Top tips on makeup for photographs

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How to do your makeup to look your best in photographs

Makeup for photographs is a little different than makeup for the gaze of real life. Follow these tips below to create the perfect, simple makeup look for selfies and headshots.

Why makeup for photographs?

Having makeup suited for photographs is great for perfect

• ID and passport photos
• Headshots
• Team and individual work photos
• Social Media Selfies!

Often photos can leave you looking a little different than you do in real life. Perhaps a little washed out especially if a flash is used.

Have you checked out my previous post on how to take the perfect selfie and now want the makeup to match? Then read on.

How to do your makeup for photographs

Step one Skincare

First, start off with great skincare.

Work out the best skin care for you to leave your skin glowing but don’t exfoliate or apply any products that could affect your skin before taking photos. And no you don’t need to use sheet masks daily!

Next, moisturise! Particularly if you have dry skin as this will show in photos.

Step two makeup

Prime your skin. An anti-shine or hydrating primer could work well here depending on your skin type.

Next colour correct, use a lilac to add brightness and light or a green to balance redness but go lightly here. 

Foundation is best matched to your skin tone but can be a shade darker for photography. You want a blended effect without caking.

Next concealer, remember to conceal to match the skin tone and if you want to brighten then go slightly lighter. Don’t fall for the mistake of blobbing lots of light-coloured concealer under your eyes. You can also use darker concealer to contour if you desire.

Whilst trashy articles by tabloid media such as The Mirror aren’t my usual source of information. This article does share the unfortunate reality of the wrong makeup under camera flash.

Next, I would recommend a powder contour. You can go slightly heavier and darker for the camera but I always think it looks best to work with your own face shape rather than try to match someone else’s.

Keep makeup flattering

A swish of bronzer and blush can help you look radiant and healthy and a touch of highlighter on the cheeks and cupids bow work well. Beware of glittery face products and camera lights. 

Unless you are going for a dramatic look an eyeshadow a few shades darker than your skin suits most skin tones with a slick of eyeliner and mascara.

Eyebrows frame your face and generally look great when brushed up and any gaps are filled in with a pencil. No need to go overboard here. 

Don’t forget your lips! A glossy product is often the most flattering for photographs.

Top tips for selfie photography

Now it’s time to strike a pose in front of the camera!

Always try and take photos in natural light for example in front of a window with the light shining on to your face (avoid sun that is so bright you squint though!).

Failing that a ring light (which can vary from one big enough to support a camera to one you clip to your phone) adds a nice glow. So relax, take a few shots to pick from and most importantly…smile! 

For more tips head to how to take great selfies