How to Apply Makeup for a Photograph

Makeup application will be different if you're being photographed than if you're just going to the store. The flash removes some of your makeup and changes the colors a bit. It also depends on the medium the photographer uses, such as digital, film or color or black and white. The location also makes a difference in your makeup application. Below are some makeup application tips for having photographs taken.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Apply about 50 percent more makeup than you would normally wear when you're going to be photographed. You may not only want to make it darker, but make it more special by adding extra eye shadow or eyeliner.

2. Wear black eyeliner if you would normally wear chocolate so the flash won't wash it out. When the flash of the camera bounces off your black liner, it may look brown.

3. Add even more if you're brave. You may even want to increase your makeup by 100 percent so your face won't look naked in the photograph.

4. Find out if the photographer is using black and white, color, digital or 35mm film. Also ask if the photos will be taken indoors or outdoors. Those things will play a factor in how much makeup to wear.

5. Dust powder over your face regularly to keep a matte finish to your skin, especially the T zone. Use a lighter shade of powder under the eyes to reduce shadows.

Tips & Warnings

• Add emphasis to the lips and eyes, but keep the blush light on the cheeks.