How to Do Makeup for Photos – 2022 Edition!

Family photos coming up? Do you have an event or wedding where you know you’ll be photographed? I’ve got all of the tips and tricks on how to do makeup for photos! In this 2022 edition, I’m going over a look from start to finish, then I have a lot of extra tips to share when getting camera ready!

This is the exact look I did for our family photos, and I love the way it turned out on camera! Photography by Abi Elaine in Vermont (shot with permission at Jenne Farm).

Make sure to watch the makeup for photos video tutorial first to ensure you’ve got the technique!

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How to Do Makeup for Photos – Video Tutorial

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Makeup Tutorial – Products Used

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How to Do Makeup for Photos – Extra Tips

Skin Prep – ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY for your makeup to look good. Make sure to properly cleanse, moisturize, and use SPF if you’ll be outside. Most photographers work with natural light and not flash photography. If you’re worried about flash back, use a chemical-filter SPF.

When it Comes to Powder – The more you use, the more that could possibly flash back when using flash photography. Even the “translucent” powders can give a little flash back.

Picking the Right Foundation for Photos – Foundations that have a “satin” finish usually are ones that look incredible on camera. I like buildable foundations that also are long-wearing. They just stay better on the skin. My top recommendations are Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte, Armani Luminous Silk, Estee Lauder Double Wear, Make Up For Ever HD, and the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation. My drugstore recommendation is the L’Oreal 24 HR Fresh Wear Foundation!

Color Correcting – This is a game changing move when trying to conceal dark circles. Make sure to use one!

Blush – Make sure you go a little more heavy handed than usual, because photos tend to wash you out. A heavier blush looks amazing on camera! For camera, I love to use a cream blush first and then set it with a powder blush. Blush tends to disappear quickly, and this technique prevents that!

Eyeshadow – Go a little more heavy handed than you would for everyday looks, but make sure not to go too heavy and dark with the shadows. Focus on blending and giving yourself a contoured look. A metallic shadow on the lid helps the eyes pop! Try to go very minimal on eyeliner and use eyeshadow to create definition – it looks softer and doesn’t close off the eyes.

Using Setting Mists – I like to use a dewy setting mist in the middle of me working on my makeup, and then a long wearing setting mist at the end. The dewy mist helps meld all of the powders and creams together for a flawless look, and the long wearing setting spray at the end acts as “hairspray for the face.” We want our look to stay all day!

Lip Liner & Lipstick – Do NOT choose a light nude lipstick, it will completely wash you out on camera. You’ll want to pick something a few shades darker than your natural lip color, as this will photograph beautifully. I also think a lip liner is a must because it gives the contour and definition to the lips that a lipstick cannot do. I recommend your lip liner to be slightly darker than your lipstick. I would also recommend choosing something a little bit more long wearing for photos. If you’re taking photos (especially with kids), it won’t rub off or smear as easily.

False Lashes – They are a MUST for photography! Your natural lashes tend to disappear on camera, so a mascara is not enough (in my opinion)! I promise you can do it. Make sure to grab a really lightweight lash (these are super comfortable!) and cut it in half, thirds, clusters, 3/4, or whatever your heart desires. Just don’t use a full length lash! Apply brush-on lash adhesive, let it get tacky for 30-60 seconds, and apply to the outer corners of the eyes.

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I hope you found this makeup for photos tutorial super helpful!