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How to Apply Makeup for Photographs

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(47 Ratings)

Ever take a picture and your make up doesn't show? To look your best in photographs, relax, smile and follow some simple makeup tips to get a defined look that reflects on camera.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Make sure your foundation is yellow-toned (this applies for all ethnic backgrounds).

  2. Step 2

    If you are African-American, it's a good idea to have light, medium and dark shades of foundation to allow for different gradations of color on different parts of your face.

  3. Step 3

    Use the right color blush so as not to look washed out. Layer natural color first, and make it "pop" with a brighter color on top.

  4. Step 4

    Define your eyes with shadow, but avoid dark colors on the lid - they make the eyes recede. Add mascara, but don't overdo it.

  5. Step 5

    Choose deeper or brighter colors for strong lighting. Soft lighting, or daylight, requires less intense colors.

  6. Step 6

    Apply makeup that works with your style. Don't put on a lot of it for more effect, but instead use more color and a bit more definition.

  7. Step 7

    Avoid dark liner, extremely glossy lips, shimmery or bright shadows, and foundation and powder that's too pale.

  8. Step 8

    Use good definition - e.g., careful lining of the lips and eyes - for black-and-white photographs.

Tips & Warnings
  • Snap away in summer. This is a great time to be photographed for holiday cards, since people usually look healthy and rested.
  • Choose a photo that looks like yourself.
  • Try to relax when being photographed. Tilt your head and move your face for a variety of shots.
  • Lift your chin when being photographed to lessen dark circles and keep the nose from looking big.

Comments  

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Cookie66 said

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on 3/2/2009 good article ta

divajinx said

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on 1/19/2009 This sounds promising. I do have two questions to field to whomever can answer 'em: how do you hide blemishes so they won't show thru? I also have a scratch where I accidently stabbed myself in my sleep. How do I hide the scab?

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 Plan ahead if you know what you are going to wear in the photo shoot. Make sure that nothing you wear on the way to the shoot will put a dent or a line on your skin. A good camera with a strong lens will show any lines on your skin left from the clothes or jewelry that you were wearing earlier (it can take up to 3 hours for all marks to go away).

For example, if you are taking a picture with your back exposed, you can have a bra line that shows up in the picture and Photoshop is great, but not as great as your natural skin.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 4/4/2006 Right before the picture is taken, take a deep breath and wait for the photo. This makes your eyes pop and gives your face a beautiful glow.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/16/2006 Watch out for some foundations that contain Titanium dioxide (SPF product) because in some lighting and photographs you may have a ghostly white face.

I always close my eyes when the flash goes off, so I do the opposite if I know I am being photographed. I keep my eyes closed and then I open them(after being warned).

Most people have a flattering side of their profile, find yours and work with it. Some people don't look their greatest when being shot full frontal-a profile shot may be better.

DMV and Passport Pics- keep your makeup natural and avoid dark makeup on the eyes.

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