Last month I blogged about photography makeup and the benefits of hiring a professional Makeup Artist. However, it is not always feasible to hire a professional, so here are some important tips for having your skin look its best on camera when going at it on your own.
First, know that less is more! Piling on extra makeup wont make you look your best; it's likely
to lead to a cakey mess. Also, makeup that looks great in real life may not look as good in photographs, you may want to experiment a bit.
Always start with clean, moisturized skin. Then prepare your skin with a makeup primer. Primers are so important in photography because they help to smooth skin and give the makeup something to hold onto for a longer-lasting application.
Once you have prepped and primed, it's time to work on the "look" you want to create. It may be a natural look, something glamorous, a boudoir photo session or your bridal portraits. Play with color that accents your favorite features. For eye shadow, use colors that flatter and remember to blend. Do not use shadow that has too much shimmer or frost; these do not appear as flattering on camera.
Apply foundation evenly over the face, blending into your neck. Make sure that the foundation matches your skin tone appropriately. Remember that your skin is not one-dimensional; this is where contouring comes in handy. Contouring is great for helping define the natural dimensions of your face. Use a darker color that your foundation, but one that is tonally correct. Apply under cheek bones and other areas you want to sculpt.
Finally, use a lip color that makes you feel comfortable. The color should be at least a shade deeper that your natural lip tone. Avoid colors that are lighter than your lips since this will make them appear washed out on camera.
For more information on professional makeup application or to schedule a makeup lesson, contact sari@sarimotley.com.
