How to Look Good in Photos: Photo-Ready Makeup Tips (2024)

A huge part of my job is creating makeup that looks good in photos as well as in real life. Shoot makeup is all about a look that will translate well when captured on film or in an image, which can be quite different to what looks and feels good in real life. Red carpet makeup is the real middle ground, because the celebrity has to feel great in person while doing interviews and meeting fans, but they also want to look amazing in the photographs of the event. So, whatever the occasion, to save you from a camera reel of bad pictures, I’m bringing you my top makeup tips for how to look good in photos.

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Photo-Ready Makeup: Top Tips

SKIN

It won’t surprise you to hear me say it, but the key to your photo-ready makeup look is all about the skin! Skin is the hardest thing to manage for photos because natural, glowing skin looks great in real life but powdered matte skin often photographs better. As always you need to start with prep.

Thoroughly cleanse and moisturise your skin before applying your makeup to give yourself a healthy base that’s free from dry skin, which can be a problem for photographs. Next, mix your usual foundation with a drop of highlighter and apply all over for a slightly dewy, luminous skin finish. A light contour looks great in pictures, while some cheek colour, whether a sweep of natural bronze or a rosy blush, is a must.

For day-to-day makeup I try not to mask a little shine, but if you’re expecting to take a lot of pictures, use a translucent powder and sweep across your forehead, nose and chin to give a matte finish that will look good in photos.

Finish the look by adding highlights in the right places. The top of your cheekbones and the browbones are the key spots.

EYES

Whatever eye look you’re going for this season, there are two rules for photo-ready makeup. Firstly, make sure you curl your lashes. Personally, I always curl them both before and after applying mascara, but it’s personal preference, always curl them before mascara though.

Secondly, always opt for waterproof mascara and apply two coats, allowing each one to dry thoroughly.

LIPS

For long-lasting lipstick that will look good in photos all evening (and no matter how much champagne you go through) apply a lip liner that matches your chosen lip colour all over your lips. If you’re opting for a statement lip, a gloss finish looks great for photographs. Check out my guide to long-lasting lipsticks for lots of choices.

Photo-Ready Makeup: Shopping List

KEVYN AUCOIN | The Sculpting Powder

CHANEL | Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid

LAURA MERCIER | Translucent Loose Setting Powder

YVES SAINT LAURENT | Rouge Pur Couture The Bold High Pigment Lipstick – 02 Wilful Red

READ NEXT: Glitter Party Makeup | Long-Lasting Lip Colours

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