(This post was updated in 2019 to add the video above for tips. You can find my tips from 2009 below)
If you want to ensure you don’t cringe at the site of your makeup next time someone tags you in a facebook or myspace pic, you’ve got to pay close attention to the tips I’m about to unleash, especially if the following has ever happened to you:
*To your horror, the fab party pics you took at your BFFs birthday party reveal that your face and neck are two different colors
*You look totally washed out in the pics from your sister’s wedding
*You spent more than 10 minutes on your eye makeup alone, but it’s pretty much nonexistent in photos
FACE:
Skip any face products that contain SPF (unless you’re taking pics outdoors) as they can tend to make your face look “ashy” and discolored once the flash hits it.
Use a foundation primer like Laura Mercier Foundation Primer or Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer after moisturizing to prep the face for foundation. A good foundation primer will help to reduce the appearance of pores and will allow foundation to last longer.
Use a foundation that isn’t too matte or too dewy. Anything ‘too matte’ can make you look sickly and ‘too dewy’ can make you look extremely shiny in photos. I swear by MAC Studio Tech Foundation for photo shoots because a little goes a long way, it covers well enough that I don’t need to use concealer in most cases, and it doesn’t contain SPF in case flash is being used. But since it doesn’t contain SPF, I wouldn’t recommend it for daily use unless you use it in conjunction with a moisturizer that does. Also Studio Tech has a tendency of being too heavy for oilier skin types, so use this only for special photo ops. Either way, make sure your foundation matches your neck.
If you have a tendency to look red or sallow, try a color correcting powder (yellow for redness, violet for sallowness) like MAC Pro Set Powder (call 1-800-866-6464 to order).
Carry blot powder or blotting papers to touch-up any shiny areas. Shine will translate to “grease” in a picture. Try MAC Blot Powder or MAC Blot Film (or plain ole toilet paper if you’re in a bind).
EYES:
Always start with an eyeshadow primer. It’ll make your eyeshadow last longer and the color payoff will be amazing. I can’t say enough about Urban Decay Primer Potion, but MAC Paints are also a good choice, too.
Go easy on the shimmer and glitter or be prepared to look like a disco ball. Also steer clear of chalky colored shades (which some times look like a pretty pink in person) as they can appear stark white in photos. In general matte eyeshadow shades tend to photograph better than their shimmery counterparts. Apply a touch of sheer gold or silver shadow in the inside corners of your eyes to make them appear big and bright. Don’t forget the mascara!
CHEEKS:
Do NOT forget to apply blush. You may even want to give your cheeks an extra dusting of blush for photographs to avoid looking washed out. Not sure what to do with blush? Check out my post on Blush 101.
LIPS:
To make lip color more vibrant and to help it last longer, after applying a lip moisturizer (good ole chapstick works perfectly) line your lips and fill them in with a lip pencil that closely matches your lip color. Blend the pencil so that no sharp lines are visible. Then apply your favorite lip color.
When your face is done, a few spritzes of MAC Fix+ Spray are very necessary to keep skin looking fresh.
