Camera Ready Makeup

Have Fun:

Unless you’re planning on having it tattooed onto your face, make-up isn’t permanent - but it is a skill to learn and it does take practice. Don’t expect to be able to pull of a professionally-styled look from a magazine on your first try (if you do, please show me how!) There are no rules. Before your shoot, try out a few new looks. Mix it up a bit! The worst that can happen is you spend a little extra time in front of the mirror and dirty a few towels. Have fun!

The No-Sparkle Suggestion:

In most cases (except for when used for dramatic effect) makeups containing glitter/shimmer do not photograph well. Avoid them!

Tanning/Self-Tanner/Bronzer: Beware!

Ah the wonderfully glamorous (and ever elusive) perfect tan. Some people are lucky enough to be born with a nice bronzed look...then there are the rest of us. I know that it can be tough being a member of the pale populous, but don’t be tempted by "fake-n-bakes' and “tan-in-a-cans”. More often than not, your skin will turn a funky orange color that is not very photo friendly...plus who wants all of those icky chemicals absorbed into your body. Yuck!

The Contouring Conundrum

The ability to sculpt the face using various shades and layers of color (bronzers/blushes) is a wonderful thing, however if not applied properly, those once helpful lines can quickly turn into looking like something out of a horror movie when photographed. Leave this one to the professionals!

Flawless Foundation:

1.) Primer

Think of your skin as a blank canvas. It must be primed in order for the paint to be applied evenly. Foundation primer works the same way. It helps minimize the look of blemishes, large pores and discoloration while maintaining the integrity of the skin. Just make sure to use a high-quality primer (preferably without lots of harsh chemicals and silicone) - your skin will thank you later!

2.) Apply Foundation

Using a full coverage foundation, apply lightly around all areas of the face focusing particularly around areas of uneven tones (eyes, sides of the nose, mouth, mid-forehead) With a makeup sponge, blend foundation into the hairline, near the ears and downward onto the neck.

3.) Conceal Discoloration

Use a light concealer (typically 1 - 2 shades lighter than your foundation) for any discoloration around the eyes, nose, mouth (remembering to gently apply on top of the eyelids and into the crease where the skin is most transparent and delicate).

4.) BLEND BLEND BLEND!

Using your fingers or a wide makeup sponge, blend the concealer into the foundation to ensure that the coverage is seamless.

5.) Set Foundation

Apply a light translucent powder with a large powder brush to set your foundation in place.
For a dewy complexion, apply powder lightly in circles focusing on the areas where shine typically occurs (nose, middle of the forehead and chin), leaving the rest of the face without much powder at all. For a classic matte look, apply more liberally around all areas of the face taking caution to not over apply (the skin will appear dry and lifeless). Men can definitely benefit from this step - they get shiny too!


Enchanting Eyeshadow:

Applying eyeshadow can seem intimidating, but it's really just like using watercolors in art class. The biggest secrets? Using high-quality pigments and taking care to blend as much as possible. I typically use my fingers, but brushes work well too. I tend to avoid the little plastic applicator that most eyeshadow brands include, but in a pinch, they'll do just fine!

1.) Apply an eyeshadow primer (optional)

Primer is a wonderful thing. Just like foundation primer, it not only smooths out the skin, it also gives the eyeshadow something to stick to, thus causing the shadow to stay longer with less smudging!

2.) Apply pigment.

This is all about personal preference. In general, in order to appear light and bright, you’ll want to stick to light and neutral shades. For a more dramatic effect, combine various shades. Remember to blend well.

For a classically feminine eye, apply a very light neutral color over the entire eyelid, blending upward to the brow bone. Highlight the brow bone with a dusting of white eyeshadow, again blending outward and downward into the upper eyelid area. Then, using a darker neutral color, blend into the crease of the eyelid and upward hitting just below the brow highlight area. This is where blending is key. Make sure that the colors appear to blend seamlessly into one another rather than creating a noticeable divide between colors. For a modern twist, you can try adding a small dot of white eyeshadow or white liner to the inner corners/tear duct area and/or the bottom waterline. This will instantly make the eye appear brighter and more open. Again, remember to blend!


Extraordinary Eyeliner (My Favorite!)

A dark brownish-black usually looks best on most skin types, the darker the line, the more defined and dramatic the eye.

1.) Line the top of the lash line

This should be done lightly with a liquid liner and soften with a kohl liner in a dark natural shade (including waterline), doubling the coverage in this manner will enable the makeup to last longer, which means less time touching up and more time being photographed!

2.) To enhance your eyes even further...

Line the bottom lash line (including water line) with a kohl liner and blend with finger/cotton swab.

3.) Curl lashes and apply two to three coats of a darkly colored mascara to fill in any gaps. Be careful not to over apply, lest you want the dreaded 'tarantula' effect! Fake eyelashes can also be applied during this step, following the manufactures instructions. More detailed information on fake eyelash/makeup application can be found at various sites (most of my favorites are totally free and readily accessible on YouTube!)


Exquisite Eyebrows:

Eyebrows are the oft forgotten, yet arguably one of the most important features on one's face. Think of them like your picture frame - pick the wrong one and you've completely changed the look that you were going for.

1.) Visit A Professional

Take my advice, as a recovering tweezing addict, I understand the urge to pull each of those stray hairs, but one thing leads to another and pretty soon you end up having to draw them on with your lightest kohl. See a professional about six weeks before the shoot, he or she will be able to shape your brow over during the weeks before the shoot so that your brows will be picture perfect on your big day. (Just don't have them done the day of the shoot...makeup is great, but it's not magic!)

2.) Filling In The Blanks

With Flawless Foundation already applied, use a brow brush to straighten the hair according to your growth pattern.
Apply a clear brow gel to set the hairs in place (let it dry for about thirty seconds). With light, small strokes, fill in and define the brow shape with an eyebrow pencil (typically one shade lighter than your hair color), taking care not to "draw" your brows on. Fill in and set with a brow powder in a similar shade as your brow pencil, applying lightly and blending as needed.

Luscious Lips

My newest addiction in makeup (I've had a lot of them) has been experimenting with exciting lip colors in the forms of stains, glosses and long wear. In terms of photography, these can all be great things...or they can go horribly awry.

1.) Remember to follow the No Sparkle Suggestion.

This means buying a long wear matte lip color and learning how to apply it correctly prior to the day of the shoot. (PS: Most long wear lip colors can be drying, so many companies provide a specifically formulated gloss if matte isn’t your thing). Otherwise, just apply a thin layer of your favorite clear lip balm over top and your set. If you’re new to the lip color game and want more help, visit a cosmetics counter! The professionals there will be more than happy to guide you through a photo-ready makeup routine!

2.) Want the perfect red lip?

Remember to line your lips in a similar color prior to applying your lip color. If you have a warmer skin tone, try a red with orange hues. For cooler skin tones, try a red that has a little more blue in it. Also, don’t be afraid to exaggerate your shape a little bit. A bold lip color will get attention - so flaunt it!

3.) Unless dramatic makeup is your thing...(me too!)

More often than not you’ll want to choose between bold lip color or bold eye makeup. Doing both can be tricky, especially in a photography setting. You should look like you!