Stop Hating Your Photos... 6 Professional Tips for Camera-Ready Makeup

Most of us don’t have the Kardashian luxury of our glam squad coming to our house for every paparazzi moment, as much as we wish we did.

Whether you’re an aspiring content creator, have a photographer booked for something special, or just want to look stunning in any shot snapped at a party (without a Snapchat filter). This one is for you girl.

Have you ever walked out of the house thinking “Damn, I look good!” Only to see pictures of you later and have your confidence a bit confused?

That’s because the camera does tricks with lighting and portrays your face differently than in person.

There are important specifics to remember when your creating camera-ready makeup looks.

Here are my top tips and tricks for Camera-ready makeup.

Do Not Skip Skincare

Your face is your Canvas, and a piece of art is only as great as what it is painted on.

Cleanse, EXFOLIATE (important to smooth out skin texture), and lightly moisturize.
EYE CRÈME. This is IMPORTANT. No matter how young you are eye crème is a must to avoid creasing under your eyes. Concealer is not on properly prepped skin under your eyes can make you look older. Unless you’re under the legal limit, no one wants that.
Lip Balm. Even if you are planning for a Matte lipstick, this will avoid a dry cracked smile.
PRIMER. What is your top skin concern? Mine is enlarged pores/texture; my best friend usually wants to correct redness. Buy your makeup primer accordingly.

Foundation

Most people assume go for the fullest coverage of foundation possible to hide any insecurities and blemishes. Try to avoid the temptation.

Extreme coverage and a camera can enhance any problem areas and textures you might have.

Light to Medium Coverage Foundation. Lighting can wash you out and make your face look dull, flat, and round with too much solid color. Address areas of concern with concealer.
- Pro Tip: If you feel like your foundation is too full over coverage add a little of your moisturizer to a pump of foundation for a softer look.
Concealer. Any blemishes cover with a MATTE concealer blending it with your foundation. Make sure your concealer is matte if it has any illumination, it will enhance the blemish. Illumination concealers are beautiful for under your eyes for a shimmer.
Lightly Damp Beauty Blender. The most important thing for your foundation and concealer is to make sure everything is seamlessly blended; a camera will show if it’s not. Take some extra time dabbing your blender into the skin to pick up any unnecessary product that could potentially settle into your creases when you’re not looking. Dampen your sponge with a light mist of setting spray or water.
- I literally cannot be bothered to spend 20$ on a sponge, here is my favorite $4 Beauty Blender DUPE.
Setting Powder. If you are into baking, do it. If not, a light dusting all over will finish off your foundation, blurring anything you missed and taking away any unwanted shine. Laura Mercier is a classic cult favorite for a reason.
Blend Your Eyeshadow. Take a soft fluffy brush with no product on it to finish your shadow blend.

Contour and Blush

This is probably the most important tip I could give you.

This is where I’m going to say do a little exaggeration more than you would on a normal day.

As I explained earlier, the lighting will wash out your face, hiding your beautiful cheekbones and jawline.

Buildable Contour Strategy. Start soft and continue to build maybe a couple more passes with your powder than you would normally. It’s going to feel “extra” but it won’t be portrayed like it in your photographs I promise. If contour is new to you, just use powder. Crème contour is intimidating and can be tricky to blend if you’re not practiced.
Natural light or Peachy Blush. This is a must for Photographs, it’s STUNNING. Lay it on a little more than you would normally just like your contour color.

Here is one of my most loved YouTube tutorials for a flawless face, Nina explains everything so in depth.

Lashes

If you don’t have lash extensions, I highly recommend using some sort of faux mink strip lashes.

They look the softest and most natural. Unless you have lashes like Kim K, they probably won’t make the cut in photographs. Here is my foolproof guide to applying lashes:

Curl and apply black mascara to your top lashes
Cut your strip lash in half and apply your mid to outer corners. Let your glue set for 30 to 45 seconds before pressing into your lids, this is key.
- By using the half lash technique, you don’t have to worry about the inside corners moving around funny. You get perfect symmetry every time and the strip stays.

Body Makeup

Every editorial shoot ever uses body makeup.

Victoria’s Secret airbrushes perfectly sculpted abs on every angel.

For my maternity shoot, I used body makeup. I was very self-conscious about the dark veins that came to the surface all down my body, to accompany my doubled blood count.

Once you use body makeup once you’ll never go back.

There are many brands of body makeup, but Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is by far the most affordable ($10) and seriously works.

You can put it on more than just your legs. I found does not transfer even on white, if dried properly.

Pool Party? No problem.

The Perfect Lip

This one is so simple, yet so important. Don’t pick a trendy or exotic color unless it is something you wear regularly.

You want to look like an elevated version of yourself. You don’t want to get your photographs back weeks later and not recognize yourself.

Lip Liner. Pick a slightly darker nude than your color of choice, this will contour your lips and ensure your color won’t crease around your lips.
Lip Stick Shade. Go for an enhanced version of your natural pout or whatever your favorite everyday color is. If it looks dry and cakey put a little gloss or balm on the center of your lips for a kissable shine.

If you don’t have some of these products to create a flawless finish, don’t feel like you have to go spend hundreds of dollars at Sephora. Lots of retailers make mini sizes in their most loved products.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND buying mini.

Products dry out and the shelf life isn’t forever. Save yourself some cash and try small sizes and use these when you want to have camera-ready makeup!

Comment Below if you need some more direction or clarification on any of these tips and tricks!

Kelsey