How to Do Makeup and Hair Applications for a Photo Shoot

Lighting affects the appearance of makeup during a photo shoot.

Prom, graduation, a big birthday bash or your wedding day -- no matter the occasion, you will want your makeup and hair to be perfect for the photo shoot for this special event. While a makeup or hair stylist can help you for some events, you don't always need to hire one in each case. If you are the center of attention, take your time with your makeup and hair and put your best face forward for the photo shoot that follows.

Things You'll Need

• Lubricant, redness-reliever eye drop
• Concealer or eye primer such as a pale foundation stick
• Foundation
• Blush
• Fan brush
• Eye pencil or eyeliner
• Eye shadow
• Applicator brush
• Blending brush
• Mascara
• Sugar
• Vitamin E gel
• Lip brush (optional)
• Lip liner
• Lip gloss
• Lipstick (optional)
• Hair extensions (optional)
• Hair brush
• Hair spray

Instructions

1. 

   Applying lubricant around your eyes will ensure your eyes appear fresh during the photo shoot.

   Start with your whites. The whites of your eyes, that is. Place one or two drops of a lubricant, redness-reliever eye drop in your eyes to take out the red. You will look refreshed, and your eyes will pop if they aren't bloodshot.

2. 

   Moisturizing your skin before the photo shoot will yield a smoother complexion during the shoot.

   Apply moisturizer appropriate for your skin type so that your makeup goes on smoothly. Gently dab on a dime-sized drop and allow it to soak into your skin for three to five minutes.

3. 

   Concealer under the eyes helps cover dark circles or shadows under the eyes.

   Apply tiny drops of concealer or eye primer, such as a pale foundation stick, underneath your eyes. For coverage that blends especially well, mix a dab of foundation with your concealer to even out tones.

4. 

   Blending the foundation will help give your makeup a professional appearance.

   Blend the foundation with your fingertips, gently rubbing in a circular motion, until you do not see where the foundation begins or ends, especially in the cheek, nose and chin areas. Foundation comes in whipped, oil-based and water-based formulas; select the formula that is right for your skin. Let your makeup warm up in your palm for a few seconds. The camera will emphasize areas that still need blending. Apply makeup in natural light, if possible. Otherwise, use a lighted makeup mirror to mimic proper lighting. Avoid fluorescent lighting, which can cause makeup to appear sallow.

5. 

   Well-applied blush will look natural on the cheeks.

   Dust on your powder blush by using a fan brush to apply color evenly, which works well with the brighter colors needed in photo shoots. A fan brush spreads out the blush as opposed to regular makeup brushes. If you use creme blush, apply a dime-sized dab to your index finger and gently blend. Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks and brush upward toward your ears.

6. 

   Eye make up for a photo shoot could be more dramatic than what you might wear for normal daily use.

   Apply liquid or pencil eyeliner, drawing up at the corners, to help lift eyes. Apply eyeshadow, as you usually would, but use colors that are more dramatic or darker than usual, such as grape instead of lavender or burgundy instead of mauve. Add a dark gray or brown in your crease and smudge it into the corners of your upper and lower lashes to emphasize your eyes. Blend the eyeshadow with a blending brush. Aim for a shimmery loo,k as opposed to glitter, which can distract from the overall feel you want in the photo shoot. Apply two coats of mascara by brushing the mascara on top of lashes and then applying it underneath lashes.

7. 

   Washing your hands thoroughly is important at certain stages of applying makeup, since some steps require a hands-on application.

   Wash your hands thoroughly. Place a tiny dab of vitamin E gel in your palm, less than a dime-sized dab. Add a pinch of white sugar and mix well with your finger. Apply it on your lips with a lipstick brush or your finger. Let it sit for five to ten minutes and then just wipe it off for extra soft lips, making sure you remove all the sugar granules. Again, wash your hands thoroughly.

8. 

   A thin coat of concealer helps lip liner, lipstick or lip gloss adhere to the lips.

   Apply concealer to your lips, which helps the lip liner and lipstick adhere. Draw on the lips with the lip liner, outlining them first and then filling them in with the same liner, which will act as a stain. You can then just add gloss on top of the lip liner. Or you can cover the entire lips with lipstick for extra staying power. Add gloss if you want for more shine.

9. 

   Going to a hair salon, even if your style is simple, can yield better results than your usual home hair styling method.

   Add fullness to your hair by having your hair professionally blown dry and styled. Use hairspray as you normally would. If you need to control fly away hair, spray an aerosol or pump hairspray on your brush in light, medium or firm hold as desired. Carefully use the brush around your face to tame hair. If the photo shoot is outside, you might want to use some extra hairspray or a firm hold hairspray in case of a breeze. Use your discretion if the photo shoot is indoors.

Tips & Warnings

• Overall, you can use darker or brighter colors than you normally would. Daily makeup colors won't show up as well as you would like.

• Do a trial run of your makeup and hair before the big photo shoot, especially if it's for your wedding. That way, you can make any last minute adjustments, and you won't have any surprises the day or your big event.

References

• Beauty Riot: 13 Secrets from Photo Shoots
• Allure: 4 Photo-Shoot Makeup Tips
• The Knot: Bridal Beauty: 20 Great Makeup Tips