Let’s Face It – Makeup tips Engagement Photo Session

There are many great makeup tips available today.  Whether you ask a pro, pick up a magazine or search the Internet, you can get a lot of ideas and help when you are planning your “look”. As the camera is not as forgiving as the human eye, be aware that it can tend to exaggerate any creases and shadows your face may have.  Keeping this in mind will help you enhance your natural beauty and stay camera friendly at the same time. No matter what your look will be, be sure to start with a well-cleansed face.  You want it to be smooth so be sure to finish off your cleansing with a good toner and moisturizer. You can achieve a great finish if you give yourself a facial or use a good scrub on it first.  By starting with a smooth, moisturized face, you will be able to help keep unevenness or a “painted on” look to a minimum.  The key is a healthy, happy glow!

Next, since the camera tends to age the subject, remember to keep fine lines or wrinkles obscured with a concealer that is a shade or two lighter than your normal skin tone. Lightly cover any dark spots, especially in the eye area, any crevices or laugh lines.  Apply your foundation (in the same shade as your natural skin tone) next with light upward strokes for a light, even finish. Be sure to apply it to your lips as well.  Blend it in well under your jaw line and hairline so that any lines disappear.  Once you have blended the foundation in, dust your face with a translucent powder.

Contour your face with Bronzer or Blush as your next step.  Take a matte bronzing powder and brush a small amount of it under your cheekbones, at the bridge of your nose and temples. As with the foundation, be sure to blend well to reduce lines and shadows.  After applying the bronzer, you are ready for blush.  The best rule is to suck in your cheeks and apply the blush lightly to the apples of your cheeks and blend it in using upward strokes towards the upper part of your ear.

Now it’s time to play up those baby blues, greens or hazels!  While you might be thinking “go big or go home”, try to keep it natural for your shots.  If you like a darker look, by all means go with it but try taking a few pictures of yourself to see if that is the look you want for your engagement photos.  By having the darker colors and harsh lines, your eyes can look deep set and will tend to look smaller.  Try going with a more smoky look by blending in a smoky gray or brown eye shadow above your eyelids and out to the corners of your eyes, dabbing eye liner on instead of drawing a line, smudging your eye pencil etc.  Try playing with different colors and applications before your photo session and see what suits your fancy!  For your brows, make sure they have been shaped at least a week in advance if you are waxing, plucking or threading. This will allow the skin time to heal, in case there is irritation. If you are looking for ideas on filling the brow in or shaping them, there is lots of great information and instructional videos on the Internet.

Finally, the finishing touch will be a beautiful smile and this means great lips!  Define with a lip pencil, making sure it is freshly sharpened.  Don’t use the tip but the side of the liner for an even line that isn’t as harsh.  Whether you are going for a nude, natural look or a bit of color, make sure the lip liner you chose blends well with the color or stain you have chosen and doesn’t stand out from the main color.  For a touch of shine, finish off with a bit of gloss.

No matter the color palate you choose, be sure to take everything with you when you have your photo session and be sure to bring a decent sized mirror as well.  You will need to touch your look up through the session.  If there are wardrobe changes too, plan your makeup accordingly.  Start with the more natural look and as you change to more formal looks, you can adjust your makeup too and blend in darker colors for a smoky look.

For great makeup tips and looks, be sure to follow our  Eyes/Lips/Face Board on PINTEREST !

To see more of our engagement photography sessions CLICK HERE

Also, check out this amazing makeup artist Jamie Michele, check out her website www.jamiemichele.com