No, you really don't. There are a lot of factors that come in to how you look in your photos.
The key is to trick the camera.
Let's start with the pre-game
A good exfoliating treatment is a great place to start. It will take that dead skin away and reveal a healthy glow and a great base for your photo-ready face.
Moisturizer with NO SPF is probably the most important thing. Anything with spf in it will give you a shine (especially in the t-zone) and will reflect light and wash you out while on camera. Make sure you moisturize with something that has no spf (just for the day of your photos) and give your skin a minute to soak it all in.
Foundation and eyesContinue with foundation and eye makeup as normal. There are so many photo finish foundations now, you'll have tons to choose from. Make sure to use a good concealer, preferably one with caffeine in it to help minimize puffiness (if you need that).Remember, the camera may wash you out a little so it's ok this one time to go a little heavy-handed. Add some contour on the cheeks and near the temples, maybe even a little around the jaw line.
Brows
Once you have your full face on, make sure you go back and double check those brows! Eyebrows frame the face and can make or break your look. If you are going to have them waxed, make sure it's at least 24 hours before your photo session so that redness and puffiness can dissipate. Fill in your brows with a brow powder product or a brow pencil. Finish them off with some clear brow gel and add a little highlight right on your brow bone. This will really make your brows pop and help to bring out the other features on your face.
Lips
Line your lips with liner and fill them in completely. This will give your lipstick something to hold on to and will help it last through your entire session with no need for touch ups. Finish off with a complimentary lipstick and gloss.
Finishing it up
Make sure everything is blended. Blend, blend, blend. You'll thank me later. Make sure there are no harsh lines where your foundation stops, where your shadows meet, or on your cheeks. Don't be afraid to add a little more color to your face too. Your photographer will thank you during the editing process. You won't look like a clown, I promise. Make sure your cheeks have enough color on them to make you look healthy and glowing. It helps if you take a selfie in natural light before you leave the house. You'll get a pretty good idea of how your makeup will show on camera.
Ashley Granados is the principal makeup artist with AG Artistry.
AG Artistry is based in Houston TX but is a mobile studio that travels to clients across the US.
Ashley has over 10 years of experience as an artist. While studying for her design degree at LSU, she worked at MAC cosmetics and continues to freelance at multiple locations in the Houston area. Her clientele includes brides, high school seniors, socialites, models and more.
Ashley’s passion for making women feel gorgeous and for makeup can truly be seen through her work. She has an excellent attention to detail that is assured to make you feel your absolute prettiest no matter what the occasion! Her favorite part of the session is when a client looks in the mirror for the first time and has an automatic boost in confidence.
[gallery size="wcfixedheightsmall" ids="1105,1106,1107,1108,1109,1110"]
