In studio photography, makeup can enhance the look, or it can ruin the session if certain products are used or if makeup is not applied correctly. Using the right makeup products is crucial.
How Should Skin Be Prepped Before a Photoshoot?
The starting point for any makeup job is clean, hydrated skin. In our studio, we recommend our clients follow a skin care guide to prepare for their session.
As a general rule, we have a less-is-more approach to makeup at Studio Newport.
This means if we are applying makeup, there is a purpose. For instance, if a client has generally good skin, we don’t want to cover it up because she has a blemish (we can zap that in Photoshop). However, she might want to accentuate her eyes so we can go bolder with her eye makeup.
What Makeup Products Work Well for Photography?
PRIMER
The foundation of a great makeup look is a quality primer. It creates a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup, blurring imperfections and helping your makeup last longer.
FOUNDATION
The use of foundation for photography is different from event makeup. For events such as weddings, makeup artists need to cover blemishes. In photography, blemishes can be edited in Photoshop.
In studio photography, unless the foundation is perfectly matched to the skin, it will add more problems than it solves. Color correction can be tedious in Photoshop, but removing a blemish is a quick edit. However, if you want to use foundation, pick something that is matte and offers light to medium coverage. These foundations work best under studio lights as they minimize shine and even out the skin tone.
CONCELEAR
Studio lights can bring out under eye circles, so concealer will lighten up those shadows, when applied correctly. Creamy, full-coverage concealers work well for studio photography, as they provide a flawless finish. Concelear should be used for both women and men.
SETTING POWDER
A translucent setting powder is a go-to for studio photographers. It can prevent shine and keep makeup in place during the photoshoot. Avoid powders with heavy flashbacks or those that cause a white cast in photographs.
CONTOUR AND HIGHLIGHTS
A little bit of contour and highlights will enhance features, but use a light touch. Too much contour will age clients under studio lights and highlights can look greasy.
EYEBROW PRODUCTS
Well-groomed eyebrows frame your face beautifully in photos. Use a brow pencil, powder, or gel to fill in and define your eyebrows. In our studio, shaping eyebrows is something we do together with the client, because if it’s overdone, it’s hard to reduce.
EYE SHADOW
Neutral, matte eyeshadows are ideal for photography studios. It provides a polished look without overpowering the eye. Shimmer and glitter eyeshadows can be used sparingly for specific effects.
LASHES
In our studio, every female client, including headshot clients, get lashes. We use naked lashes for a more natural look, and use eyeshadow for a more smokey look for our boudoir clients.
BLUSH
A subtle, matte blush adds a healthy flush of color to your cheeks. Choose shades that complement your skin tone and apply sparingly to avoid looking overly flushed.
LIPS
In our studio, we love glossy lips. However, this is often a personal preference. If you prefer a matte finish, make sure the lips are not chapped or dry.
What Makeup Products Should I Avoid For Photography?
SPF PRODUCTS
While SPF is essential for everyday sun protection, it’s a no-go in the studio. The reflective particles in SPF products can cause a white cast in photographs. Ensure that your foundation, primer, and moisturizer do not contain SPF.
SHIMMER OR GLITTER
Excessive glitter and shimmer can reflect light in unexpected ways, causing unwanted distractions in your photos. Use these sparingly and only when they align with the theme or concept of the shoot.
SHEER FOUNDATIONS
These products won’t provide enough coverage for the studio’s unforgiving lights and high-definition cameras. Stick to medium to full-coverage foundations for a flawless finish.
POWDERS WITH FLASHBACK
Some setting powders contain ingredients such as silica that cause a white cast in photographs when flash is used. Test any setting powder beforehand to ensure it doesn’t have this unwanted effect.
Creating a flawless makeup look for the photography studio requires careful product selection and a keen understanding of how makeup interacts with light and camera technology. The key is to enhance natural beauty while concealing imperfections, ensuring that your makeup will look stunning in photographs.
