I’ve learned through past experiences in the industry that everyone’s definition of “natural hair and makeup” is different. My every day makeup routine looks a lot different than a makeup artist’s. I’ve said it before, but I am the queen of no makeup and wet top knots. I couldn’t even begin to tell you how to contour or use a highlighter! Even though my daily routine is very basic, I always have my hair and makeup professionally done for portraits.
What happens to your hair and makeup when you’re being photographed?
- The camera will enhance flaws rather than your best assets. In order to have flawless looking skin, you have to wear more foundation and concealer than you would every day.
- The camera will “flatten” and “wash out” colors, so blush, lip color and eye shadow are very important to add depth to your photos.
- Your face will look flat on camera, not 3D as it does in person. You want your makeup to add shape and definition to your face by highlighting your cheeks.
- In order to make your eyes have depth and “pop”, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner and false eyelashes can make a huge difference on camera. To all of my cheerleaders, dancers and theater girls, they make natural fake eyelashes that don’t look like caterpillars on your eyelids…I promise!
- Your mouth tends to disappear on camera if you don’t wear color on your lips. Even if you never wear lipstick, it is important to add a little color on your lips to separate your lips from the rest of your face.
- Your hair will fall. Your curls will fall. You’ll be outside (Hello humidity!) moving around and changing clothes multiple times. Stylists will make sure you have plenty of volume when you leave their chair knowing that your hair will fall by the end of the shoot. You don’t want it to look stringy by the end of the session, so don’t be afraid of a little more volume!
Do you catch my drift? Every day hair and makeup is much different than the hair and the makeup you would wear when you’re in front of the camera.
It is very important to communicate well with your hair and makeup artist about what you like and don’t like before they start styling your for your portrait session. Hair and makeup artists have their own “lingo and buzz words” that most of us don’t know. While it is important to trust your stylist to get you “camera ready”, it is important for you to speak up and communicate what your wanting.
Remember that my version of “natural” might be different from yours and my version of “glam” might be different than yours.
Keep in mind that your stylist does not see you every day or understand what you’re envisioning your hair and makeup to look like. Your stylist wants you to look and feel your best, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Here are some questions to ask yourself before your portrait session that will help you communicate your vision to the stylist:
Hair
- How many days of the week do you “fix” your hair for school, church, work, etc.?
- On MOST DAYS, when you’re getting ready for the day, you…. (circle all that apply)
- Throw your hair up in a ponytail/bun
- Let it dry naturally
- Staighten it
- Curl it
- Tease it
- Braid it
- Wear a hat
- Other
- How often do you tease your hair?
- Every day
- Only for special occasions
- Never
- Do you ever add a “bump” for added volume?
- Every day
- Only for special occasions
- Never
Makeup
- How often do you wear makeup?
- What does your daily makeup routine include? (circle all that apply)
Face Eyes Lips Face Primer Color in your brows Chapstick Foundation Mascara Lip liner Concealer Eye Shadow Lipstick Powder Eye liner Lip gloss BB cream Lip stain Blush Bronzer Highlight - Do you change your makeup routine for special occasions? If so, what do you do differently?
- What colors of eye shadow do you wear on a day-to-day basis?
- Natural tones
- Smokey eye
- Coordinate with your outfit
- How often do you contour your face?
- Every day
- Occasionally
- Only for special occasions
- Never
- Do you ever wear fake eyelashes? If so, how often?
- If you wear eye liner, do you wear it on the top, bottom or both?
- How many layers of mascara do you apply?
It would be beneficial to print these questions to take to your stylist. They want to make you feel beautiful and make your vision come to life! You will love your look if you communicate well with your stylist!
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE AND CHECKLIST TO TAKE TO YOUR STYLIST
