How to Apply Makeup for Photos

So, you have a really important event coming up where you’re going to be photographed. Maybe it’s your prom, senior portraits, your wedding day, or you’re taking part in a photo shoot. Whatever the case, having the right makeup look for your photo session is key. Here are seven makeup application tips—from picking the right foundation to wearing a flattering lip color—that you’ll want to take note of.

PHOTO MAKEUP TIP #1: APPLY A PRIMER

The first product you should apply when doing makeup for a photograph is a makeup primer. A primer will smooth and even the appearance of your skin while also ensuring your makeup stays looking fresh all day (and more importantly throughout the period where you’re being photographed). Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer for a long-wear matte makeup look that’s perfect for photos.

PHOTO MAKEUP TIP #2: USE A MATTE FOUNDATION

As much as we love the glowy skin trend, face makeup that's glowy, shimmery, and glossy can cause an unwanted reflection in flash photography. To avoid this, opt for a matte foundation that will give you a flawless finish. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation has a long-lasting formula and a demi-matte finish that won’t leave your face looker paler than usual. Apply it with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender for effortlessly blended foundation. 

PHOTO MAKEUP TIP #3: SET YOUR FOUNDATION

Even though you’re wearing a full coverage, matte foundation, you can never be too prepared in terms of ensuring your makeup stays in-place and is shine-free. Remember, your foundation may look perfect immediately after application, but you need it to stay that way until your look has been caught on film. That’s why setting your makeup is key. Use a matte-finish translucent setting face powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder to lock your makeup in and control shine all day.

PHOTO MAKEUP TIP #4: DON'T BE SHY

For photographs, you'll want your makeup to be more accentuated than it would be for a daily makeup look. This is because the flash of a camera can drown-out colors and cause them to look less vibrant than they do in person. If on an everyday basis you skip bronzer and blush, be sure to wear them for photos. Try the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Fruit-Scented Blush Makeup in Charming for a blush that’s sure to smell just as good as it looks. Beyond blush, sweeping on an extra coat of mascara and a more eye-catching lip color will help your features stand out in pictures.  

PHOTO MAKEUP TIP #5: USE A LIGHTER HAND WITH HIGHLIGHTER

While using matte foundation is a good idea, you don't have to cut all shimmer from your makeup routine on days where you might be photographed. A little glow can be gorgeous, it's too much that is cause for concern. As great as a blinding highlight looks in person, overly shimmery products can lead to unflattering shine in flash photography. Dust just a bit of highlighter on the tip of your nose and above your cheekbones.

PHOTO MAKEUP TIP #6: BE RESERVED WITH SHIMMER SHADOW

When it comes to your eye makeup, matte eye shadow should be the primary part of your look. Use the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Mademoiselle Pink on your lids. To give your looks a more awake, open appearance, you can add a touch of light, shimmery shadow to the inner corners of your eyes. 

PHOTO MAKEUP TIP #7: PLAY IT SAFE WITH A MATTE LIP

While you may be dying to wear your favorite lip gloss, sticking to a matte lip color is in your best interest. The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Ultra Matte Highly Pigmented Nude Lipstick has a lightweight feel that will give you matte color without drying out your lips.

PHOTO MAKEUP TIP #8: USE A SETTING SPRAY

You've already set your face makeup with powder, but you'll want to lock the rest of your look in too. Using a setting spray will ensure your makeup stays fresh and in-place for the duration of the time you’re being photographed, since the last thing you want is messed up makeup. Spray the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray 4-6 times 8-10 inches away from your face to achieve a “just applied” makeup look that will last the entire photo session—and day! 

Makeup can make you look amazing in a photo, as we just proved, but your skin matters too. The nicer your complexion is beneath your makeup, the better those photos are going to turn out! Next time there's a photo-op in your future, try employing our 7 Beauty-Editor Approved Skin Care Tips beforehand.