How to craft the best makeup for a photoshoot
As both a professional photographer and makeup artist, I understand that no two faces are the same. Every client has unique features, skin tones, and personal styles, which is why I customize every makeup application to enhance natural beauty while ensuring the look translates flawlessly on camera. Here’s how I tailor makeup to each individual to create stunning, photo-ready results for any photoshoot. These are tips on how to craft the best makeup for a photoshoot.
1. Skin Type & Prep: The Foundation of Flawless Makeup for Photoshoots
Great makeup starts with great skin prep. Before applying any product, I assess my client’s skin type:
- Oily Skin: I use mattifying primers and oil-free foundations to control shine, especially under studio lights. Try this one from Formula 10.0.6
- Dry Skin: A hydrating base, luminous foundation, and a dewy setting spray ensure a fresh, glowing finish. Adore this moisturizer from Tatcha
- Combination Skin: A strategic mix of matte and dewy products helps balance the skin.
- Sensitive Skin: I use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products to avoid irritation. Great for nearly anyone Embryolisse
Prepping the skin properly ensures longevity and a smooth, camera-ready finish.
2. Choosing the Right Foundation & Undertone Matching
Finding the perfect foundation match is essential, especially for photography. I analyze undertones (cool, warm, or neutral) to select a shade that enhances the complexion without looking washed out or overly warm in different lighting. I also adjust foundation finishes based on the look we’re going for—natural, dewy, or matte. My favorite foundations to keep in my kit are the following:
3. Eye Makeup Tailored to Eye Shape & Color
Enhancing the eyes is one of the most transformative aspects of makeup. I customize the eyeshadow, liner, and lashes based on each client’s unique eye shape and color.
- Hooded Eyes: Lifting techniques with soft smoky blends and tightlining to open up the eyes.
- Almond Eyes: Almost any style works, but I often enhance the natural shape with winged liner and strategic shimmer.
- Round Eyes: Elongating techniques with shadow and liner to create a sultry effect.
- Deep-Set Eyes: Lighter tones on the lids and blended edges to bring forward the eyes.
For eye color, I select shades that enhance natural beauty:
- Blue eyes: Warm browns, golds, and bronzes make them pop.
- Green/hazel eyes: Plum, mauve, and copper tones enhance vibrancy.
- Brown eyes: Nearly every color works, but rich warm tones add extra depth.
4. Sculpting the Face: Contour & Highlight for Different Face Shapes
Contouring and highlighting aren’t one-size-fits-all. I apply techniques based on face shape to enhance natural structure:
- Round Faces: Defined cheekbones with contour under the jawline for dimension.
- Oval Faces: Subtle contouring to maintain balance while enhancing cheekbones.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Soft contour under the cheekbones and along the forehead for harmony.
- Square Faces: Blending contour along the jawline and temples to soften angles.
Highlighting strategically enhances the high points of the face, ensuring a radiant glow without making the skin look too shiny on camera.
5. Brows: Framing the Face Naturally
Eyebrows shape the entire look, so I customize brow techniques based on natural brow structure:
- Sparse brows: Soft feathering techniques for a natural, full look.
- Thick brows: Light definition to keep them polished yet natural.
- Arched vs. straight brows: Adjusting the shape subtly to balance facial proportions.
6. Lip Color That Complements Features & Personality
Lip shades can completely change a look, so I select colors based on skin tone, lip shape, and the desired style.
- Fair skin: Soft pinks, peaches, and mauves create a fresh, elegant look.
- Medium skin: Rosy nudes, berry tones, and warm browns enhance natural warmth.
- Deep skin: Bold reds, deep plums, and rich browns make a striking statement.
For fuller lips, I use soft overlining techniques; for smaller lips, I focus on gloss and highlighting the cupid’s bow.
7. Long-Lasting, Camera-Ready Finishes
Since I specialize in photography, I always ensure makeup is long-wearing and photo-friendly. This means:
- Avoiding SPF-heavy products that cause flashback.
- Using finely milled powders to prevent creasing.
- Setting makeup with a spray that enhances longevity without making it look dry or cakey.
Final Thoughts
Makeup isn’t just about applying products—it’s about understanding individual features, personal style, and what looks best on camera. Every client is unique, and I love the process of tailoring each look to make them feel confident and beautiful, whether it’s for a maternity shoot, an intimate wedding, or a portrait session. Let me know if you want more information and tips on how to craft the best makeup for a photoshoot.
Looking for a customized, photo-ready makeup experience? Let’s create the perfect look for your special moment! 💄📸
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