Picture Perfect
100 Parties, A Million Photos, ONE LOOK. Rushing from a full day at work to the office party, then a family dinner and your BFF’s big bash? Who has time to change outfits or makeup? You want one look that works for any affair and that photographs beautifully, reliably. Because you can’t get much past a camera these days — even smart phones have great resolution! — make sure your makeup is high-def ready with these simple yet effective tips.
Shades can vary depending on your skin tone and preferences, but follow these basics and you’ll be glowing in person and online, no matter the lighting (or the state of the evening)!
- Light foundation and radiant skin: keep you from looking tired…
- Dramatic lines: for photos, eyes need definition, definition, definition….
- Bright colors: are kryptonite against a camera’s tendency to wash out and flatten.
1. RADIANT SKIN
Heavy, complex foundation can be harder to make work with different types of lighting, and get blotchy or dull as your skin tires. Try this all-night technique: target imperfections with Skin-The-Bluff Concealer then even out your skin tone with Skintangible BBBB Cream, which keeps the look fresh. Highlight with Skin Bloom Blush in Luminous for dewy skin that also emphasizes contours and lets light bounce off beautifully in photos (check out highlighting tips here). Finish with Illuminants Brilliant Finish Powder-Foundation because lights, heat, nerves (or a cute new acquaintance) can lead to sweat and too much shine. Don’t forget to take your concealer and powder with you for easy touch-ups from party to party.
This technique looks fresh and natural in brightly-lit videos…
…and warm and glowy in late-night, low-light photos.
2. DRAMATIC LINES
Line up and lash out! The key to definition in any photo: bold eyes and brows. Fill in and shape brows architecturally. Least likely to fade, they’ll ensure definition even in low-light conditions. Winged liner makes eyes look bigger and builds depth — try (H)ighbrow Eye & Brow Liner on the insides of the lash line then above it, working upwards and outwards. Lots of lashes are key: thank you, Ooh-La-Lash Mascara! Use a lash curler for an even more bright-eyed appearance…necessary with so many late nights in a row.
3. BRIGHT COLORS
Go bright, or go home. Cameras tend to wash out and flatten…and you’re not always in control of the filter. Adding drama to eyes and lips ensures your features’ prominence. Try the Two True Hues Eyeshadow Duo in Dallas (a warm copper-coral mix) or Bleecker (metallic rose gold and deep wine). On lips, brights like Beet It and Copa are brilliant buildable options: dot on lightly for a sweet, subtle stain (as I did with CC, above, for her TV appearance); layer on (and top with The Big, Brave Boo-Boo Balm!) for more glamor (on Kristen, above; and Tina and Mireya, top). Contour cheeks with Skin Bloom Blush in Chisel; blend well and follow with a bright pink like Georgia or toasty Heat so you’re peppy and glowing in photos no matter how late it is!
Jess is an organic beauty coach and licensed esthetician, makeup artist, yoga teacher and beauty foodie! Follow her on instagram for her beautiful photography and expert tips for health, skin and soul!