Helpful Tips for Applying Camera-Ready Makeup
A few tips for applying camera-ready makeup can be helpful when you’re going to an event where there will be a lot of pictures taken, such as a wedding, graduation, or press event. Even a night out with friends or a holiday gathering with family can be a reason to opt for photo-friendly makeup. The main trick is in what types of products you choose, but your technique is also important. Remember, you’ll want to look good in person as well, not just in the photos. For a test run, try these makeup tips and then take a high-res photo to be certain you’ve gotten the effect you want.
Base
This is one of the most important aspects of camera-friendly makeup application and can mean the difference between looking natural and looking like you’ve just seen a ghost. When you know you’re going to be photographed, start with a primer before applying foundation to give a smooth, even finish to your skin. Wait thirty seconds to a minute before applying foundation. It’s very important that your foundation match your skin tone perfectly and that you blend it into the hair line and onto your neck well so that you don’t look as though you’re wearing a mask of color. Use a cosmetic sponge or brush to blend for light, even coverage, and then set with loose powder. Steer clear of products that contain titanium dioxide, mica, PABA, or zinc, all of which can reflect the camera flash and make you appear washed out. Shimmery products or those that contain sunscreen may also reflect the flash. If you’re having trouble finding a product that’s photo-friendly, check out a professional line that’s designed specifically for pictures like Makeup Forever’s ‘HD Unretouched’ collection.
Contouring
While you may have heard that professional makeup artists can use darker tones of foundation, bronzer, blush or other makeup to add contours to a face for a sculptured look, this can be a bit risky for home application. Feel free to experiment, but do a test run with a camera and have a good look in the mirror under adequate lighting to make sure you don’t look unnatural. You should use blush to highlight your cheeks, however, so you don’t look too pale. Apply pink, rose, or peach blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend back into hairline. If your skin is dry, use a cream; if your skin is oily, use a powder. Once you’ve applied enough so that it looks good in person, give it one more sweep to be certain it will show up in photos.
Eyes & Lips
Stick to matte eye shadows instead of shimmery, sparkly ones, which don’t translate well in pictures. So that your eyebrows don’t appear patchy or disappear, fill in lightly with a brow pencil, powder, or gel one shade darker than your hair color (go easy with the pencil, however; it can read a little harsh in photos). Use a lip liner over a coat of lip moisturizer or lipstick to make certain your lips will have color even if the lipstick has worn off a bit.
