3 photo shoot secrets from makeup artists

Nailing your make-up is one thing, but fine-tuning your look for the perfect photo is a whole different ball game. There are so many other factors to consider like lighting, background, angles etc. And even though we’ve already learnt some selfie tricks from Alessandra Ambrosio, there’s so much more to learn when it comes to camera-ready beauty. But thankfully, we have three professional make-up artists to teach us the tricks of the trade. Tobi Henney (female), Eloise Proust and Sheri Vegas kindly share the make-up secrets they use on photo shoots so that your next profile pic is on fleek.
Expert tip #1 More colour
“[My] number one tip would be to remember that a professional camera and studio lighting will soften the make-up by up to 50 per cent. This means you’ll need to apply more colour on your cheeks and lips to avoid looking washed out in the photographs.” - Eloise
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RELATED: How to apply blush for your face shape
bh tip: To really make a picture pop, go for a bright-coloured lippy. Natural and nude hues are harder to capture on camera, so have some fun with these summery shades.
- Natio Rich Lip Colour in Watermelon
- Clinique Pretty Easy Lip Palette
- Klara Cosmetics Kiss Proof Lips in Orange Tangerine
- MODELROCK Cosmetics Liquid Last Lipstick in Planet 22
Expert tip #2 Less covering up
It can be daunting to get in front of a camera, which is why many of us make the mistake of piling on the foundation to cover up every little imperfection. But when it comes to photos, the camera flash and lighting can actually work in your favour. “Cameras are so amazing these days that a full cover foundation is not needed so much.” - Sheri.
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“I will do a very sheer coverage and conceal where required on a shoot. Skin must look like skin. Photographers do not want models caked on with loads of foundation.” - Tobi
So if you’ve got a special event coming up where there will be lots of cameras present, focus on your skin care routine in the lead up. Better yet, check out these supermodel skin care secrets.
Expert tip #3 Prevent flash back
While the flash of a camera has the potential to be your friend it can also work against you, making your skin appear paler and washed out.
“To avoid foundation flash back, it’s best to avoid foundations which contain high SPF, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which can create a mask-like appearance.
“It’s also very important to avoid HD powders under flash photography, which create the embarrassing white patches all over the face. Instead of using a HD white powder, opt for a coloured loose powder or regular powder compact.” - Eloise
- M.A.C Face and Body Foundation
- Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation ($51, myer.com.au)
- Revlon ColorStay Stay Natural™ Makeup
Did you find the above tips useful? What are your top tips for looking flawless in photos?
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81 Member Comments
This is why I love MAC studio fix! You never end up with the "ghost face" in photos!
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Well this is annoying! I was under the impression that HD powders were made for camera? Maybe it's video or no flash? Hmm...conflicting info. In addition to sunscreen in foundation making one pale in photos, I've also read that pink toned foundations can do the same. I wonder if it's true? Interesting stuff!
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Flash back and foundation are my worse fear!
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Great tips, especially about the flashback.
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These are fantastic tips. I've seen many photos of celebrities with the white HD powder showing up, it's not a great look
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OK I'm rather fair, but I glow like a ghost in photos: it's the sunblock! I wear it religiously year round even though I avoid the sun. I'm not going to stop wearing sunblock. I usually reapply my lippy prior to a photo, but I might start applying a bit more blush as well to counteract the sunblock white glow, then rub if off after the photo's taken so I don't look like a clown. Great tips Bh!
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Great tips and explains a lot of my questions about resulting photos
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Definitely hate the white patches ...more colour is definitely th go .. i like peachy bronze tones
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Awesome tips, especially #3. So not happy when my face looks white usually from sunscreen in BB creams and my body is tanned!
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Using more colour makes a lot of sense
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I want to buy more bright and bubbly lipsticks!
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More colour sounds awesome to me! I'm all for the brighter the better especially with regard to lippies!
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More colour sounds awesome to me! I'm all for the brighter the better especially with regard to lippies!
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never knew what a primer was
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Interesting read. I always look washed out so avoid cameras! Great tips
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Great tips, I never knew that less coverage is better infront if the camera.
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Very good tips, though not one to get in front of the camera that much.
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Oh the colour thing, so true! I always look like a semi transparent ghost as I mostly do nude colours on lips eyes cheeks, in my Xmas pics I felt a little festive and popped on bright red lippie and I just looked normal in pics, not like a ghost! Just seems a bit OTT to wear it all the time though.
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I think the more colour thing definitely makes sense - no wonder my selfies all look a little pale!
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I'm always worried about the white patches from translucent powder. Take a selfie before you leave the house to make sure!
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Good to know Tip # 2. I sometimes overdo it thinking it's better!
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I'd love to get matched professionally to the right colour for me in the MAC foundation.
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Good tips except i avoid photos as much as possible.
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Great tips and advice.
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Good tips but not an issue I can see myself having
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