far more flattering in photographs, offering a sophisticated and timeless look that won't emphasize fine lines or texture.
Lighten Up on Mascara: When mascara is applied too thickly, it can actually create a barrier that blocks light from reaching your eyes, casting shadows that leave them looking dull and lifeless. To achieve bright, sparkling eyes, focus on an eyelash curler first! Then, apply no more than 2-3 coats of a light, clump-free mascara. Our pro recommends CoverGirl's Clump Crusher.
Eyeliner: Less is More for a Polished Look: Heavy, thick eyeliner can look harsh and unprofessional in a portrait. For a beautifully defined eye, keep your line thinner near the inner corner and gradually thicken it as you move towards the outer corner. To soften the look, use a dark eyeshadow powder and a detail brush to gently blend the line into your lash roots.
Consider Your Complexion When Choosing Eye Makeup: Believe it or not, black isn't the best choice for everyone when it comes to mascara and eyeliner. If you're a natural blonde or redhead, opting for a brown mascara can define your lashes and lids without overpowering your delicate features, creating a softer, more harmonious look.
Embrace Natural Contours, Skip the Heavy Foundation: The current trend of applying multiple layers of foundation can be perplexing. We've all seen tutorials where beautiful faces with natural contours are hidden under 5-7 layers of makeup, only for the contour to be re-created artificially. For portraits, simplicity is key. Stick to a moisturizer suited for your skin type, followed by a thin application of BB Cream in areas where you need it. Then, apply a light layer of foundation where necessary, spot-conceal any imperfections, and set it all with a light powder.
Stick to Your Signature Style: A headshot or portrait is not the time to experiment with a drastic new look you haven't quite mastered. The goal is to capture the authentic you! Opt for a clean, classic makeup style that you feel comfortable and confident in. Trendy looks can quickly become dated, but timeless elegance never goes out of style.
Ditch the Shiny Lip Gloss: Professional lighting is all about sculpting light and shadow to create dimension. Super shiny lip gloss can reflect too much light, creating an unflattering glare. Instead, reach for a tinted lip balm. It will moisturize your lips beautifully while adding a subtle wash of color, enhancing your natural pout without distracting from your overall look.
Eyebrows Frame Your Face: Your eyebrows are incredibly important for framing your face and adding expression. Resist the urge to over-pluck, and when filling them in, be meticulous about matching your natural hair color. If you're unsure, a consultation with a brow expert is a fantastic idea. When it comes to brows, it's always better to be conservative with both plucking and filling.
Ultimately, makeup should serve to accentuate your natural beauty, not mask it. When you embrace who you are, you'll radiate an undeniable confidence that truly shines through in every photograph – and that, our expert says, is a photographer's dream!