10 Photo Shoot Makeup Tips

As a photographer I think it is important to know what looks good on camera, including makeup. A lot of people think that their everyday makeup or their "night out" makeup is fine for photo shoots as well, but these looks can actually age you on camera. So below are some helpful tips to creating that perfect photo ready face.

1. Use a face primer. This will help diminish large pores and even out your skin tone, thus giving you a more youthful and fresh looking complexion. There are so many brands that carry primers now, and not all of the good ones are expensive. Benefit Porefessional, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Rimmel Fix Perfect Primer, and L'Oreal's Studio Secrets Professional Secret No. 1 Magic Perfecting Base are some examples of good primers.

2. No mineral makeup! Most mineral makeups tend to leave your skin with a glow or a shine, which is great for everyday, but will reflect light unnaturally on camera. There are now quite a few foundations that will give you a matte look that you can use to look natural in your photos. Here are the two that I recommend, Revlon ColorStay Makeup and M.A.C. Studio Fix.

3. Use a translucent matte powder. This will help banish any shine that is still visible. These two are great, but most brands carry this now as well: M.A.C. Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder and Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Finisher.

4. Use blush. I can not tell you how many pictures I have seen where women do all of their makeup, but forget the blush. This is one step you do not want to miss when getting photo ready, if you don't wear blush you run the risk of looking washed out. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks and then upwards, keeping the majority on the apples of your cheeks. You will need to apply more than what you think looks good in person as the camera will wash out up to 20% of it.

5. Avoid glitter and shimmer! Both of these will play with the camera and cause unnatural light and most likely make you look older. Matte eyeshadow, blush, and bronzer are the best.

6. Apply your eye makeup darker than you would normally. Try taking a picture of your every day eye makeup, even if its just with your camera phone, does it look the same as it does in the mirror? Chances are it is a lot less noticeable, which is exactly what happens when professionals are taking your picture. You can still keep a natural look, just apply more than what you normally do.

7. Use waterproof mascara. Not that you will be crying, but in case you sweat. It can get pretty hot under some of the lights photographers use, even if you are outside. Here in Florida, waterproof is always a good option since it is hot enough outside by itself.

8. Try using false lashes. I know that false lashes can be a scary thing, I sure was scared when I first tried them, but they are not as bad as you think. If you have short, or thin lashes I highly recommend thinking about wearing false lashes for your photo shoot. They will frame your eyes and make them stand out. There are some great ones, and are very reasonably priced such as e.l.f. Dramatic Lash Kit and Eylure Naturalites Eyelashes- 152 Natural Texture.

9. Use eyeliner, but don't go overboard. I know I said to apply your eye makeup darker than you normally do, but eyeliner is the one thing you do not want to overdue. Apply liner half way from the outside of your lid in on both the bottom and top, making the outer parts a little thicker than the inner.

10. Use a natural lip color. Avoid mauve's and dark colors, and stick with a shade that is maybe a shade or two above your natural lip color. Most all companies make a natural shade, so go with the company you like best for your other lip colors.


So there are my top ten makeup tips to get you photo ready.

If you would like more tips on how to be photo ready check out this girls tutorial:

Photoshoot Ready Makeup by Marlena

She also gives you a few tips on what to wear.