As an Arizona family and wedding photographer, I often get asked questions regarding clients’ makeup for their upcoming photo sessions. While I am not a make up artist, I do have some tips that I often pass on that I felt would be worthy of sharing! I personally LOVE make up and always have. I’ve watched many a YouTube tutorial regarding contouring, eyeshadow palettes, you name it 😜 I am always here to help my clients look their best for their sessions, so here are some tips:
- Wear MATTE make up. Wearing matte makeup is key! There are many products out on the market today with the labels of “dewey” or “sparkle.” While these products are most likely beautiful and possibly high quality, I would encourage you to not wear these products to your photoshoot. Matte make up will prevent shine more so than these dewey finishes. Most likely during your session we will be moving, walking, and you may even be chasing kids around…leading to perhaps a little bit more sweat or “shine” on your face. Matte makeup will help cover up any shine you may have.
- Wear LONG LASTING make up. I would recommend purchasing long lasting foundation, concealer, eyeshadows, and lip stains for the same reasons stated above. For couples, we will be capturing you kissing, getting in close with your significant other, etc. so it is best if you wear make up that is a little more long lasting. A smart idea would be to purchase your makeup a week or so ahead of time and make sure that it lasts throughout most of the day.
- Add a little more contouring and blush than normal. The reason for this being that not only will your make up naturally wear off as time goes on but also that many photographers (myself included) often lift shadows or darkness to make your images pop. During this process, it can make it seem like you have lost some coloring. I always tell my clients to wear more face makeup than usual but stop as they are about to cross into something they feel too uncomfortable with. I mean, don’t make your face look like a crown, but maybe add 25% more depth in the colors on your face (bronzer and blush). I also think contouring is such a great skill to learn! Learn to get those cheek bones to pop and you’ll love how they look in photos!
- Wear a matte lip stain. Just do it. You will be so glad that you did. This is my favorite lip stain of all time and it is sooo affordable. It lasts me all day, doesn’t come off when I wear a mask, and most importantly, it doesn’t come right off my lips when I kiss my husband or toddler (as long as it’s fully dried). Do not waste your time with lipstick or lipgloss during photos. You will be so glad you got the lip stain!
- Ditch the eyeliner. I say this for people who feel like they have overly “squinty” eyes or that feel like when they smile their eyes turn into upside down moons and don’t love it. Eyeliner tends to just make your eyes look less open. If you are worried about your eyes looking small in the photos, ditch the eyeliner but use a few coats of mascara on those lashes…mascara will really open up your eyes!
- Use a finishing spray or powder. Yes, even though you used the matte, long lasting make up and wore more makeup than you do on an average day, I would encourage you to use finishing spray and powder to help keep that makeup on your face!
- Hire a pro if you’re nervous. Listen, you’re investing a lot of time and money into getting your photos taken! You deserve to love how you look in your photos and a professional makeup artist will certainly help you look and feel your best. When in doubt, hire the pro!
Here are some of my favorite makeup items for photos. All of these are SUPER affordable!
So there you go, there are 7 of my makeup tips that I have found to be helpful to my clients and help them look their best. Like I said, you’ve invested a lot into this experience so why not get the most out of it that you can?
As always, I’m here to answer any questions or offer any support to my clients!
xoxo
Nicole