The Do’s and Don’ts of Makeup for Your Photoshoot!

Whether you’re planning a bridal shoot, a professional headshot, or simply capturing a special moment, your makeup can make or break the photos. At Michael Fels Beauty | Hair & Makeup, we create a "me-but-better" look for our clients across Toronto, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Mississauga, Vancouver, and the surrounding areas. Today, we’re excited to share expert insights to ensure you look your best under those flashing lights. Here are the essential dos and don’ts of makeup for any photoshoot

Understanding the Role of Makeup in Photography

Makeup for photography is vastly different from your daily makeup. Cameras can accentuate colours, shadows, and textures, often in unexpected ways. The right makeup can enhance your features and ensure you look natural and vibrant rather than washed out or overly dramatic. The purpose of makeup in photoshoots is to improve your features and ensure your makeup looks cohesive and polished on camera.

Do’s of Photoshoot Makeup

Start with a Clean, Moisturized Face

A flawless makeup application begins with well-prepped skin. Ensure your face is clean, exfoliated, and moisturized. Hydrated skin provides a smooth canvas, which helps makeup apply more evenly and last longer. It's essential to use a gentle cleanser followed by a lightweight moisturizer that suits your skin type. Additionally, a hydrating serum or primer can further enhance the smoothness of your skin, making makeup application more seamless.

Use a Silicone-Based Primer

A silicone-based primer fills in any pores and fine lines, creating a smoother surface for the foundation. This primer also helps to repel sweat and oil, keeping your makeup intact throughout the shoot. Not only does it ensure longevity, but it also creates a flawless base that prevents the foundation from settling into fine lines or creasing. Remember to apply the primer evenly across your face, focusing on areas where your makeup wears off quickly.

Opt for HD Makeup

HD makeup is specifically designed for the demands of high-definition photography and videography. It's finer and more pigmented, ensuring your skin looks natural and flawless on camera without a heavy or cakey appearance. The fine particles in HD makeup products reflect light in a way that creates a soft-focus effect, minimizing imperfections. It's particularly beneficial for close-up shots, providing a smooth and even finish without looking overdone.

Choose the Right Foundation Shade

Always match your foundation to your skin tone and blend well, especially along your jawline and neck. Using a too light or dark shade can be glaringly apparent in photos. Consider the lighting conditions as well; you might need a slightly different shade for indoor versus outdoor shoots. When testing foundation shades, swatch them on your jawline and check the match in natural light. This ensures a seamless blend between your face and neck, avoiding noticeable lines.

Highlight and Contour Strategically

Highlighting and contouring can sculpt your features beautifully, but blending well is essential. Harsh lines can look artificial under camera lights. Use matte products for contouring to avoid unwanted shiny spots. Focus on enhancing your natural bone structure by applying highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and brow bones. For contouring, apply a matte bronzer or contour powder to the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and on the sides of your nose for subtle definition.

Set Your Makeup

Use a translucent setting powder to keep everything in place and to minimize shine. Focus on the T-zone—forehead, nose, and chin—as these areas tend to produce more oil. A light dusting of powder can prevent your makeup from looking cakey while ensuring it stays put throughout the shoot. For added staying power, consider using a setting spray to lock in your makeup and reduce any excess shine, giving your skin a natural, radiant finish.

Opt for Waterproof Products

Waterproof mascara and eyeliner are must-haves whether you’re shooting a teary-eyed wedding or in a humid outdoor setting. These products prevent smudging and streaking, ensuring your makeup looks impeccable from start to finish. Waterproof formulas are also essential for long photoshoots that expose you to various elements. They provide durability and resistance to moisture, sweat, and tears, maintaining the integrity of your makeup look.

Don’ts of Photoshoot Makeup

Don’t Neglect Your Eyebrows

Eyebrows frame your face and can make a significant impact in your photos. Fill in any sparse areas with a pencil, powder, or gel that matches your hair colour. However, avoid overdrawing them, as this can look harsh and unnatural on camera. Well-groomed brows can enhance your facial symmetry and expression, so take the time to shape and define them properly. Use short, feather-like strokes to mimic the appearance of natural hairs for a more realistic finish.

Don’t Overdo the Matte When Applying Makeup

While a matte finish can look great in photos, too much matte can make your skin appear lifeless. Balance matte foundation and powders with a bit of highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid's bow to add dimension and a touch of glow. A subtle sheen on the high points of your face can create a healthy, radiant look without appearing overly shiny. The key is to find a balance that complements your skin type and the overall aesthetic of the photoshoot.

Don’t Use SPF Foundations or Concealers

While SPF is crucial for daily wear, it can cause a white cast in photos due to the flash reflecting off the particles in the sunscreen. Skip the SPF in your makeup products during a photoshoot, especially indoors or in the evening. If you need sun protection for an outdoor shoot, opt for a lightweight SPF moisturizer and allow it to be fully absorbed before applying your makeup. This can help minimize the risk of a white cast while protecting your skin.

Don’t Go Heavy on the Glitter

Glitter can reflect light at the camera, resulting in odd specks or an overly shiny appearance. If you want a shimmer, opt for a finely milled highlighter applied sparingly. Subtle shimmer can add a touch of glamour without overpowering your look. Use it strategically on the inner corners of your eyes, the tops of your cheekbones, and your brow bone for a soft, luminous effect that enhances your features without distracting from them.

Don’t Forget About Your Lips When Doing Your Makeup

Choose a lipstick that complements your overall look. Matte lipsticks are great as they are less likely to smudge. However, consider a hydrating matte or a cream finish if your lips are dry. Ensure your lips are exfoliated and moisturized before applying colour. This ensures a smooth and even application, preventing your lipstick from cracking or feathering. A lip liner can also help define your lips and prevent the colour from bleeding, giving your lips a polished appearance.

Don’t Ignore Your Makeup Under Different Lighting

Always check your makeup under the lighting conditions in which you’ll be photographed. Makeup can look drastically different under natural light compared to artificial studio lights. Make adjustments as necessary to avoid any makeup mishaps. Test your makeup in various lighting settings to ensure it looks consistent and flattering. This can help you identify any areas needing more blending or adjustment, ensuring you look your best regardless of the lighting.

Makeup for photoshoots is an art form that requires attention to detail, an understanding of lighting, and knowledge of how products interact with the skin and camera technology. At Michael Fels Beauty | Hair & Makeup, we understand the nuances of photographic makeup and are dedicated to ensuring our clients in Toronto and beyond look their best. By following these dos and don’ts, you can achieve a stunning, camera-ready look that perfectly enhances your natural beauty and captures the essence of the moment. Whether in front of the lens for a professional shoot or a personal milestone, these tips will help you shine confidently.

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Learn more about our makeup services. To contact us, please click here, call us at (437) 329-8716, or email us at hello@michaelfels.com.