Get Your Makeup Photography Ready with Beauty Advisor Renee Wadsworth

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Introduction

Clients often ask me for tips on what makeup they should wear for their upcoming photoshoot. While I can offer very general guidelines, specific products and application techniques are just beyond my expertise. Luckily, my dear friend, Instagram Reels queen, and beauty advisor Renee Wadsworth is here to break it down for you!

Note – Renee has some links scattered through this post, some of which she does receive commission on. She operates with the same standards that I do, and only recommends what she truly uses and loves. If you do use her services, I’d love for you to mention this post, so we know to make more content like this! I receive no compensation.

Getting Your Makeup Photography Ready

You don’t need to be a makeup artist to have BOMB portraits.  We are going to break down my 5 biggest tips so you can apply makeup confidently and with intention! 

We know that makeup can cover up your skin imperfections, even out your complexion, and give you that boost in confidence to hop outside of your comfort zones and in front of the camera, but first, let’s take a step back and establish some ground rules. 

In these photos, what are we really looking to capture? Is it the individual pores on your face? No, your pores are fine. We’re looking to capture your unique personality and joie de vivre! So keeping that in mind, let’s put the focus where it should be: having fun, staying relaxed, and letting YOU shine through. 

When it comes to makeup, it’s not always about “covering up”, it’s about enhancing what you love! Think about becoming “YOU ON YOUR BEST DAY”. 

What does that mean? 

Stay true to your damn self!

You have a unique style and attitude and we want to see that! If you typically wear a lot of makeup, winged liners, bold colors, and popping lips, then BY ALL MEANS, please show up as your glorious self with all those lovely assets. Keep reading to ensure your creations stay flawless all day.

If you don’t wear a lot of makeup, DON’T FRET. You certainly don’t have to. You should look LIKE YOU in your portraits. (I know, what a revelation.) Whether these are headshots for actors, authors, or artists, your audience will appreciate the real you more than the “Vogue” cover version of yourself that you think you might need to become. 

Tl;dr – if you’ve never tried winged liner, now is not the time to clear that hurdle.

Skin Prep

These are just good steps for everyday living, but it’s honestly a HUGE part of it, and I feel like I’d really be doing ya’ll dirty if I didn’t mention it.

• Hydrate – Drink lots of water in the upcoming days of the shoot. Your skin will be brighter, clearer, and PLUMPER. (Level up – Boost it with collagen! – https://bit.ly/3sMaPXG)
• Sleep – Your photoshoot with Dylan is going to be so fun and stress-free! Don’t let it keep you up at night. Let’s add another hour if you can! ( Need help? Try this CBD/Black Cumin Seed Blend https://bit.ly/2RNZKIX  or Prime Sleep Melatonin Plus: https://bit.ly/3dMSO7I)
• Moisturize – This is the perfect base for your makeup. Even if you have notoriously oily skin, you still need to moisturize! This one is PERFECT for your photoshoot, and doubles as your primer! Woohoo double duty! Matte Moisturizer: https://bit.ly/3dKewsV

Keep it Basic

Use what you have and fill some gaps! We certainly don’t need to fill giant carts and drop unnecessary expenses on products you probably won’t ever use again. So let’s figure out what you will use again. Personally, I’m a big fan of multi-use products and getting the best bang for my buck. Check out my free offer below and we can do this together!

Focus on a natural look that evens out your complexion. To accomplish this, I highly recommend using Primer, Foundation, and Setting Powder.

• Primer reduces redness, protects your skin, keeps it hydrated, and fills in fine lines and wrinkles so you’re makeup doesn’t slip into them. After moisturizing, place primer all over the face. I recommend: Complexion Perfection Face Primer – https://bit.ly/3s85Am3 
• Foundation provides coverage to skin imperfections and consistent color across the face. After primer, use foundation all over the face or to spot conceal (if that’s more up your alley!). I recommend these creamy Flawless Foundation Sticks! There’s even an incredibly accurate quiz to color match you. It nailed mine!  https://bit.ly/39i8E6R  
• Setting Powder locks in the previous steps while also adding a blurring effect for that true flawless finish. After foundation, use a fluffy brush to set your face with this powder. You can give a little extra TLC to areas where you may get particularly oily. Do this before applying blush or any other powder products! I recommend: Translucent Loose Powder – https://bit.ly/39zVAJV

Flex your Assets

Now that we’ve reduced your overall skin redness and evened out your complexion, we can have full control of adding in some pops of color where we want them and enhancing our natural assets! My favorite ways to do this are with eyeshadow, mascara, blush, and lipstick.

• Eyeshadow should be kept more natural. Let your eyes do the work! If your eyeshadow is too crowded and dark, your eyes can actually appear smaller and we’ll lose the connection to the camera. To recreate my look, use the Super Power Mattes Palette. Specifically, Level Up and Grit to create a natural contour to the crease and outer corners, while popping Fly on the lid to lighten and brighten. https://bit.ly/3aeRw2P
• Mascara will give your eyes that instant pop by making them appear larger and more youthful. The innovative formula and rubber brush of this High Definition Mascara will separate and lengthen your lashes like never before. https://bit.ly/3xuTXZo
• Blush will bring life and vitality into your face! Pick a color that’s close to your skin undertones. For simplicity, I love this blush/bronzer duo. It works for everyone in achieving that sun-kissed glow! https://bit.ly/2QTwDDP
• Lipstick is going to balance everything out and give that perfect finishing touch! Without anything on our lips, they can sort of just blend in with the rest of our face, and the end result usually doesn’t look great. Even if you pick a very neutral shade, the effect is noticeable! Lipstick is also a great way to let your personality soar. Not sure which color? Try some on virtually, here: https://bit.ly/3ngOjVY

Sweat-Proof Makeup

Shooting in the warmer months? Set yourself up for success with these finishing sprays!

• Top off your creation with a Setting Spray so you don’t have to do any touchups during your shoot! This weightless mist will keep you flawless. I recommend 10 Years Younger Setting Spray – it’s called that for a reason! https://bit.ly/2LUX0Xe
• Do you have especially oily skin? Add a couple of spritzes of “No More Shine”. It will keep you matte all day. It has a surface cooling technology that holds the temperature to prevent your makeup from melting or sliding. https://bit.ly/3gMdmz9

Using these 5 areas, you will elevate your skin and makeup game so you no longer feel overwhelmed, but instead can apply with intention and show up confidently. Remember, the real you will always shine through. Have fun!

Bonus offer!

Want to do this with a beauty professional?? Let’s set up a free 1-on-1 virtual consultation to go through your current makeup bag and help identify these gaps and prioritize your purchase so you can easily implement these simple steps confidently before your photo session! Contact me here and tell me Dylan sent ya! https://bit.ly/3s9ywKv