How to Apply Makeup for Photographs

By eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

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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.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Mirrors
Blush
Blush Brush
Eye Shadow
Eye Shadow Brushes
Face Powder
Foundation
Lip Liners
Lipstick
Liquid Eyeliners
Makeup Brushes
Makeup Kits
Mascara

Step1

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

Step2

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.

Step3

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.

Step4

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

Step5

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

Step6

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.

Step7

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

Step8

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

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 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 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.

Anonymous said

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on 2/23/2006 You can buy straight razors called Touch 'N Brow. It is good because you can trim them and it is quick and easy. You can use it for any unwanted facial hair, arching your eyebrows, neck, sideburns, and bikini lines too. Find it at a beauty supply store, like Sally's.

Anonymous said

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on 2/22/2006 If the photographer offers different suggestions than the ones mentioned here, listen to the photographer. He/she may be going for a different effect with lighting, exposure, angles, etc. When the photographer makes these suggestions, listen and don't be offended. It's not that what you have done is bad, it's just not right for that particular photo shoot.

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